I’m reading a book called, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. One thing that struck me, as I was reading, was the section on clutter. I’m of the belief that if you de-clutter your surroundings, you de-clutter your mind and your thoughts become clearer. In her book, she discussed the different kinds of clutter and why we might be holding on to “stuff”.
I’m sharing my interpretation, as well as adding a few of my own to the list and how we can apply it to ourselves. A lot of us need to purge some of the junk (or even people) in our lives that have no value and basically block our energy/blessings. We all know that purging and saying goodbye can sometimes be hard, but in order for us to make room for happiness we will just have to LET…IT…GO!
Bargain clutter. How many times have you ever bought something for no other reason than, “It was ON SALE!”? Well, chances are, it was such a great deal because no one else wanted it! This applies to clothes, home décor, or just about anything that was on the clearance rack and ended up in your home unused. Now is the time to let it go!
Nostalgic clutter. My husband suffers from this more than I do. My poor [sweet] husband is still holding on to a paper that he wrote in undergrad, about Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail. Now, the paper is great, but it’s time to let it go! No offense babe, but there’s this thing called scanning and uploading if it means that much to you. But, actually, I’m just as guilty. I still have boxes of books and materials from nursing school. I’m sure that some of the information in that box has either changed due to research over the last decade and/or is also available online. It’s just hard!
Freebie clutter. I’m referring to things like gifts, things-you-take-because-you-don’t-wanna-hurt-people’s-feelings, things you’ve won, etc. You didn’t actually buy the stuff and you’re justifying why you should actually keep it around. Well, you know the drill…Let it go! Not spending a dime on it should be even more reason to just toss it! (Also see bargain clutter.)
Intentional clutter. You know those things you bought because you had every intention of getting around to using it. Whether it’s scrapbooking paraphernalia, that treadmill (Ok…wait. Don’t get rid of that. Start using it, please!), or those pieces of a model/real car that you planned to re-build for the past 6-10 years. Which after a long period of time, these things also become outgrown clutter and you’re past the point of even being interested in these things anymore…Let it go! You had good intentions, but it’s time to move on.
“When I lose my weight” clutter. This is a sticky one, so use your judgement. Having goals, especially weight loss goals are ideal, but are you still holding on to those jeans that are 2 or 3 sizes too small with hopes of squeezing into them again one day? A pair of jeans….cool. But, half of your closet shouldn’t consist of clothes that may actually be out of style by now. Good luck on your weight loss, but get rid of those stonewash jeans. Let them go! (See both intentional and nostalgic clutter.)
Regardless of your type of clutter, it’s time that you come to grips, stop justifying the need to hold on and just say goodbye. Do it at your own pace. Just don’t end up on the next episode of Hoarders.
BMWK, what kind of clutter are you holding on to?