Clear the Clutter by Design
Retreating within is like taking a mental vacation, but what if your clutter keeps crashing the party?
Let’s talk about how to clear it out and make room for the good vibes to flow in.
The clutter
We've all heard the saying, "A cluttered space is a cluttered mind." But clutter isn't just a physical problem. It can also affect your mental capacity. When you have too much on your plate or too much stuff lying around, it can be hard to focus and get things done.
It's not just the pile of stuff on your desk or the clothes on your bedroom floor. It's anything that drains your energy or gets in the way of your productivity. That could be physical clutter, like the stuff lying around your house, or mental clutter, like the never-ending list of tasks in your head.
Whether your ears perked up to Marie Kondo's old approach of "if it doesn't spark joy" or her new approach, "when decluttering doesn't spark joy,” how your energy responds to clutter, mental or physical, may be different than someone else.
Here’s the thing, some people thrive in organized chaos, while others need to control the clutter.
If your relationship with clutter is a bit dicey or if you’re close with someone who doesn't share your approach to clutter, it can feel frustrating and may cause some tension.
So, how can you tackle this clutter monster? I’ve got some tips I refer to as the clutter-your-way living approach. It's all about compromise and finding a system that works for you and your housemates.
The Clutter-Your-Way Living Approach
This approach is both physically and mentally supportive and when you’re in a shared space, it's all about compromise.
Physical Clutter
When it comes to physical clutter, there are a few things you can do:
Make sure everyone has at least one designated space where they can keep their clutter. This could be a closet, a shelf, their room, or a drawer.
Create a shared living space agreement to be clear on what is acceptable or unacceptable when it comes to clutter in general areas. For example, maybe you agree that the kitchen counter should always be clear of clutter.
Set a time limit on how long something can sit in a place before it is relocated, recycled, or trashed. This will help prevent clutter from building up over time.
Mental Clutter
Managing mental clutter can be a bit trickier, but here are some tips:
Make sure everyone has an opportunity to soundboard what's on their mind. This could be as simple as setting aside some time each week to chat.
To make opening up easier, have a house code word or phrase or a color-coded paper to flip when someone has a lot on their mind and needs to be supported. This will signal to others that you need some space to talk.
Allow a person the time they need to sort through what's on their mind in their own way, so they're comfortable sharing when they're ready to share.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to recognize what feels good to you and set up a system that supports that. Some people thrive in an organized chaotic situation, while others need everything in its place to feel like the clutter is being controlled. By understanding your clutter and the ways in which it affects you, you can make room for something that's important to you.
So go ahead, clear the clutter, and make room for what really matters. Your mind (and your housemates) will thank you for it.
Questions to ask yourself about clutter
What physical clutter is taking up space in my life and why am I holding onto it?
How is my mental clutter impacting my productivity and well-being?
What emotional clutter am I holding onto that is preventing me from moving forward?
What is the hidden benefit of holding onto my clutter and what am I afraid of letting go of?
How can I better manage my time to prevent clutter from taking over my schedule?
A Lil’ Human Design Insight
If you feel overwhelmed by clutter, your Human Design chart can help you reduce both internal and external clutter. Referencing the questions above, consider if your story around clutter is connected to at least one of the centers:
Identity (G Center) - You’re holding on to something because its connected to a story you’re telling yourself about yourself.
Mind (Ajna Center) - Are you over-rationalizing why you need to hold on to something?
Splenic Center - Do you fear missing out on something?
There is much more in your Human Design chart that along with your life story will help you better understand the mental or physical clutter that’s getting in your way. Downloading this chart is a major step in helping you reduce the clutter and clear your mind.
Download your chart and schedule a coaching or insight session to learn more about your Human Design and how it can help you reduce clutter and clear your mind.
