“”Clutter attracts clutter. Clutter produces contraction and stagnation energy. Order attracts order. Order generates the energy of expansion and circulation.” ~ Harriet Tubman Wright

Excess material possessions are a common characteristic of our consumer society. Storage units are probably among the fastest growing industries in America. I shutter to think of the total amount of money I spent keeping “things” in storage, some of which I still don’t use!

As I cope with reducing material clutter in my environment and interact with family and friends challenged by feelings of overwhelm, shame and embarrassment regarding their own clutter-filled environments, I wonder:

1. What is the cost of maintaining clutter?
2. What gets in the way of accepting help?
3. What keeps us from letting go?

Clearly there are emotional, spiritual, mental, physical and financial costs and consequences.

“Clutter is a physical manifestation of fear that cripples our ability to grow.” H.G. Chissell

It doesn’t feel good to be drowning in disorganized or unnecessary paper. Is it time to shred, toss or file?

It doesn’t feel good not being able to close drawers or find attire in your closet, when the drawers or closets are stuffed. Is it time to give away or throw away those things you’re not using?

If you’re too embarrassed to have family or friends over at home, or colleagues or clients in your office at work, and you’ve allowed clutter to replace human companionship, consider: a Clutterer’s Anonymous Group; a consultation with a professional organizer, therapist or spiritual advisor. Is it time to let go, breathe again and move on?

Meanwhile, if you’re ready to take action, let me share a few practical tips:
 

1. Recruit a “Clean-Up-Clutter” Buddy and support one another to get it done!
2. Take small steps weekly.
3. Identify one section or area of a room to work on.
4. De-clutter within a designated time-frame.
5. Bring your de-cluttering actions to completion one step and one section at a time.
6. Keep your workspace clean, orderly and simple.
7. Handle, toss or file paperwork in a systematic and consistent manner daily.
8. Clear your kitchen sink and desk each night.
9. Celebrate your wins…that is clearing your clutter and keeping your space cleared.

Finally, if you maintain a clean, orderly and organized space, I applaud you. Please tell us how you do it!

 “The more you have, the more you are occupied. The less you have, the more free you are.” ~ Mother Teresa

Harriet Tubman Wright, MS, MA is a Phenomenal Life Empowerment Coach, Speaker, Author and Director of The Wright Resort, A BodyMindSpirit Wellness Center. Her book, Releasing Stress, Creating Serenity A BodyMindSpirit Self-Care Primer for Busy Women provides tools, strategies and practices to help you restore alignment and balance and cultivate a home and workplace environment to maintain optimal health and well-being.