A Family, Void of Clutter

An interesting dilemma: How to find the balance of how much ‘stuff’ one can handle at one time? How many hobbies can we start up at once? How many ‘collectibles’ can we display?

And, how much room we need to store memorabilia? Where is the line? When we de-clutter to the extreme, we deprive ourselves of the memories, incentives and items that feed our soul. Hmmm…

I consulted in a home recently that was void of any clutter whatsoever! There were four people living in this house: two parents and two adult children. I did not see a pen, pencil, notebook, or a book in sight. I did not see a tablet, cellphone or salt shaker anywhere. On closer look, almost every horizontal surface was completely barren: no hairbrush, lotions, or place mats to be found!

I was a bit shocked. The family gets approval for keeping their clutter under control, but there was no real visual evidence that they lived there. They all stated they had future goals and dreams they were reaching for. But, where were these dreams being reinforced in their personal space?
According to Karen Kingston, author of Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, “The purpose of clutter clearing is to find the right balance– enough stuff to be able to live your life to the fullest, but not so much that it drags you down or holds you back.”

“…the main aim of clutter clearing is to let go of the things around you that you no longer use or love, and organize what you have left so you can find things when you need them.”

What happens when you clean up too much? (If that’s possible, for most of us!) You lose things and spend time regrouping or buying more things. You may pack up all the things you love and then, deny yourself the pleasure of using them; just because you’ve been told they are ‘clutter’. This doesn’t make sense.

~ I spoke with another lady about clutter clearing. She was so angry with her daughter-in-law for throwing out the grandkids’ artwork. Yes, these items can accumulate in the early school years, but you should find a temporary spot for display. Admiration and praise for child’s hard work is imperative for self-confidence in later years.

~ Another client of mine, a single fellow, gets kudos for keeping things clutter-free. He says he is ready to move on, but the joy is absent. I sense he is missing more than a partner in his life; I believe it is time for him to bring in more colour if he doesn’t want more things to dust.

Anti-Clutter is not living life to the fullest. We do need some of our ‘things’ around. We do need our to-do lists, our hobbies and sentimental things that make us feel good. We also need cook books and a change of purses and shoes. We also need to accept that some areas will often be jumbled; laundry, garbage and recycling. This is life! Do not apologize for living!

Any household that is obsessive with clean and clear is depriving itself of fond memories, motivational images and fun whimsical articles. Without the support of fond memories from the past and joy in the present, we cannot plan for the future. These items are important to maintain a health mind and balanced life.

Your ‘things’ are personal to you. Identify the items you love; then, go ahead and surround yourself with pleasant memories and good times. Guilt free!

~Any items that remind you of past relationships, bickering siblings or sad situations should be removed from your space. Seek out a professional if you need help to find the balance.

As part my feng shui assessment to the family mentioned earlier; I gave them a homework assignment: The task was to find three things that have meaning for each of them. and display these items in their personal space. After two weeks, the family reports that things are better. And, the mother is not so depressed anymore.

Imagine.