Clutter Clearing

Clutter Clearing is Modern Day Alchemy!  - Denise Linn

WHAT IS CLUTTER? 
Clutter is an accumulation of things that are no longer needed or loved. It can represent our identity (which is why it can be hard to release). It can make a statement about who we are, and it can represent aspects of our lives. In addition, often clutter is connected to emotional issues from the past.


Examples of clutter:

• Any object that you don’t love or use
• Half-finished and never-started projects
• Anything that has been broken for a long time or that has parts missing
• Clothes that don’t fit or that you don’t like
• Too many objects or pieces of furniture for the size of the space
• Old letters, photos, coupons, etc. that do not bring you joy 

Common Reasons People Collect Clutter: 

• It represents security - a cushion against life
• It’s “evidence junk” (i.e. the blue ribbon that was “evidence” of being a fast runner in high school)
• It represents unfulfilled dreams or self esteem
• For sentimental reasons; it’s from a friend/family member
• It’s been in the family a long time
• It cost a lot of money 

Why Clutter in a Home is a Problem 

• Affects the flow of life-force energy throughout a home. It’s easy to feel bogged down and tired in an environment that is bogged down with stuff.
• Creates a feeling of disorganization, chaos, and even failure or depression
• Costs time, money, and energy to take care of and look after things
• Creates a feeling of being physically and emotionally heavy. 

DE-CLUTTER SESSION TIPS
Start small! Don’t overwhelm yourself. Choose one drawer, one closet, or one small room. Decide how much time you are going to spend de-cluttering. Set a timer for half of the allotted time and begin sorting things into categories (see below). When the timer goes off, re-set it for the remaining time so you can bring closure to the things you’ve sorted.

Get three boxes and label them:

1. Keep/Relocate/File
2. Discard/Donate/Giveaway 
3. Unsure 

Go through the items in the area you have chosen, asking yourself of each one:

• Does this item make my energy go up, down, or stay neutral?
• Why am I keeping this? What do I gain in life by owning it?
• Do I really need this? 
• Does this really fit who I am? Does this fit who I am becoming?
• Does the freedom I gain by getting rid of this outweigh the possible regrets I may have by getting rid of it? 

A useful phrase when deciding whether or not something is clutter is “Use it, love it, or get rid of it.”

Take your de-cluttering one step at a time. Don’t move on to another area until the previous is completely finished - that includes emptying the “Unsure” box.

Keep in mind: Clearing clutter can be a spiritual experience. We came into this world without possessions and we will leave this world without any. We have possessions, but they are not who we are.