Out of the house. Out of your life.


A friend was helping me clean out my cupboards the other day in preparation for renting out the house to fund my return to studying architecture.

"I never realised you were such a hoarder, " he said struggling down the stairs with three boxed crammed full of folder and papers.

"It must be such a weight off your shoulders," he continued, turning his attention to cleaning out my handbag. "Out of your house, out of your life life, " he smiled.

I had to agree. Seeing all the stuff I'd accumulated and diligently storied for years - just in case I needed it - leave the house felt incredibly liberating - freeing me up to begin life anew.

Out went the tatty boxes of paper. Out went the course notes I'd kept for 18 years! Out went over 30 years of photos, out went 40 years worth of CD's. Out went VHS's - too old or too tatty to play. Never mind the fact that technology has rendered them redundant. Out everything that no longer reflected my preferred future - out into the garage! Shifting things from A to B is a strict no, no according to some anti-clutter purists. Still at least it's a start - letting go is hard to do abruptly - what say I 'need them!" But just the fact they are out of sight helps them to be out of mind. It's all part of the letting go process and frees up space to let in new life affirming resources - like my yummy architecture and design books.

Clutter according to zen principals, is a stagnant feature in a room and consequently creates poor chi energy. This stagnant energy can lead to negative feelings, apathy and depression. Perhaps this explains the desire to purge the darkness of winter and embark on a vigorous spring clean - symbolically leaving winter behind and welcoming better, brighter days.


Creating simplicity and serenity

Simply. Enhance feelings of space and serenity by simplifying your selection of furnishings, objects and colour. Less really is more when it comes to creating life enhancing spaces.

A few of your favourite things - resist the urge to pack in all your life's treasures. A few well chosen favorites create more joy then stacks on things piled on top and in front of each other

Pile, Pack or Toss. Start room by room and bundle up everything into a central pile. Systematically sort into 3 piles - "love it, can't lose it"; "love it; but over it" "Don't give a damn." Chuck out, give away or sell things that no longer give you joy, pack up the over it things - if you don't miss then in 6 months-1 year then you don't give a damn and they can go. Give your love it, can't lose it things pride of place.

Eliminate. Edit your possessions vigorously. Throw away stacks of newspapers and magazines that you will never get around to reading. Clear out boxes of photographs - keeping only the choice shots

Affirm who you are. Make a conscious decision about who you are and who you want to be. What do you value? What do you care about? What affirms "you" - surround yourself with objects and furnishing that excite, affirm and inspire.

Get a clutter coach. If you lack objectivity or just don't know where to start get your a nag buddy or clutter coach. Make sure it is someone you trust, respect and "allow" them to oversee/manage the declutter process. I've done this for other people for years but recently I've allowed other people to give me a hand and it's truly awesome!

Create a soul space
Click here to find out how finding your soul colours can help you attract more abundance into your life

For more decluttering tips click here

Create your own Zen interior here

Labels: architecture, happiness