Notes on: 3 Strategies to Help You Declutter Your Home and Your Mind

'3 Strategies to Help You Declutter Your Home and Your Mind' is an article by Amanda Gibby Peters and was originally published on thriveglobal.com.

When we make small changes to our physical environment, we can reduce stress and optimize our well-being.

In order for a plant to flourish, it needs the right sized pot, enough water in the soil and the right light. Environments play a critical role in how plants grow, and the same goes for us.

Our homes are the environment we spend a lot of time in, and we recharge in, and if our environment builds up with clutter there is a physical, psychological and emotional cost that prevents us from being able to grow.

In order to rectify this, the goal is to declutter our surroundings with intention in 3 ways:

1. Get rid of things. Focus on the parts of your house that cause you the most grief. Be objective about things. Is there something you wouldn't buy again today? Is there something you are holding on to because of its perceived value? There is a good chance you'd be better off getting rid of them and saving your resources for more energy and feelings of calm.

2. Put things away. Things pile up that cause inconveniences throughout your day and perhaps even spark argument in the family, and clearing the spaces that grab our attention the most could translate to a better overall mood. It's not easy to do it, but it is even harder to be productive in an environment full of clutter.

3. Proactively avoid clutter. Next time you are thinking about buying something, ask yourself: Does this serve a purpose for the long-term? Will it be used consistently at least once a year, like holiday decorations? What kind of time and energy is required to maintain or use it?

By prioritising what deserves a place in our homes we feel more calm, and able to use our energy more productively and positively with our families.