4 Steps to Clutter Clearing Success

​How can good energy flow freely through your space if it's being blocked by "stuff"? Clutter is considered a detriment in Feng Shui. I tell my clients that the better they clean and declutter before introducing Feng Shui tactics, the better the outcome! 

Perhaps you get overwhelmed by clutter. Do you think about decluttering and feel paralyzed? Do you need help knowing how or where to start? Or maybe you know you should declutter but keep putting it off, allowing more items to accumulate until it seems impossible. If you can relate to any of those scenarios, I have a few tips to fight that overwhelming feeling and to set you up for success as you create more space in your home and your life! 

1. Ease Yourself In – Always start with something emotionally light, such as a junk drawer or linen closet. Work on clearing these out and building momentum to work on sentimental items. Never begin with sentimental items! By tackling the more manageable jobs first, you're likely to build up encouragement and positive energy along the way to prepare yourself to take on those more complex and heavier spots. 
2. Create a Plan – I recommend putting together a system for decluttering and taking time to write it down. I swear, putting it on paper makes a difference! Start in one area, perhaps the “easy starting point” you identified from Tip 1. Next, decide where you go from there—for example, moving left to the right, top to bottom, or in any direction that feels right to you. The left to right, top to bottom, works incredibly well in kitchens, but play around and see what will work for you.
3. Progress Not Perfection – Set the timer for 10 minutes per day if that helps you get started. Decluttering doesn't need to leave you with the most spotless, perfect area you've ever seen. Just make sure you can make progress in the space, and it feels better to you.
4. Reward Yourself – After a challenging decluttering session, reward yourself with some time outside! If you're easily overwhelmed by clutter, you may crave some grounding. Take your shoes off and walk in the grass or sit against a tree. Take some deep breaths, and when you return, soak in the sense of accomplishment in the progress you've made! 

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