Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff in your home? You’re not alone. Many high-achieving women struggle with clutter and the mental and emotional overwhelm that comes with it.
But what if I told you that decluttering your physical space could actually help you reclaim mental clarity and create more joy in your life?
In this blog post, I’m sharing insights from my conversation with decluttering coach Maggie Brittain on The Live By Design Podcast. Maggie shares her COCO organizing framework, a game-changer for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering.
What is COCO Organizing?
COCO stands for Clear, Organize, Curate, and Often. It’s a four-step process that helps you declutter your home and create systems for keeping it organized.
1. Clear
The first step is to clear your space of any physical clutter. This means getting rid of anything you don’t use, need, or love.
2. Organize
Once you’ve cleared your space, it’s time to organize what’s left. This means creating a system for storing your belongings in a way that makes sense for you.
3. Curate
Curating your space means choosing items that bring you joy and reflect your personal style. This is about creating a home that you love to be in.
4. Often
The final step is to maintain your decluttered space by practicing good habits. This means putting things away regularly and decluttering on a regular basis.
Benefits of Decluttering
There are many benefits to decluttering, including:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved mental clarity
- Increased productivity
- More time and energy
- Greater sense of control
- Improved mood
- Better sleep
- More joy
How to Get Started with Decluttering
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering, start small. Choose one area of your home to focus on, such as a closet or a drawer.
Once you’ve tackled one small area, you’ll start to feel motivated to keep going.
Tips for Decluttering
Here are a few tips to help you declutter:
- Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can declutter in that time.
- Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I use this item regularly?
- Do I need this item?
- Do I love this item?
- If you answered no to any of these questions, it’s time to let go of the item.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to declutter on your own, there are many resources available, such as professional organizers and decluttering coaches.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs About Clutter
Many people have limiting beliefs about clutter that can prevent them from decluttering. Some common limiting beliefs include:
- I’m not good at decluttering.
- I don’t have time to declutter.
- I’m too sentimental to declutter.
- I’m afraid I’ll regret getting rid of something.
If you have any of these limiting beliefs, it’s important to challenge them. Remember, decluttering is a skill that can be learned. And even if you’re busy, you can still find time to declutter, even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day.
Creating a More Intentional Life Through Decluttering
Decluttering is about more than just getting rid of physical stuff. It’s also about creating space for what truly matters in your life. When you declutter your home, you’re also decluttering your mind. This can help you to focus on your goals and create a more intentional life.
But decluttering doesn’t stop at your physical possessions. It can be about clearing space in other areas of your life:
- Decluttering Your Schedule: Say “no” to commitments that don’t align with your values and priorities. Are you overcommitted? Do you have a hard time saying no? Look at your schedule and identify anything that’s draining your energy or preventing you from pursuing what truly matters.
- Decluttering Your Relationships: Let go of toxic people who are draining your energy. This can be tough, but it’s essential for creating a healthy and supportive environment for yourself.
- Decluttering Your Mental Clutter: Practice mindfulness and meditation. This can help you to quiet your mind, reduce stress, and focus on the present moment. Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference!
Decluttering is a powerful tool that can help you to create a more joyful and fulfilling life. By decluttering your home, your schedule, your relationships, and your mind, you can create space for what truly matters.
Connect with Maggie: https://www.chesterfieldorganizingco.com | @chesterfieldorganizingco
