Regina Homeowners: Get Organized, Declutter, and Change Your Life

All of us have heard people talk about the benefits of organization, and when it comes to our homes, many of us here in Regina in say we could use more. While often considered a lofty goal, decluttering our homes is more than simply creating coloured labels on boxes. Instead, organization can be a crucial first step to living a whole, complete life.

How does a little organization lead to a more relaxed and fulfilled life? So many of us get caught up in the lie that the more we own, the happier we’ll be. It's really quite the opposite - our level of happiness in life is determined by the quality of our relationships, not the quantity of our belongings.

Many people blur the lines between stuff and life - believing that losing some of your stuff translates into losing part of your life. Ask yourself if holding on to that trophy from high school really enriches your life, and if getting rid of it will truly diminish those fond memories. And, do you really need to keep that punch bowl you haven’t used in years just because someday you might need it?

Recognizing the connection between physical clutter and emotional clutter will go a long way toward freeing you up to be more effective, efficient, and happy. Eliminating clutter and getting organized removes the stuff that is standing between you and the best life you could be living.

If you’re ready to tackle the clutter in your home, start with these tips:

1. Start by doing a thorough inventory of things rarely used (how many times in the past year?) and take a second look at your available space. Get rid of things you haven’t used in the past year - chances are, you don’t need them anyway.
2. Invest in furniture that doubles as storage space (like an ottoman with wheels, which can be used as a stool, seat, tray, and storage).
3. Rearrange kitchen shelves and counter space so healthier foods and cooking utensils are more accessible and put fine china on top shelves or pack them away to make room for the dishes you regularly use.
4. Declutter your home office - clear your desk of unnecessary papers (throw them away or file them). An uncluttered work space maximizes your efficiency - you’ll get more done in less time.
5. Clean out your garage by removing broken or unused items and install a wall unit or another storage system to protect what you must keep.

More ideas can be found in this online article and the book It’s All Too Much, by Peter Walsh.

If you take inventory and realize you need to buy a home that better fits your needs, I’d be thrilled to be your real estate expert! Give me, Clair Whittington, a call! In the meantime, visit my website for more tips on home buying. I look forward to working with you to find your perfect home and enrich your life!