By Fedhealth
As the New Year unfolds, it brings with it an opportunity for renewal and transformation. Each of the 365 days presents a chance to embark on a journey toward personal growth and improved well-being. The concept of New Year’s resolutions, while often perceived as trivial, offers a meaningful opportunity to reassess our lives and set intentions for the year ahead. A prevalent goal is to foster organisation, which positively impacts mental health and productivity. If organising your home is a priority for 2025, you’re on a path to greater peace and joy.
The timing of New Year’s resolutions aligns perfectly with the release of popular organisation strategies, such as those promoted by Marie Kondo. Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organising, has sold over eight million copies worldwide, underscoring the universal appeal of her approach. The popular Netflix series “Tidying Up” further revitalised her philosophy.
Kondo’s methodology is straightforward yet profound: the ability to discern what “sparks joy” and the commitment to assign a specific place for every item in one’s home. According to Kondo individuals can foster a more harmonious living environment by adhering to these two principles.
6 Strategies for Effective Decluttering
- Adopt a “Love It or Lose It” Mentality: Evaluate items based on their utility and emotional resonance. If an object has not been used in the past year or does not evoke joy, it may be time to part with it. This practice encourages a mindful approach to consumption, allowing individuals to cultivate a more meaningful collection of belongings.
- Start Small: Begin with manageable areas—such as a single shelf, drawer, or corner of your workspace. Gradual progress can lead to substantial changes over time. By concentrating on one small area, you can prevent the feeling of overwhelm that often accompanies larger decluttering projects.
- Establish a Routine: Dedicate a brief, consistent timeframe each week to decluttering. For instance, 15-minute sessions can be incredibly effective in maintaining organisation without becoming overwhelming. Setting aside specific times for decluttering helps to integrate this practice into your regular routine, making it feel less daunting.
- Let Go of Guilt: Items retained out of guilt—whether due to monetary investment or emotional obligation—can weigh heavily. It is essential to liberate oneself from such burdens, focusing instead on what genuinely enriches life. Recognising that it is acceptable to discard items that no longer serve you can be a liberating experience.
- Purge Duplicates: Assess the necessity of having multiple versions of similar items. For example, retaining only one pizza cutter or a single pair of black jeans can free up valuable space. This not only simplifies your belongings but also makes it easier to find and appreciate the items you truly love.
- Release Aspirational Items: Consider discarding items that represent an idealised version of oneself, such as “thin clothes” or unused baking equipment. Instead, retain only those items that reflect your present reality and aspirations.
The Psychological Benefits of Decluttering
The act of decluttering extends beyond mere tidiness; it profoundly impacts mental clarity and emotional health. A study by UCLA found a link between a high density of household objects and elevated stress. A well-organised environment can enhance productivity and foster a sense of control. Additionally, studies have shown that decluttering can lead to increased feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
The primary focus should be on identifying what truly matters and contributes to a fulfilling life. Moreover, decluttering can serve as a form of self-care. The physical act of organising and simplifying your surroundings can create a sense of accomplishment. This process allows for reflection on personal values and priorities, paving the way for a more intentional approach to life.
Conclusion
The science of decluttering shows it can improve focus, reduce stress, and help deter procrastination.
As you embark on your decluttering journey, allow this New Year to serve as a catalyst for joy and intentional living. By thoughtfully evaluating your belongings and releasing what no longer serves you, you can create space for new experiences and opportunities in 2025.
References
- Beckwith, A., et al. (2022). The mental benefits of decluttering. Retrieved from https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/the-mental-benefits-of-decluttering
- Feuer, J. (2012). Clutter culture. UCLA Magazine. Retrieved from https://newsroom.ucla.edu/magazine/center-everyday-lives-families-suburban-america
- Fedhealth. (2017). Living with less. Retrieved from https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/living-with-less/
- ijird. (2024). Minimalist living: How to declutter your life and find happiness. The International Journal of Innovative Research and Development. Retrieved from https://ijird.com/minimalist-living-how-to-declutter-your-life-and-find-happiness/
- Kondo, M. (2014). The life-changing magic of tidying up: The Japanese art of decluttering and organizing. Ten Speed Press.
- YouTube. (n.d.). Marie Kondo/ The life Changing Magic of Tidying Up/ Talks at Google. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzotI3JmDhQ
- Kondo, M. (2014). The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Ten Speed Press.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzotI3JmDhQ
- Beckwith A. et al (2022) The Mental Benefits of Decluttering. Retrieved from: https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/the-mental-benefits-of-decluttering
- Feuer J. (2012) UCLA Magazine. Clutter Culture. Retrieved from: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/magazine/center-everyday-lives-families-suburban-america
- ijird. (2024)The International Journal of Innovative Research and Development. Minimalist Living: How to declutter your life and find happiness. Retrieved from: https://ijird.com/minimalist-living-how-to-declutter-your-life-and-find-happiness/
- Fedhealth. (2017) https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/living-with-less/
