My Closet’s Screamin’ for a Cleanin’
It’s not Marie Kondo, but it works for me.
September is here. For many of us, it feels like the start of the new year. Here in Japan that means cleaning. After my clothes bar fell down twice, I finally heard my closet’s reminders that it’s time for a cleaning, and to get ready for something new to come into my life. I’ve listened to the screams and discovered five unsuspected benefits to creating a less cluttered environment.
Improved Confidence
When your environment is disorganized and messy, you may feel there is something undone. You will feel everything is in order when you take the time to clean and maintain a clutter-free appearance in your space. This will increase the sense of confidence you have that you can achieve what you set out to. Cleaning and decluttering is also a sign to yourself that you care about yourself and want to create the best possible environment for success.
Reduce Stress
Ever stressed out about not being able to find what you’re looking for? Cleaning and organizing your space will eliminate this frustration because you’ll know where things are. When you are finished using them, you will also know where they belong as you put them back. While organizing my closet, I found three shirts I love but haven’t worn in several months because I did not know where they were. I also don’t need to worry about picking a shirt out of my closet that doesn’t fit or choose one with an unappealing stain on it. Even though I love those old shirts. Sorry, but it’s time for my old friend to go.
Get a Sense of Release From the Past
Inevitably when you clean, there are going to be items that have served their purpose and need to be discarded. Getting rid of these things, either by throwing them away or donating them, provides a sense of release from the past. This release opens space for new things to come into your life.
Better Relationships
According to the principles of Feng-shui, cluttered space creates disharmony. Philosophically speaking, when items are in your path, they create a block between you and where you want to be. Thus, a clutter-free space allows for a clear connection between you and the people or projects you want to have good experiences with.
After the Tokyo Olympics and with my book, Win the Day: How to win your daily battles with stress, anxiety, and depression, about to be launched, I feel like my life is about to take a major change in direction. Decluttering is a good way for me to get ready to raise my game. If you are feeling stuck in your present situation or like you need change, I recommend you try cleaning your living space too.
