Ask the next question to clear more than clutter

I have written extensively about decluttering and getting organised. Clearing out the unnecessary makes room in your life and your home, it gives you breathing room, it allows your cherished things to shine and be used, it makes life easier with less to clean and tidy. The benefits list goes on and on.

It is still difficult for many people though.

I have shared my five step approach to getting through all that “stuff” including asking yourself questions to decide if you should keep something or let it go.

I want to push you a little further today. I want you to answer those questions, but use the information and then ask the next question that will reveal so much more for you. More than just what you don’t wear or use in your home, but why and what can you change to get the life you want.

What questions have we been asking?

Generally we ask ourselves if we have used something in the last year (or 6 months or two years, but you get the idea). If the answer is “no” we are encouraged to throw it out or give it away or recycle it right?

So often you then go on to repurchase the same things. Clutter your home again and let the cycle continue.

I have mentioned creating a “no” list as one form of clutter prevention – ask yourself what are the things you seem to bring into your home unchecked in multiples (jeans, notebooks, kitchen gadgets you don’t use, etc) and take that information to write a list of things that are off limits for you until you break that habit.

Don’t miss the opportunity to go further and ask the next question before moving on.

What questions should we be asking now?

I want you to start asking why not? and what do I need?

In this example below we have a typical dead weight item in many households – the treadmill. Some buy one and use it for a while, others hardly ever even tried it. There is a reason it is not being used. Don’t simply declutter it and move on. See what you can learn to improve your life, not just your space.

There are many possible outcomes from asking the next question – why not?

I have outlined just two possible idea paths from this one item. Try this with anything else and see where it takes you.

Have you worn those dresses? No, why not? I feel I “should” wear dresses so I buy them. Really I hate them and am more of a separates person. Wearing skirts or pants… make me feel more like me. (Stop buying dresses. It is okay to not be a “dress person”. It does not make you less feminine or whatever goes through your head)

Have you read those books? No, why not? I actually want to, but: never have time / don’t have a space to relax and enjoy them / am too tired at the end of the day. (It’s not just about the books, it’s about listening to your needs, making time for yourself, investing in your space and nurturing yourself.)

These are clues to real changes you can make in your life rather than simply declutter your stuff.

Look for the story.

Look for the changes you may need to make.

Look for where you are not honoring yourself.

Live authentically and intentionally.

Put this into action: take a minute and think about this – do you have something in your home / life where you could ask the next question and dig deeper?  Give yourself permission to follow your path.

 

Find your simple,

Deb

 

I am linking up with beautiful Jess for IBOT because it is Tuesday and I hang with the cool kids xx

 

Tagged as: declutter, mindset, organisation