Simplify Your Life Challenge
04
Feb

Didn’t Expect That! 6 Surprising Consequences of Getting Rid Of Clutter

Decluttering Benefits

You may know that I recently did my annual declutter. (I’ve shared my declutter checklist here and post-declutter photos here.)

But you may not know that some unexpected things happen when you get rid of clutter.

Here are 6 of them…

1. You don’t buy things unless they’re awesome

After decluttering – when your stuff is pared down to what you use and love – you hold every purchase to a higher standard.

You’re more aware of what you already have, of what you’ve bought in the past and never used, of what the genuine spaces are in your closet, kitchen, and home.

You only feel like buying things you really love.

2. You enjoy your stuff more

The things that survive your declutter seem so much better without all that other stuff suffocating them.

Dressing is more fun with the closet dross gone. Cooking is more enjoyable when your accoutrements are neatly organized. Lying on the couch reading is more relaxing without clutter distracting you.

Home is a more fun place to be.

3. You find forgotten treasures

When you get rid of stuff you don’t love, you invariably uncover forgotten things you do love.

Your life only has time, space, and energy for a certain quantity of things. Clutter takes up that time, space, and energy, and crowds out the good stuff.

Getting rid of the clutter let’s you re-discover the precious.

4. You feel happier

Some people say they like clutter and know where everything is. Maybe they do. Maybe they’re in denial. I don’t know.

I do know this. I’ve known many people who claimed they were fine with clutter, and then decluttered – and without exception they became elated. Thrilled. They couldn’t believe how good it felt.

5. You feel calmer

Clutter has psychological costs. Maybe you waste time looking for things. Or feel stressed by the visual chaos. Or get embarrassed and avoid visitors. Or argue with your family.

Without clutter, there’s that much less in your life to wind you up.

You wake up, look around, and simply feel… calmer.

6. You inspire others (way more than nagging ever could)

We all know that people don’t change unless they want to. And that trying to change someone is a great way to get them to dig their heels in.

But making your own changes can have a profound effect on people around you. Your spouse, flatmate, kids – they can be inspired by your decluttering example.

And you won’t have to say a word.

Those are some pretty cool consequences of decluttering.

Is it time to get you some of that?

Not sure where to start? Start here.

 

Michele | Get Organized Gal

Michele is into writing, books, simplicity, love, TV, productivity, and staying thin in a world of chocolate.

24 thoughts on “Didn’t Expect That! 6 Surprising Consequences of Getting Rid Of Clutter”

  1. CHRISTIANE CASEY says:

    Hello,
    Sometimes I feel like if I de-clutter I won’t have anything, like I work for nothing, everything will be gone. And that is depressing, but when I look around my house and see all the clutter, that is depressing. HELP!!!

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