Clear the Clutter

We tend to keep things pretty tidy around here. I’m not a big fan of “stuff” and clutter and, fortunately, neither is Eric. But despite our best efforts, things have a way of piling up and getting ahead of us.

Take the kitchen cabinet next to the sink. It is the repository of every vitamin and supplement we’ve ever tried (beet powder anyone?). The teas that seemed like a good idea. A huge bag of powdered peanut butter, ground coffee, instant coffee and iced coffee pods my sister brought as a gift last time she visited. And all of the fixings for four different kinds of “bubble tea” that Maddie has experimented with.

Yesterday, I took a long walk with a friend and spent a few relaxing hours at the kitchen table working. But I kept eyeing that cabinet. Finally, I got up from the table, pulled the step stool out of the closet and took every single thing out of the cabinet. When it was all lined up on the counter, I was frankly shocked that it had all come out of a single small cabinet. Into the trash went everything we’ve tried and rejected. Everything else was consolidated, wiped down and replaced in an organized fashion. It all fit, with the things that we use regularly toward the front. And you know what? It felt fantastic. It made me happy when it was done, and it makes me happy looking over at that cabinet this morning.

Why? I don’t know exactly but I have my theories.

First, clearing the clutter makes you feel in control, while clutter makes you feel overwhelmed. Like things are bearing down on you or spinning out of control. Reigning in the clutter gives you a feeling of control.

Second, there is a discomfort in not knowing what is where. We like to feel some kind of order to our things, our stuff and to our lives.

Third, clutter equals stress and wasted time. There is a little tiny stab of anxiety every time you look for something you can’t find. You know that feeling when you can’t find something you need? That nagging feeling that there is a bill that has gone unpaid?

Those feelings lead to a little hum of anxiety.

Right now, chances are you have a spot in your life that feels cluttered. Okay, truth is, unless you are a disciple of Marie Kondo (and if you are, I salute you), chances are you have at least a few cluttered spots. Today, can you tackle just one? One shelf, one cabinet, one pile on your desk?

Do it! And let me know how it feels.