What Keeps The Mess In Place

So perhaps you have found some easy items to get rid of. That’s great! 

However, keeping your space clear for the long term takes really digging in. Otherwise, you might find that the mess keeps coming back.

I used to think that organizing would solve my problems. I would put things in shoebox bins and label them. If I just had more containers, the right storage “solutions”, or more space, I wouldn’t be so messy! I would put things away and it would be great. The Container Store to the rescue!

Unfortunately, organizing won’t help if there is just too much stuff. So it is necessary to declutter – get rid of things that are no longer needed. It sounds simple, but the hard part for me is in the details. Every time I look at something I think of reasons why it would be better to keep it than to get rid of it.

“I spent money on it.” “I can’t donate this, so it will just go to waste.” “Someone gave it to me, so maybe I should hold onto it.” “I thought I would use it, surely I will?” And on and on. It’s exhausting!

These rationalizations are what keep the mess in place. So instead, be brutally honest about what you need and what you have room for.

Ask: do I use this on a regular basis? Not might I use it someday – do I actually use it?

Does this add value to my life in some other way?

Good luck!