Feel More at Peace by Simplifying Your Stuff

Let's face it, clutter can be overwhelming, stressful, and even lead to depression. And if you're one of those people who think they need to hold on to every single item ever given to them, it's time to let go of that guilt. Your friends and family will understand if you donate, swap or sell items that no longer serve you.

Are You Ready to Reduce Clutter?

Too much stuff in your physical environment can overload your brain and senses, making it hard to focus on what's important. Various studies have shown that clutter can increase anxiety, stress, and even depression. Clutter can even contribute to being overweight.

You also spend more time sifting through piles of stuff to find things you need, losing precious time and energy. It's harder to track what you have, so you buy duplicates, wasting money. Clutter also leads to feelings of guilt (that stack of books you haven't read yet, those clothes that don't fit anymore, that gift from your mum you hide in the closet and only put out when she comes over).

If the downsides of clutter aren't enough to jumpstart a change, consider the benefits:

• Committing to living with less means you spend less time cleaning, decluttering, and organising. 

• Simplifying your stuff means feeling more at peace and reducing stress and anxiety.

• You find things more quickly, which gives you a stronger sense of control in your space.

• Less time taking care of stuff means more time for essential things, like spending time with family and friends.

• You no longer have to turn off the lights and pretend like no one's home when someone drops by unexpectedly (unless you want to).

• You won't end up on an episode of Hoarders.

1. Start with the Easy Stuff

It's taken you months, even years, to get all this clutter. Stay calm. Start simple. People tend to struggle the most with sentimental items, baby things, papers, and books.

Therefore, start with the easy stuff. Ditching big furniture pieces, you don't love or don't need delivers instant gratification and frees up lots of space. Worn-out, old clothes, broken items, and your three extra blenders are other great places to start. 

2. Let Go of Guilt to Let Go of Clutter

Reducing clutter often stirs up lots of guilty feelings. You realise you're holding on to things simply because you don't want the person who gave them to you to know you donated them. That huge bookshelf overflowing with self-help books reminds you of all the reading you should be doing.

It's time to let go of the guilt. Your friends and family will understand; if they don't, that's on them. It's your life, and you need to take back control of your clutter. 

3. Donate, Swap, or Sell Items

After you move past the guilt, start making decisions. Let it go if you don't love it or use it regularly (within 1-2 years max). If it doesn't serve you in this season of your life, donate it to someone who will benefit from it. 

Plus, when you donate, swap or sell items you no longer need or use, you can feel good about giving back and reducing waste. For example, toy swapping is an excellent way to let your kids experience a new-to-them toy. Even better, use a site like Sassybae to donate toys to another child who might not have many. 

4. Don't Worry About Being Perfect

Minimalism isn't about getting rid of all your possessions except for a toothbrush and an extra pair of underwear. It's about removing unnecessary possessions and only keeping things you value that help you live out your purpose.

The Home Edit does impressive things with organisation. But if lining your pencils up in rainbow order isn't your cup of tea, that's okay. Even superstar organising star Marie Kondo has let go of being super tidy. Tackle your clutter in small chunks, and you'll feel freer with every new load that leaves your house. 

5. Create A System for Keeping This Simple

Moving toward a more minimalist life is more than just a one-and-done deal. It takes consistency. Keeping things simple helps you maintain a decluttered home.

Limit your shopping trips to reduce temptation. You don't need to grab everything you see on clearance at Kmart and while you’re there stop stocking up on supplies at Bunnings for all those DIY projects you dream about doing but will never do.

Of course, acquiring new things is inevitable (and there's nothing wrong with that); however, follow the one-in-one-out rule. Every time you bring something into your home, something else has to leave (toy swapping is a great way to do this with your kids). Speaking of your kids, get everyone on board with simpler living. 

Teach your kids to take care of their belongings and get them into the decluttering action. Have children sort through toys regularly and decide what stays and goes. Follow organisation tips that work for you and your lifestyle, and don't worry about following all the trends you see on Instagram.

Simplify Your Stuff to Get More Out of Life

Remember, simplifying your stuff is a process, not an overnight solution. But you can feel more at peace in your space and life by taking small steps to declutter and organise your home. Simplifying your stuff allows you to get more out of life. And who doesn't want that?