Clutter has power and can have an adverse affect on us. Often times we don’t realize how clutter impacts our lives because it is inanimate. By learning some of the elements that make up the seemingly innocent stature of our material things, we can overpower clutter’s gripping clutch and possibly free ourselves from its bondage.
Clutter can decrease our energy and confidence. Every thing we own is attached to a memory and information about that item. It can drain us, especially if it becomes immoderate. We may find ourselves constantly moving things around from place to place trying to make it all fit and still have an organized home. The environment we create about us will bring a sense of burden and depression if our houses are not in order because it often reflects how we see ourselves. We will not feel successful because amidst the mess we will believe that we are incapable of accomplishing great things because we cannot clean up after ourselves.When we create order, we feel a sense of energy emanate from the spaces we clean, as well as a sense of accomplishment and affirmation in our ability to be productive and successful. We see the proof of it within our home, and it builds our self-esteem.
Clutter can deplete our resources. Money takes a big hit when it comes to being disorganized. If you can’t find something, it’s as if you don’t have it. So, you buy a new one… over and over again because you keep losing it. It’s amazing how many hammers, pairs of scissors, bottles of ketchup (yes, refrigerators can become tragically cluttered), cleaning supplies, and nail clippers people own because they can’t find them when they need them and so they purchase new ones. If you run a business from your home and you are disorganized in your bookkeeping, it can affect you financially, especially if you lose an invoice, a customer order, or a money check in your piles of clutter. Time is also squandered in disorder. Think of what you could do with the time you save when you don’t have to search for things you have lost, or take time managing your clutter.
Clutter can make you sick. Personally, I am allergic to dust. I am not sure that anyone is entirely immune from respiratory ailments due to dust, mold, dirt and animal hair even if they don’t suffer from allergies. It is amazing how dust can build up after only one year. Imagine what can happen in two years, five years, or ten years. I have organized homes that had areas that were untouched for more than thirty years. The dust from the damp basements made me sick and I often ended up getting bronchitis. If we have so much stuff that we can’t maintain it all, the dirt and dust that naturally accumulates on our things over time can make us ill.
Clutter can create anxiety. Anxiety is a common ailment among my clients. Excessive clutter causes them to feel overwhelmed and unfocused. They are not able to find refuge in their home from the stresses that daily living brings. De-cluttering and organizing homes helps reduce anxiety, increases energy and happiness, and creates an ambiance where peace and inspiration can reside.
Organizing your home is self empowering. Having control over your things, your spaces, and your time allows you to have control over your life. As you reap the rewards of eliminating clutter, you will discover new energy and inspiration to flow abundantly in your home. All in all, organizing your home can bless you in endless ways.