Tiny Steps Make a Enormous Impact
Fun fact: every item you possess could be a tiny source of stress! Our modern world encourages us to own more than humans ever have in history. Which means that we all have way more stress than we are adapt to deal with. Take back control, by simply letting go of one thing, you can kickstart a chain reaction of positive vibes and invite happiness into your world.
Clutter can be overwhelming and can lead to feelings of anxiety and tension. By tidying up and decluttering your space, you can create a peaceful and calm environment that allows you to focus on the things that truly matter. It may seem like a daunting task, but starting small and taking it one step at a time can make a big difference. Begin with one small area, like a closet or a drawer, and work your way through each space. As you let go of unnecessary items, you'll find that you feel lighter and freer, and you'll have more room for the things that are meaningful. So whether it's old paperwork, broken tools, or things you forgot you had, start letting go and discover the blissful life that comes with a tidier space.
Take action ~ Let’s start with your desk, a few ideas for items you can declutter right now:
1. Repeats - Do you have 3 staplers? Do you have 30 pens? How many do you actually use? Could they be stored elsewhere?
2. Supplies you don’t use - The random green pen, a hole puncher, the business card of someone who you already have in your phone, etc.
3. Mystery cables - Please let put these in your (or mine) Ridwell box, so you no longer have a tangled mess.
4. Papers related to projects long forgotten (and never to return).
5. Outdated or broken technology – Trust me, floppy disks are not coming back (and no, you are not the only one who is still storing these).
6. Old books - This one can be hard because you associate it with your identity, but how often do you really reference that old textbook from college? Or the leadership book you had good intentions of reading?
7. Things that don’t belong – Gifts you have received (that are not a part of your desk’s décor), the lego your kid left, old dishes, etc.
8. Trash - Broken pens, old scribbled notes no longer needed, gum wrappers, etc.
In addition to reducing stress and anxiety, tidying up can also have a positive impact on our productivity and creativity. A cluttered space can make it difficult to focus and can even hinder our ability to think creatively. By creating a tidy and organized environment, we can free up mental space and allow ourselves to think more clearly and creatively. Plus, with less time spent searching for lost items, we can devote more time and energy to pursuing our passions and achieving our goals.
Jen Heim is a Professional Organizer at Sustainable Simplicity Organizing in Portland, OR. She specializes in decluttering and organizing small businesses and homes in an eco-friendly way that will create lasting change.
