Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of stuff? Like no matter how much you tidy up, the clutter just keeps creeping back in? If so, you’re not alone. Many busy women struggle with the same challenges. But there’s good news: it doesn’t have to be this way!
In this blog post, we’re diving deep into the world of decluttering and organization with Deanna Yates, a professional organizer, declutter coach, and the host of the popular Wannabe Clutter Free podcast. Deanna is passionate about helping women reclaim their homes and lives from clutter, and she’s here to share her unique approach with us.
Get ready to say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to a home you truly love with Deanna’s proven Clutter Freedom Framework!
What is the Clutter Freedom Framework?
The Clutter Freedom Framework is a simple yet powerful system that will help you create a more peaceful and productive life. It consists of three steps: Decide, Oust, and Manage.
1. Decide
This is the most important step. You need to make a conscious decision about how you want your life and home to look. What kind of person, partner, and parent do you want to be? What activities and emotions do you want to prioritize in each space of your home? Once you have a clear vision, you can start making decisions about what stays and what goes.
2. Oust
Now it’s time to get rid of the things that don’t align with your vision. This can be anything from clothes you never wear to books you’ll never read to kitchen gadgets you’ve never used. Don’t let guilt or “just in case” thinking hold you back. If it doesn’t serve you, it’s time to let it go.
3. Manage
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s important to create systems that will prevent the clutter from creeping back in. This might involve setting up a regular cleaning schedule, implementing a “one in, one out” rule for new purchases, or creating a designated space for everything in your home.
Overcoming Decision-Making Obstacles
One of the biggest challenges women face when decluttering is making decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. This can be especially difficult if you’re emotionally attached to your belongings or if you’re afraid of making the wrong decision.
Here are a few tips to help you overcome these obstacles:
- Start with your why. Why do you want to declutter? What are you hoping to achieve? Having a clear purpose will make it easier to make decisions.
- Take it slow. You don’t have to declutter your entire house in a day. Start with one small area, like a drawer or a shelf.
- Be honest with yourself. If you’re not using something, it’s time to let it go. Don’t keep things “just in case.”
- Ask for help. If you’re struggling to make decisions, ask a friend or family member for help.
Creative Ways to Oust Clutter
Beyond traditional decluttering methods like donating or selling your belongings, there are many creative ways to oust clutter from your life. Here are a few ideas:
- Host a swap party. Invite your friends over and have everyone bring items they no longer want. You can swap clothes, books, kitchenware, or anything else you can think of.
- Give experiences instead of gifts. Instead of buying your loved ones more stuff, give them experiences like tickets to a concert or a gift certificate for a massage.
- Digitize your memories. Scan old photos and important documents so you can get rid of the physical clutter.
- Rent or borrow instead of buying. If you only need something for a short period of time, consider renting or borrowing it instead of buying it.
- Challenge yourself to a “no spend” month. See if you can go an entire month without buying anything new. This will help you appreciate what you already have and prevent you from bringing more clutter into your home.
Creating Sustainable Systems to Manage Clutter
Once you’ve decluttered your home, it’s important to create sustainable systems that will prevent the clutter from creeping back in. Here are a few tips:
- Create a designated space for everything. Make sure everything in your home has a designated space. This will make it easier to put things away and prevent them from piling up.
- Implement a “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of one old item. This will help you maintain a balance and prevent your home from becoming cluttered again.
- Set up a regular cleaning schedule. Even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day, make sure you’re regularly tidying up and putting things away. This will prevent clutter from building up over time.
- Be mindful of your purchases. Before you buy something new, ask yourself if you really need it and if it aligns with your vision for your life and home.
- Practice gratitude. Take time to appreciate the things you have and the space you’ve created. This will help you stay motivated to keep your home clutter-free.
The Role of Mindset in Managing Clutter
Your mindset plays a crucial role in managing clutter. If you’re constantly stressed and overwhelmed, it will be more difficult to maintain a clutter-free home. On the other hand, if you’re living by design and intentionally creating a life you love, it will be easier to stay on top of the clutter.
Here are a few mindset tips to help you manage clutter:
- Focus on the positive. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of clutter, focus on the positive aspects of having a clutter-free home.
- Practice self-care. Make sure you’re taking care of your mental and emotional health. This will make it easier to manage stress and make healthy decisions about your belongings.
- Visualize your ideal space. Take some time to visualize your ideal home. What does it look and feel like? This will help you stay motivated to declutter and create the space you desire.
- Celebrate your progress. Don’t forget to celebrate your progress along the way. This will help you stay positive and motivated to continue your decluttering journey.
The Benefits of a Clutter-Free Life
There are many benefits to living a clutter-free life. Here are just a few:
- Reduced stress and anxiety. Clutter can be a major source of stress and anxiety. When you declutter your home, you’re also decluttering your mind.
- Improved focus and concentration. It’s easier to focus and concentrate when you’re not surrounded by clutter.
- Increased productivity. A clutter-free space can help you be more productive.
- Improved sleep quality. Studies have shown that people who sleep in clutter-free bedrooms sleep better than those who sleep in cluttered bedrooms.
- More time for what matters. When you’re not spending all your time cleaning and organizing, you have more time for the things that matter most to you.
- Greater sense of control. Having a clutter-free home can give you a greater sense of control over your life.
- More energy. Clutter can be draining. When you declutter your home, you’ll have more energy for the things you love.
- Improved mood. A clutter-free space can help improve your mood and overall well-being.
- Stronger relationships. Clutter can put a strain on your relationships. When you declutter your home, you’re also creating more space for positive relationships.
- Greater self-awareness. The process of decluttering can help you become more self-aware and understand what truly matters to you.
Take the Next Step with Deanna’s Clutter Freedom Workshop
If you’re ready to take the next step in your decluttering journey, be sure to check out Deanna’s free Clutter Freedom Workshop. In this workshop, you’ll learn more about the Clutter Freedom Framework and get practical tips and strategies for decluttering your home and life.
Sign up for the free Clutter Freedom Workshop here: https://wannabeclutterfree.com/clutterfreedomworkshopoptin
Connect with Deanna
Want to learn more about Deanna and her work? Here’s where you can find her:
