Declutter Your Life: Finding Freedom in Elimination

In a world overflowing with distractions, the art of decluttering has become more essential than ever.

Clutter, in its many forms, doesn't just take up physical space—it drains our mental energy, affects our physical health, and hampers our ability to focus.

But it's not just physical clutter we need to worry about.

Our lives can be bogged down by various types of clutter, each demanding attention and action.

Let's explore these different kinds of clutter and how eliminating them can grow the four types of wealth (time, financial, social, and health) when we do that.

Types of Clutter

1. Physical Clutter Physical clutter is the most obvious type of clutter. It's the stuff that piles up in our homes, offices, and cars.

   This clutter creates visual chaos, making it hard to relax or focus. According to a study by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, our brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganization drain our cognitive resources, reducing our ability to focus.

   The visual distraction of clutter increases cognitive overload and can reduce our working memory .

   Tips to Clear Physical Clutter:

   • Start Small: Begin with one drawer or one corner of a room.
   • Sort and Simplify: Divide items into categories: keep, donate, recycle, or trash.
   • Adopt the One-In, One-Out Rule: For every new item you bring in, get rid of an old one.

2. Digital Clutter Digital clutter includes all the unnecessary files, emails, and notifications that crowd our devices. It can slow down our technology and our productivity.

   Cleaning up your desktop background or deleting unused apps on your phone can help with your focus and mental clarity. The average person has 40 apps and only uses 18!

   Tips to Clear Digital Clutter:

   • Unsubscribe: Regularly unsubscribe from emails and notifications that no longer serve you.
   • Organize Files: Create a simple, intuitive folder system for your digital files.
   • Limit Screen Time: Set specific times for checking emails and social media to avoid constant interruptions.

3. Mental Clutter Mental clutter consists of the thoughts and worries that occupy our minds, often leading to stress and anxiety.

   If this type of clutter is haunting you, try this tip. Go to a location you never visit and get away from the emotional anchors in your everyday life. Then begin a list of things you feel you need to do. Sort them by Urgent, Important, and Significance. Then do the ones ranked highest. Also, delete the ones you realize aren't that big of a deal after all. You'll feel better instantly.

   Tips to Clear Mental Clutter:

   • Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing to center your thoughts.
   • Write It Down: Keep a journal to offload thoughts and clear your mind.
   • Set Priorities: Focus on one task at a time, and prioritize your to-do list.

4. Emotional Clutter Emotional clutter involves unresolved feelings and negative emotions that weigh us down.

   A form of emotional clutter is letting go of friendships or a relationship that we know isn't benefiting us. This can be a massive waste of time, energy and money. In most situations, simply choosing not to initiate contact anymore will very naturally end the relationship.

   Tips to Clear Emotional Clutter:

   • Acknowledge Feelings: Allow yourself to feel and process emotions rather than suppressing them. Say them out loud and listen to yourself. 
   • Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or coach.
   • Let Go: Practice forgiveness and let go of grudges and past hurts. Holding onto negative emotions only hurts you.

The Impact on the Four Types of Wealth

1. Time Wealth By decluttering, we reclaim valuable time. Less time is spent searching for items, managing digital overload, or ruminating on worries. This freed-up time can be used for activities that truly matter, enriching our lives. It also makes us more efficient with the time we have.

2. Financial Wealth Decluttering can lead to better financial health. Selling unused items can generate extra income, and being organized can prevent unnecessary purchases. Also, a clear mind makes for better financial decision-making.

3. Social Wealth A clutter-free environment creates better social interactions. We feel more comfortable inviting friends and family into our spaces, and our mental clarity improves our ability to connect meaningfully with others. It also gives us the opportunity to practice gratitude with the things we keep.

4. Health Wealth Decluttering directly contributes to both mental and physical health. A tidy space reduces stress and anxiety, while a clear mind enhances our overall well-being. Physically, eliminating excess items can reduce dust and allergens, creating a healthier living environment.

Embrace the Freedom of Elimination

Decluttering isn't just about making your space look neat—it's about creating a life of freedom and abundance.

By eliminating physical, digital, mental, and emotional clutter, we open the door to a more balanced, enriched life.

This practice not only enhances our immediate environment but also contributes to the four types of wealth, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and harmonious existence.

So, start small, stay consistent, and embrace the liberation that comes from letting go.

Or do the opposite and just plan one day on a weekend to go crazy and empty out the drawers, closets, screens and chaos floating in your mind all at once! 

It can be one of the most liberating things you ever do. I would know!

I do it about once a year and its always a day I look forward to because of the feeling I get once I've done it.

Try it. You won't regret it.