Did you know that studies show that organized people are less stressed, have increased productivity and efficiency, are less frustrated, and are less likely to suffer depression?
Okay, so if you naturally feel a jump in your step and are okay with a little disorganization, you’re well within your rights to continue on. However, if you want to reduce stress and increase productivity, you may want to consider the benefits of organizing your surroundings.
Benefits of Less Clutter
Being organized can help one regain a sense of control which results in higher self-esteem and confidence. Organized people tend to be more conscious about their choices and decisions too, typically setting up systems to handle routine tasks and know when to say no to more “stuff.” Organization also cuts down on decisions and allows for more free time because there are fewer chores.
How Clutter Affects Us
When a room is full of disorganized belongings, including countertops full of various types of items, this can unconsciously create anxiety and uneasiness because, even if we attempt to overlook the clutter or ignore it by placing it in a room (and closing the door), our subconscious still knows it exists.
Whether it’s piled up mail waiting to be sorted, a medicine cabinet that resembles a small pharmacy, or a garage that holds an accumulation of stuff (decisions that need to be made)—it’s all clutter of some sort. And that’s just the physical kind.
Today, an overabundance of mental clutter exists too. An attempt to remember everything that needs to be done instead of writing it down or creating a Note in your phone. Add to that emotional clutter—unresolved issues with family members or close friends, or fears we continue to run from instead of facing —daily life can become exhausting.
Cutting the Clutter
Knowing where to start can be frustrating and even challenging. Decluttering and organizing is a process. It takes time to accumulate clutter, and it will definitely take time to eliminate excess.
Begin by setting a goal. Decide to declutter and organize one room at a time, instead of the entire house. Or, better yet, revisit your personal values and oftentimes the decisions about what to keep and what to toss become apparent pretty quickly. If you’ve decided to be more financially responsible, going shopping “for fun” becomes something that doesn’t agree with how you’re telling yourself you want to show up in the world.
Next, set up a staging area with large containers labeled Donate, Consign, and Return (items that belong to other people or that need to be returned to a store).
Formulate a plan and break it down into manageable steps. For instance, if your goal is to turn the “junk room” into a functional space that operates as an office mostly, and a guest room when you have visitors. Then, within that space, determine zones, or areas for particular activities such as sleeping, reading, computing, and storage, then you’ll know where to place furniture and what goes in that furniture.
Freedom from Clutter
An uncluttered environment is calming and peaceful, allowing the subconscious to be free to focus on the primary function of the space as opposed to the annoying little voice reminding you of what needs to get done. A clutter-free space also results in ease of movement and it’s much easier to clean. Essentially, when living in an uncluttered environment, one is focusing on the present moment and that increases the enjoyment of life!
To organize just about anything, use the GOPACK Method.