Our Tips to Help Declutter Your Mind and Home

“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.”

Joshua Becker, founder and editor of Becoming Minimalist

Here at ISCD we believe you should, “Design the life you want to live”.  We want students to be able to combine their passion for design with their lifestyle and or career and the best way to start is to declutter.

The word ‘declutter’ means to remove mess or clutter from a place. Whether that ‘place’ is psychological or physical it’s important to declutter from time to time.

Decluttering psychologically can be done in many different ways.

1. Writing things down

Be it a to-do list or just everything on your mind, this is a great way to visually see what you have to do or what is on your mind. The physical process of writing things down and crossing things out is therapeutic and can almost free the mind up of any unwanted clutter.

2. Meditation

Meditation has many benefits for the brain, it’s a great way to take some time out of your day and to really focus on yourself! Particularly, guided meditation if you are a busy person as this will help you switch off. Benefits include, reduced stress, anxiety and depression, improvement to your attention span and mood.

3. Colouring

Adult colouring books are everywhere! This is a great way to declutter you mind and relax. Focusing on something different and fun can take your mind off things without you even realising, even if it is just for 30 minutes a day! They are believed to reduce anxiety and clear your mind.

 

Decluttering physically can sometimes be a bit daunting, especially if you have a lot of clutter!

1. To-do lists

As mentioned above, writing things down can be a good place to start. This time instead of dumping thoughts out, you are listing what’s next. If you have a few rooms you want to declutter, put them in the order you are going to do them, break things down so that you can physically see what you have to do.

2. One in, one out

Start to live by this rule to keep on top of your ‘clutter’. If you go out and buy anything new, come home and get rid of something you don’t use anymore, and I don’t mean just throwing it away, recycle it by giving it to a friend/work colleague, donate it to a charity or even try selling it somewhere!

3. Make it fun!

People are less likely to do things, or do them well, if we’re not enjoying ourselves whilst doing it. I know what some of you may be thinking, ‘How can decluttering my home be fun?!’ The word fun means something different for everyone, so think of things that you enjoy doing and incorporate it into decluttering. Like watching a movie, listening to your favourite album, having someone to keep you company. Or if you’re quite a competitive person, make it into a challenge, set yourself goals and times you have to have done things by and reward yourself if you complete it at the end. Always reward yourself – this will keep you focused!

 

Want to learn more about decluttering and minimalism? Try reading:

What is the Slow Home Movement? – ISCD Blog

The More of Less – Joshua Becker

The Joy of Less – Francine Jay

New Order – Fay Wolf

Spark Joy – Marie Kondo