We're all guilty of it - filling our homes with useless junk we don't need or use.
And a cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind; so get ready for a cleansed summer season and a bright new beginning.
From the piles of mail on your kitchen table to the boxes stacked on top of your wardrobe, clutter is a part of daily life. It might not bother you.
You could be so used to those mounds of clothes and piles of shoes that you simply don't notice them anymore. But clear them out and you'll gain space in more ways than one.
People often have a cluttered space because there's something else going on. It's not always just about the stuff or a shabby outlook. But it works both ways - a cluttered space equals a cluttered mind. It's very difficult to relax and feel in control when you can't find anything.
It takes longer to do everything, which becomes frustrating and depressing. Being organised and clutter-free brings clarity and peace of mind. Psychologists indicate that scatterbrains are more likely to develop complications in personal as well as professional relationships, in contrast to organized people, who take one step at a time with a clear cognition.
Statistics suggest that every one-in-four people feel anxious and overwhelmed about their clutter.
So, how to conquer your clutter and take control of your life? It might sound far-fetched, but there are many benefits. For instance, you are likely to buy another black top when you realise you already have five. And you can stop yourself doubling up on things. Clutterbugs often duplicate items because they can't find the first one they bought.
How to keep up the momentum...
* For every new item you buy, get rid of two old ones.
* Get into the habit of putting things away. If you find yourself constantly leaving the same things out, find a new, more accessible place to store them.
* Remember the 80/20 principle. Most people use 20 per cent of their stuff 80 per cent of the time. This is especially relevant where clothes are concerned, so start rotating your wardrobe.
* If it's offered, choose paperless billing and eliminate piles of mail while saving the rainforests.
* When you hit the next upcoming sale season, follow this mantra - if in doubt, leave it out.
If you're unsure about something in the shop, you'll probably be even less sure when you get it home.
So, take some time to clear out your clutter. It's a positive, empowering action that will create more time and space for a fresh new you!
How to keep up the momentum...
* For every new item you buy, get rid of two old ones.
* Get into the habit of putting things away. If you find yourself constantly leaving the same things out, find a new, more accessible place to store them.
* Remember the 80/20 principle. Most people use 20 per cent of their stuff 80 per cent of the time. This is especially relevant where clothes are concerned, so start rotating your wardrobe.
* If it's offered, choose paperless billing and eliminate piles of mail while saving the rainforests.
* When you hit the next upcoming sale season, follow this mantra - if in doubt, leave it out.
If you're unsure about something in the shop, you'll probably be even less sure when you get it home.
So, take some time to clear out your clutter. It's a positive, empowering action that will create more time and space for a fresh new you!