Cluttering Habit

Dear Friends

Did you know that cluttering is a mild form of hoarding? And, if you can look around your home and see clutter that you never quite seem to be able to eliminate, you may have a "habit" that needs to be broken. It isn't something to feel bad about as most of us do this in one way or another. Cluttering and gathering things around you is a security coping tool just like turning to food when anxious or uncomfortable is an emotional coping tool.

Fortunately cluttering is a habit that you can change with some well-planned and consistent actions. I tell my friends to start breaking their cluttering habit by keeping a record of what they buy and what their emotional state was when they felt compelled to make a purchase on impulse. By learning your shopping triggers you are more likely to catch yourself before you bring home yet another nick knack or electronic gadget.

Also, setting some anti-cluttering goals can help you begin to eliminate your accumulation of things. Start small with a drawer or cabinet and, when you get it cleared, fill and organize the space with items that you do need and use regularly. This will help keep you from filling the space back up with unnecessary items in the future. Plus it is a visual reward for your de-cluttering efforts.

Pick several corners of your home to de-clutter and set about working on one area at a time. Make a personal rule, such as no more than three or five items on any flat surface, and stick to it. By doing this you allow yourself to continue to enjoy your favorite things without having to look at overcrowded dusty countertops, shelves, and tabletops. You can even the help of family and friends and family to remind you of your anti-cluttering goal during moments of weakness.

One of the best ways to reinforce the changes you are making towards breaking the cluttering habit is to give yourself a reward for a job well done. However, the reward should be something that doesn't involve bringing home more stuff. Instead, reward your efforts by treating yourself to something like a movie, or a massage.

Friends, changing any habit take a bit of commitment over 3 to 4Week’s time and breaking the cluttering habit is no exception. But if you keep on doing your best for a month or more, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a clutter-free life.