Clean is green. Decluttering as a healthy habit.
January 3rd, 2008 by bruce_richmondLots of resolutions have been made. I’m sure many have been broken already. Me? I’m starting the New Year with a clean desk.
How can clutter not be a green issue? As part of our home or work environment, it affects our mental, physical, emotional and even spiritual health.
Some people are able to keep a home so neat that it looks staged. On the other side, I’ve seen some of the worst types of clutter in homes. Hallways that are stacked with papers and who-knows-what leaving a path like a narrow rural road that barely allows one car at a time. Shelves overflowing, beds with almost enough space to sleep in, insects living in molding piles of newspapers — it’s hard to imaging how bad it can get.
Some experts consider compulsive hoarding to be a mental illness in its own right, although its not yet formally recognized by psychiatrists. Where it effects quality of life, the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization may be of help.
For the rest of us, it’s still a behavioral issue. And systems help. Our California Closets system was very helpful for our family in organizing our clothes. When we have a new overflow problem we know it’s time to donate. Real Simple has regular monthly features with organizing products and cleaning ideas. Just don’t print or cut out the articles and start a new stack of to-dos.
And if you need help, get it. Professional Organizers and Feng Shui consultants thrive on our capacity to collect and our need to reduce clutter. Clutterboy in Los Altos, CA, has some fun “clutter conquest” stories if you need inspiration.
For me, having items in their place means I can find the documents I need when I need them. Being able to find my gym bag or running shoes leaves me fewer reasons to avoid exercise.
My next decluttering project is the garage.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:51 am
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