The Clutter Mystery

Did you know that, according to a University of California study, the average American home has over 300,000 items in it? 300,000 items!

  • No wonder Americans are stressed out by the amount of stuff in their homes.
  • No wonder we are having difficulty concentrating, focusing, and getting things done.
  • No wonder one of the top three New Year’s resolutions each year is to declutter and get organized!

If you are one of the millions of Americans who are fed up with the amount of clutter you are dealing with in your home, and if you’re experiencing a lot of undue stress and having difficulty getting it done, you’re not alone. Join the crowd!

A Personal Journey Begins

In tonight’s video, I’m going to share something deeply personal with you that I’ve never shared before: my decluttering journey in my 60s and how it changed my life. My story will inspire you and give you hope that it is possible to let go of many of the things we hold onto and are attached to, even though we may no longer want, need, or use them.

Listening to my downsizing and decluttering journey, you’ll be encouraged and motivated to start your own journey, whether you’re in your 60s or at any age. When you declutter your physical possessions, you also declutter your mental clutter and that’s what makes you feel so much better, so much lighter, and free to start living a simpler, more meaningful life with less.

Facing the Overflow of Excess Stuff

When I started my decluttering and downsizing journey, I owned a huge, beautiful home in the country. Every inch of it was filled with not only beautiful stuff but also my attic, basement, and garage were filled with boxes and bins in every color.

As beautiful as my home was to the eye, my cupboards, closets, and drawers were filled to the brim. It was hidden from plain sight, but I knew it was there.

The hidden clutter was always on my mind, and it definitely took its toll on me. Every waking minute, I tried to keep up by organizing it, making it look neat inside the drawers and closets. But I couldn’t seem to part with much of it, so I just kept making it look neat. My reality was that I was attached to all that beautiful stuff for a number of reasons:

  • I might need it someday.
  • It will fit again when I lose 10 pounds.
  • I spent too much money on it, so I can’t just give it away.

Check out my minimalist checklist for a step-by-step guide to decluttering your life.

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Mindfulness and Action

All of these reasons kept me stuck until one day I decided to organize one of my large walk-in closets with the intention of getting rid of a few items.

But when I opened the closet door, I started to cry! I stood in the middle of the closet, overwhelmed by the challenge ahead of me. But what really hit me between the eyes was that many of those beautiful items still had tags on them. I had never worn them!

The tears poured from my eyes when I thought about the excess in my life… Not just in this closet, but in every other closet, cabinet, dresser, shelf, and drawer.

A New Perspective

That moment changed my life! I couldn’t pack the boxes fast enough. I worked feverishly for 2 to 3 hours to neatly pack all but three beautiful suits.

Even though the snow was starting to accumulate, I loaded my car and drove immediately to the women’s shelter where I was warmly greeted and graciously offered help to unload the boxes. As I drove away that afternoon, I felt happier. I felt relieved. I would never know who would be wearing those beautiful suits, but I knew one thing… They were now in the hands of someone who needed them, someone who wanted them and would wear them. And that’s all that mattered.

My Journey Continues

It took me about a year to declutter my remaining closets and drawers. I was inspired and motivated to live a simpler, more meaningful life with less stuff and less stress.

As the “Downsizing Designer,” I now have the privilege of being a national spokesman for downsizing and decluttering and living a simpler, more abundant life with less. I get to speak to people just like you who want to declutter but don’t know how to get started or how to stay motivated.

Inspiring Others with My Minimalist Checklist

The journey is not easy, but take it from me, it is worth it. I hope you’re inspired and motivated by my very personal downsizing and decluttering journey. It changed my life, and it can change yours too!

Please continue to watch and like my Facebook Lives, my YouTube videos, and the blogs on my website. Don’t forget to check out my minimalist checklist for a step-by-step guide to decluttering your life. Please share your own decluttering stories because you will inspire someone else who might just be starting out but is struggling.

Please share with family and friends or anyone you think might benefit.

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Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon.