Do you want to live with less, reduce the mess and unload the stress? Let’s being the slow and systematic journey of decluttering and downsizing!
Downsizing is the process of reducing the amount of possessions, spaces, or clutter to simplify and improve the quality of living. It is not just about smaller spaces or fewer items; it’s about creating room for growth, happiness, and peace. The focus is on the big picture and often involves life transitions and it is often a larger, more comprehensive process than decluttering.
Joy is a feeling of great pleasure or happiness that comes from success or a sense of well-being.
Decluttering is removing obstacles that impede your ability to find things, to use things, appreciate things, and to leverage the space and materials you have to build a rewarding home. Decluttering focuses on improving the functionality and aesthetics of your current living space by removing unnecessary items, rather than reducing the size of your total possessions.
Organizing is arranging in a structured order: It is about using every available space and item to its fullest potential.
WHY should we start decluttering and downsizing?
To regain focus after removing the mess. Clutter clouds our focus. As the clutter builds up, so does the pressure, tension and overwhelming feelings within our living spaces. As we reduce clutter, focus re-appears.
To improve mental health. The effects of clutter on mental health include feelings of anxiety, decreased productivity and an inability to make decisions.
To reduce stress and live with less. Clutter can take a toll on our social lives, reducing the joy of socializing at home. The average American family spends six hours each week cleaning up. Reducing our clutter can reduce the stress of cleaning or trying to find items within the clutter. Decluttered spaces allow the treasures to be enjoyed and are easier to clean!
To feel less tempted to buy unnecessary things and destroy your hard work. Rather than repeating the habit of buying quantity, you may find yourself investing in quality purchases which will last much longer in a decluttered home. Adopt the One In, One Out rule to avoid more clutter.
To lighten our load if relocating. Safety is paramount and the ideal time to ensure your safety in a smaller space is to downsize BEFORE you move. Why pay to move items that you have no space for?
Focus on what you are gaining. Rather than equate the process of downsizing with what you will lose, you will likely find the opposite is true. The downsizing process gives more of what matters most; space, energy, and joy!
Kim Kubsch is a Certified Organizational Specialist, and owner of Joyful Downsizing. She provides FREE 30-minute consultations and speaks to groups and events. Contact her at 480 720 8566 by email at Kim@JoyfulDOWNSIZING.com www.JoyfulDOWNSIZING.com