The Mojo-Boosting Magic of Decluttering

With decluttering, maintaining consistency is key for long-term success. I’ve encountered countless individuals who are eager to embrace the transformative power of decluttering but struggle to stay motivated. In a recent email exchange with a client, we’ll call “Jo” (not her real name), she shared the emotional toll clutter takes on her and her quest for understanding why it drains her energy and stifles her productivity. 

“Jo” expressed her eagerness to delve into the underlying reasons behind her clutter-related woes. She candidly admitted that the sight of clutter around her leaves her feeling tired and stuck, dampening her mojo and leaving her yearning for physical companionship to tackle the clutter. 

“Jo’s” experience is not uncommon. Many individuals find themselves grappling with similar emotions when confronted with clutter in their living spaces. The accumulation of belongings not only clutters physical spaces but can also clutter the mind, draining one’s energy and hindering productivity. There are a few studies linking clutter to anxiety and depression for example. 

When decluttering, there’s a lot of decisions to make. Our mind goes over all the objections we might have about working through those possessions. Our subconscious is aware of all of the related stuff with the items. The history of it, your history, the time you bought it, the life you were living when you bought it. Unrealised dreams. Losses, loves, triumphs, lessons learned and lost. It’s all acknowledged by your subconscious mind on some level.  

Research has also shown that clutter can lead to or compound feelings of anxiety and depression. I’m not sure if they’ve looked into the why, but I would guess the reasons for this may be partly because of the processing of our lives as we process the physical items. (Along with feelings of overwhelm, shame, and feeling incapable).  

As a decluttering coach, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of decluttering on individuals’ lives. Beyond the mere act of tidying up, decluttering is a powerful tool for reclaiming control over your environment and revitalising your spirit. By letting go of unnecessary possessions and organising your surroundings, individuals like “Jo” (and you) can experience a newfound sense of clarity, focus, and motivation. 

So, how can individuals like “Jo” (or if you identify with “Jo”, you) maintain consistency in their decluttering journey? Here are a few tips: 

1. 1. Set Clear Goals: Define what decluttering success looks like for you and establish achievable goals to work towards. You’ll want to have a vision for your house and the room you’re working in.  

2. 2. Create a Support System: Surround yourself with people who support your decluttering journey. Whether it’s a professional organiser like myself, or a friend you trust, having a support system can provide encouragement and accountability. Jo identified that working with me (a Professional Organiser) and a Support Worker made it easier. This can be true for a lot of people because someone is holding space for you whilst you process potential overwhelming feelings. With a Professional Organiser we guide you with questions. We bring focus and direction, where you may feel lost. We can hear and share your stories, which might take an emotional load off your shoulders. For some, and in Jo’s case, facing some memories on their own is scary, and sometimes not safe to do, unless someone is with you to support you in that moment. A problem shared, is a problem halved. (There was a study done on this, and those that shared their concerns felt brighter as a result).  

3. 3. Start Small: Break down the decluttering process into manageable tasks and tackle them one at a time. Starting with small victories can build momentum and keep you motivated to continue decluttering. 

4. 4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout the decluttering process. It’s okay to have setbacks or moments of frustration. Celebrate your progress and acknowledge the effort you’re putting in to create a more clutter-free environment. 

“Jo” found that implementing these strategies and embracing the journey of decluttering with intention, mindfulness and support helped reclaim her mojo and created spaces that nurtured her well-being and productivity. You could find your motivation mojo too.

Have you found it easier to declutter with someone else present? Share in the WellSorted Group.