Have you ever considered celebrating clutter? Most people don’t think about it that way. We often view clutter as an overabundance of things, thoughts, or time that prevents us from living in the ways we value most.

The idea of celebrating clutter might almost seem like an oxymoron. More often, clutter feels like a burden, which can be overwhelming or paralyzing. It gets in the way and blocks forward movement.

Perhaps a better word choice is honoring instead of celebrating. What becomes possible when you approach clutter in this way? I will share a story with you to illustrate how this idea originated.

The Origin Story for Celebrating Clutter

Recently, I reread a post I wrote fifteen years ago, “As Sure as a Crocus.” Surprisingly, I found a comment (also from then) that I had never seen or responded to. I’m unsure how I missed it because I usually respond to all comments.

This message was especially poignant and heart-warming because it came from my mom, who has passed away. Seeing her signature made me smile, as she signed it with a secret name I knew was hers.

The timing of reading her words was significant for me. It was in March, the anniversary month of her birth and death. She’s been gone for four years, and I miss her terribly. As I read Mom’s sweet note of support, encouragement, and gratitude, I deeply and immediately felt her love and our connection, transcending the constructs of time and space.

How does this connect to celebrating clutter?

Why Celebrate Clutter?

Addressing the clutter in your life can be approached in many ways. One strategy is to identify and release those things that no longer belong, serve a purpose, or align with who you are now. From there, you can focus on organizing the “keepers.”

Another approach is to find the treasures and keepers first. After that step, edit those things you want to let go of.

With both strategies, you will undoubtedly make discoveries. You’ll find letters from loved ones now gone, notes with great ideas to pursue one day, children’s art, old photos, vacation memorabilia, or materials from previous careers.

These findings can evoke a range of emotions as they highlight and represent different stages and aspects of your life.

Celebrating clutter can enhance the decluttering process in several ways by gifting yourself time to:

• Revisit and appreciate the items you’re releasing.

• Enjoy and review some of the “treasures.”

• Celebrate with a dance, high-fives, or cheers after a decluttering session.

“Celebrating clutter can enhance the decluttering process.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

How Does Clutter Affect You?

Decluttering can be energizing or exhausting, depending on your mindset and situation. Approaching it with a celebratory perspective can transform your experience and make it more positive and affirming.

What is your relationship to clutter? What could celebrating clutter look like for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

Do you want support organizing, editing, or decluttering? I’d love to help! Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Please schedule a Discovery Call, email me at linda@ohsorganized.com, or call 914-271-5673. Living clutter-free is possible, especially with support.

Spring is a fun time of year. It’s a welcome change from grayer winter days. I’m continually amazed by the new beautiful blooms appearing every day. The daffodils are starting to wilt as the tulips and lilacs are emerging. Growth radiates hope and possibilities as the landscape becomes greener and more colorful.

Lightening up and letting go are integral to the spring season. However, sometimes, the letting go process can feel overwhelming. You might be trying to decide what to let go of or are challenged with activating.

There are many ways to work through to the other side. One letting go strategy is so effective that I highly recommend trying it. I’ve used this myself and with clients, and it always works. I’m using this exact strategy now, which I’ll share.

Value of a Deadline

You might want to edit but are having difficulty beginning. Perhaps you want to declutter because guests will be visiting. Maybe you feel like your space is piled with stuff that you no longer want. Or, you’re thinking about downsizing and letting go of the excess. Your “why” is clear, but you’re procrastinating.

One of the best letting go strategies is to combine a deadline with accountability. For example, I have a donation pick-up scheduled this week with GreenDrop®. They are a nationwide resource that accepts donations through pick-up or drop-off locations. Knowing GreenDrop® will be here on a specific date incentivizes me to let go now. I’ve been filling bags and boxes of things I want to release. When I set the deadline, I gave myself enough time by factoring in my other commitments.

Here's the thing. Could I let go of even more? Sure! However, given the time I have to edit, I’m letting go of enough to make a difference. The good news is I can always schedule another pick-up when I’m ready to say goodbye to more.

