Just how much time do you lose everyday looking for things? Do you or your spouse if you are married, have stacks of stuff everywhere? Are you holding onto things from your childhood or teen years? Do you save everything and never get rid of anything?
Would you feel comfortable if unexpected guests would stop by for a surprise visit? Or, do you need two weeks notice just to find the house? What about your garage? Are you storing everything in there except your most valuable possession, your car? What does your purse look like? How long does it take you to find your keys? Do you have room on your desk to pay your bills?
A recent survey indicates that the average person spends 1.5 hours daily at work or home looking for things. That means on average you trade 546 hours per year of your life just trying to find the things you need and want. And, most of the time the stuff you are looking for is buried under piles and stacks of clutter.
Unclutter to Save Time
If you are constantly looking for things, now is the time to do something about it. Decide right now that you will not exchange one minute more of your life looking for things. Sort it, file it, organize it, put it away or get rid of it. I recently visited an area home show and saw lots of great systems to organize your garage, clothes closets and storage areas. If you are not sure what to do, check out your local home show or look at magazines and model homes to get additional ideas.
The rule of thumb for removing clutter from your closet is, if it doesnt fit, look great on you or you do not feel like a million dollars wearing it get rid of it. If clutter is something in the kitchen or garage a similar rule applies, if its chipped, cracked, broken, a duplicate or you have not used it for two years get rid of it. Be merciless and dump those stacks of magazines, old photographs you never look at or hand-me-downs that no longer have meaning. There are numerous charities and churches that would gratefully welcome your contribution.
You will save lots of time so you can do more important and enjoyable things. At 546 hours per year you will save over thirteen 40 hour work-weeks worth of time. The old adage time is money really applies here.
Unclutter to Improve Well-being
When you are constantly looking for something stress sets in along with anxiety depending on how long you have to continue your search. Uncluttering removes stress which leads to a calmer atmosphere in your home and surroundings. When your personal home and workplace environment are calmer your personal well-being improves.
Watching the 6:00 news filled with local and global events is stressful enough. When you are surrounded with lots of clutter it amplifies those outside events creating the snowball effect on your stress levels. Uncluttering and organizing your life not only removes daily stress but frees up much needed time to relax in a calm atmosphere. Your home needs to be your sanctuary from the outside world so you always feel safe and nurtured there.
Unclutter to Improve Relationships
If you are spending lots of your time looking for lost things because of clutter that means you have less time to spend with family and friends. Once youve uncluttered your world you will free up your time to spend with others. And, you will enjoy it more because you are no longer worrying about your stacks of stuff or whether you will find your glasses, your keys, important legal papers or whatever is missing.
Relationships will improve because friends and family members will notice how calm your home is and how calm youve become. They will want to spend more time with you because they too are enjoying the relationship more. You and they will want to linger over a glass of wine, a cup of coffee or tea because you are relaxed and enjoying the moment.
Controlling your clutter does lead to a calmer more peaceful home and workspace. It saves time also leads to more productivity, efficiency and focus on the matters at hand. And, you create a sanctuary for rest, relaxation and retreat from the outside world.
Pat Heydlauff, all rights reserved 2007
Pat Heydlauff, President of Energy-by-Design ( www.energy-by-design.com ) and Feng Shui expert, is a consultant, speaker, columnist and award-winning artist. She has been consulting with individuals, families, and companies since the early 1990s, with clients ranging from California to Florida. In addition, she speaks at corporate and organizational functions, and gives seminars to enhance productivity. Pat Heydlauff can be reached at (561) 799-3443, or at balancingenergy@energy-by-design.com.
Pat Heydlauff, president of Energy Design, uses Feng Shui design principles to eliminate chaos and stress at home and within oneself. More than a Feng Shui expert, Pat is a consultant and speaker who helps remove clutter and negativity while encouraging personal growth, improved relationships and prosperity. Her forthcoming book, "Feng Shui: So Easy a Child Can Do It” shows how small changes can lead to a big improvement in one's personal and professional success. For information on her consulting, speaking and artwork, visit: http://www.Energy-by-Design.com.
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