As an interior designer, people ALWAYS ask me what is your style. I hesitate to answer that question specifically as everyone has different tastes and as a designer I am trained to satisfy everyone’s style. But the one thing I always will say is “I HATE clutter and consider myself a minimalist!” No matter what your style is, clutter and mess has no place in your space!
So what is “clutter?” My definition is that clutter can be anything from knick knacks to piles of papers, clothes, work etc…basically NO organization. I know what you’re going to say…” It’s my everyday life, how can I just keep everything so organized all the time?” Well it’s a mindset just like everything else. Especially for those of you who work from home (as do I), organization is the key in getting results. Sitting down to a messy work area is not only inefficient but it is also a form of “white noise.” When the space around you is at peace your subconscious is at peace. A peaceful mind is a much better place to work from.
Some other huge benefits to working and living in a clutter free zone:
- When guests pop over unexpectedly there is no stressing about running around the house to clean it up, allowing your home to always be ready for visitors.
- The presentation of your home and work spaces convey a message to others around you. Does it make it right that people assume something when they see the way you live? No, but the reality is that it’s true and perception is reality for most. I am not judgin’, I am just sayin’ J
- You will get RESULTS! If your in a healthy state of mind when you leave for the day because you just slept and did your morning routine in a peaceful haven you can start your day right. Be it if you go to work or start your workday at home. It’s all about RESULTS! And you get results when you’re feeling good!
Now listen, I am not a cleaning fanatic. That is not what I am saying, because being very extreme can also cause an awful amount stress which is completely unnecessary. It is about minimizing the clutter and noise that could be added to your day.
Your space says A LOT about your character and how you live your life. It may not be who you truly are, but it may be a challenge you are going through at the moment and it is being reflected in your space. I guarantee that if you make your space your haven that you want to come home to everyday to find that escape and sense of zen, you have to go minimal. Collect all of those knick knacks and those messy piles in the corner of the room and organize them in nice storage or even better – TRASH THEM if you can J
JUST SAY NO TO CLUTTER! I know you can do it. And I promise you will feel so much better…it’s almost cathartic.
If I can help you in any way I would love to hear from you!
Yours in True Health and Happiness,
Eleni



{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice Post!!!
It’s very true, especially for when you work. You can get 10 times the amount of work done when you’re in a peaceful and clutter-free space. Keep up the great work, I look forward to hooking up with you!
Spencer
Oh just wait until you have kids, then let’s talk!
I agree with almost everything you said ~ though I have to say that I am not a minimalist and still feel that my house is pretty zen! Definitely not cluttered and I’m very organized….but knick knacks really? I love ‘em. Not tacky ones, zen ones!
And I’ve become very fond of hot wheels ~ how do those fare?
Great post, thanks Eleni!
Beth Allen´s last blog ..7 Keys to Living Your Most Passionate Life
Well I do have to agree with you that certain knick knacks that serve a purpose are ok..but when people are basically pack rats with collectibles it become a problem, i think at least. And hot wheel are completely acceptable! Thanks for stopping by Beth
Thank you GOD for giving me such a fantastic girl. You are the best Eleni and I am so happy we live in the same ‘clutter free’ house. I HATE HATE HATE clutter!
xoxo
Matthew Miller´s last blog ..Do you “Big Mo?” – Office Hour Recharge Tips..
Eleni,
I think that my wife Terri and I can relate to your post. We just recently moved into a beautiful historic home…half the size of our old house. We really worked on getting and keeping the boxes out of the house until we were ready to unpack them. We brought many of them in one by one. The result, not a cluttered house full of boxes waiting to be unpacked. Things got put away and we felt much more relaxed. Now the garage…that’s another story. Everything in it’s own time.
Don Enck´s last blog ..Spring Break?…School Is Never Out For The Professional
Eleni,
I can so relate to this. It just makes everything go smoother with your living space in order, sets a balance to your life. Good tips to follow,
Val
Val Wilcox´s last blog ..Who Is In Your Target Circle?
So true! Clutter-free zone is where it’s at! I know people can go extreme either way, but balance to me = clutter-free. Awesome Eleni!
Oh Eleni…I would love to agree on everything…and I do in principle for sure. However there are times even when you are a minimalist that space can be an issue. However…even this can be a very good thing because you really have to get the creative juices flowing…which is quite healthy in its own right.
Having 9 in our family…it is a challenge to live clutter free…and we are not there yet. However, we are putting our creative juices constantly to the test and we are making headway.
Thanks for your great insight…many blessings my great friend!
Bruce Backman´s last blog ..The Ring of Power-One Ring to Rule Them All
I can so relate to this! Ever heard of CHAOS? Cant Have Anyone Over Syndrome? I found a site a couple years ago thyat really helped me get my house and life for that matter in perfect organization. http://www.flylady.net Love it! Taught me how to do routines at certain times of the day to keep organized and get rid of clutter!
Julianna Brower´s last blog ..The Empowered Tribe- Social Proof
Thanks Eleni, I went on a clutter busting spree last year and got rid of most of it! Tons of ‘stuff’ went to the tip and the house could breath again
I’ve let slip a little over the last few months but will have it back under control again very soon… similar to everything, it’s the little things that matter and if we don’t do the little things, they soon get out of control, just like weeds.
Thanks
Gavin Mountford
Gavin Mountford´s last blog ..RSS Feed Me Some Yummy Blog Posts… Syndication Power!
I agree clutter is not a good thing. Staying organized will make everything run better. When I was a teacher I was extremely organized and now I have to stay organized or I will forget things or lose things.
Great post.
Beverly