Letting Go Questions

I often think about letting go. Sometimes, it’s about unhelpful thoughts or time challenges. Yet, right now, I’m focused more on editing the physical stuff- things like clothing, household wares, linens, books, cosmetics, or pantry items.

When decision-making, I ask letting go questions like:

• Has it overstayed its welcome?

• Does it fit?

• Do I still like it?

• Is it damaged beyond repair or even repair-worthy?

• Do I use or wear it anymore?

• Is it expired?

• Is it taking up space and no longer worth the real estate?

• Has it served its purpose?

• Is it necessary?

• Am I ready to say, “It’s been nice knowing you?”

“One of the best letting go strategies is to combine a deadline with accountability.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

Do I ever get stuck? Of course. I expect it, but I don’t let that deter me. I focus first on the less challenging items. Then, I circle back to the trickier things and make a decision. I might keep those things a little longer or let them go. It’s a low-pressure, fluid process.

Do you use deadlines to facilitate letting go? What works for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts and invite you to join the conversation.

If you need help with letting go, reach out anytime. Please email me, Linda, at linda@ohsorganized.com, call 914-271-5673, or schedule a Discovery Call. Letting go is possible, especially with support.

Overflowing. Overwhelming. Is letting go on your radar? How many things are you working on right now? How many hats are you wearing? Are you juggling family, work, and personal time? Are you managing projects, shuttling kids, caring for elders, or experiencing a life transition? Does your plate feel so full that your head is spinning? Is this a constant or temporary state for you?

Have you considered the power and relief of letting go? OK. I know you can’t let go of all your responsibilities and commitments. However…

• Is there simply one thing you can let go of, reschedule, or delegate?

• Is there one thing you can rethink, change perspective, or shift?

• If you did, how would that help?

• Would it reduce stress?

• Would you feel more relaxed?

• Would you be less overwhelmed?

“Is there simply ‘one thing’ you can let go of, reschedule, or delegate?”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

I extended myself the ‘one-thing-let-go’ gift. Instead of writing a longer post this week, I went short like me. I let go of the expectation to write more extensively so I could alleviate some pressure and focus on preparing, hosting, and enjoying our family and friends for Passover.

What one thing can you let go of? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

Do you love the surprise of reading fortune cookie fortunes? I do. Recently, I got one I want to share with you, which I will do momentarily. Cookie fortunes vary a lot. Some don’t resonate or make sense. Others are so timely or hope-filled that they become ‘keepers.’

As you begin a new month and year, anything you discover to inspire or encourage your fresh start is worth exploring.

Often, I’ve noticed how the start of a project or a change you want to make is the most challenging. Imagine rooms filled with paper piles, non-functioning closets overflowing with clothes, or schedules packed so tightly there is no time to breathe.

Figuring out where or how to start can be overwhelming and prevent you from moving forward. You remain bothered and stuck by the clutter in your space, calendar, or mind. The clutter weighs heavily on your thoughts.

enter the fortune cookie wisdom . . .

“Begin...the rest is easy.”

— Fortune Cookie

Perhaps that seems too simplistic. Play around with the phrase to make it more authentic for you.

How about:

• Begin…the rest is doable.

• Begin…the rest is possible.

• Begin…the rest will happen.

• Begin…the rest is achievable.

• Begin…the rest is within reach.

• Begin…the rest is manageable.

• Begin…the rest is ______.

I encourage you to begin. Take a small action step toward the project or change you desire. Maybe that means editing one tiny pile of papers, removing the additional hangers in your closet, or hiring an accountability partner or professional organizer like me. The operative word is, begin.

I’ve seen over and over the positive energy and momentum that come from taking the first minuscule steps toward your goal. I encourage you to lean into the fortune cookie wisdom. Just begin. If you aren’t sure how or where to start, reach out. I’d love to help you activate and work on your 2023 goals. How can I help?

How are your new year and fresh start going? Have you made progress, or are you feeling stuck? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.