A clutter free home equals a clutter free life.

I'm currently updating my blog and a program about extreme hoarders is on the TV in the background.  I just had to share my thoughts on decluttering!

Why declutter?

Many people have written about the concept of "stuff" stagnating the home.  When we collect things in our homes that we do not use, we create a staleness which is reflected in our lives.  By clearing out things we do not use, we create space for new energy to enter our home.  I'm sure there is no scientific evidence to support this idea but I have found that whenever I have a clear out, something new and exciting enters my life.  For example, earlier this year when I was looking for a new job, I decided that I would try to have a huge clear out.  I got rid of shoes which I just knew I'd never wear, old books from university which I certainly didn't need any more and some hand-me-downs which I just felt guilty about getting rid of.  (In actual fact, taking a couple of bags to my local charity shop made me feel great not guilty.)  Sure enough a couple of days later, I received a call regarding a great opportunity!

In any event, by having an organised space, you are more likely to feel in control and have clarity of thought as there will very little around you to distract you.  Steve Jobs believed clutter equals stress and having a minimalistic space certainly worked well for him.

Here are some of my tips for clearing out:

1. Get rid of anything you have not used in the last 12 months and which can be replaced for less than £10.

2. There is no point holding onto clothes which you do not feel good in - not only are you unlikely to wear them, you probably shouldn't wear them anyway!

3. If you have notes or articles which you have kept for reference but which you rarely refer to, perhaps scan them into a cloud computing network or onto a disk.  That way you can save space and access the documents more easily.

4. Be ruthless with old makeup.  For example, mascara's over 6 months old can collect germs and cause eye infections - its just not worth holding onto to them!

5.  If you have clothes which you have kept for sentimental reasons, consider storing them in places that you do not use everyday.  That way, the space you use everyday will be more organised and only contain the things you need.