Why You Need to Make Decluttering a Priority

Recently, the kids I work with were having a lesson about taking care of their campus and the importance of cleaning up after themselves. As part of the lesson “The Broken Window Theory” came up.

If you’re not familiar with this theory, it centers around a study done in New York City where the subway was cleaned up and at the same time, there was a sharp drop in crime. Essentially New York City was revitalized by fixing the broken windows. James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling first introduced the broken windows theory in an article entitled “Broken Windows”.

The title comes from an example in the article:

Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if it’s unoccupied, perhaps become squatters or light fires inside.

According to the authors, the theory is that if you address the problems when they’re small, by repairing the broken windows within a short time, vandals are much less likely to break more windows or do further damage. Clean up the sidewalk every day, and it’s less likely that litter will accumulate.

So what does this have to do with decluttering your home? I’m so glad you asked!

Your environment and surroundings have a large impact on you. One little thing like fixing a broken window or decluttering your closet can be the starting point for turning things around.

But here’s the thing, the Mayor of New York City made cleaning up the subways and the city a priority and you need to do the same with your home. Here’s why:

1. If You Want Something Different You Have To Do Something Different

One thing I find exciting about the current culture we’re in is that more and more people are desiring simplicity in their lives. Think about it, Marie Kondo has become a household name by encouraging people to get rid of their clutter.

We’ve allowed ourselves to become overwhelmed and stretched to our limits. So now we’re longing for less and tuning into Netflix to watch the next episode of Marie Kondo helping people declutter their homes.

However, a desire for less or tuning into decluttering shows is not going to help if you don’t take action.

No matter how much you have going on, and I know it’s a lot, if you don’t start clearing out the excess nothing will ever change. Much like the broken windows example above. Things will only continue to accumulate.

There are ways to maintain a clutter-free home even when you feel like you don’t have the time to declutter, but it’s up to you to make decluttering a priority!

2. Clutter Causes You To Lose Your Focus

When your environment is disorderly, your life becomes disorderly and chaotic. Science confirms this. The studies show that clutter directly relates to stress. The more stuff we have, the more stress we have. Likewise, having less stuff equals having less stress.

The more stress you have the more you’re robbed of your focus. However, by limiting the number of your possessions, you reduce the level of stress in your day to day life. Decluttering enables you to focus on what truly matters. With less stuff, your focus can shift to those things that truly matter.

In addition, having less stuff allows you to focus on building stronger relationships. There are fewer distractions that you have to tend to and you’re able to devote your time and attention to the people you care about.

Why make it harder on yourself to focus on what matters most?  Are physical possessions really worth it? It’s time to let go and make decluttering a priority.

3. Clutter Steals Your Free Time

Every single possession you own takes some amount of your time.  That’s just a fact.  It doesn’t matter what it is, this applies to everything you own.  Whether it’s cleaning, maintaining or storing your stuff, all of it requires your effort and time. This is time you want to spend doing much more important things.

Needless to say, the more clutter you’ve accumulated the more of your free time you’re giving up to it.

On the other hand, when you make decluttering a priority you gain back control of your time.  You see, letting go of unnecessary possessions means less time cleaning up, putting things away and maintaining your space.

With this extra time, you’re now able to invest in what matters most! By making decluttering a priority you have time to build and strengthen your relationships, to take care of you, to create a life you love and do those things that matter most to YOU!

4. Making Decluttering a Priority Produces Gratitude

Something else I’ve personally discovered is that when you have less you tend to be so much more grateful for what you have.

You can really see this play out with kids at Christmas time or on their Birthdays. The first gift they’re given they’re thrilled and so grateful. But as they continue to get more and more gifts, they want more and more.

But this isn’t just true of kids.  We, adults, are just as bad.  We’ve just learned to hide it better.

In fact, it’s actually a chemical reaction.  You purchase something because it makes you feel good and it releases the brains chemical known as dopamine. As the pleasure of your new purchase fades we repeat the action to get back the dopamine rush.

The bottom line is, the more we have the more we want.

However, when you make decluttering a priority, life suddenly gets better because you begin to appreciate what you have. You’re able to rediscover and focus on those things that matter most. This happens because you are keeping only what you cherish and love.

Plus, decluttering is an opportunity to give to others in need when you donate the items you’ve decluttered. Anytime we give to others it shows us how much we have to be grateful for!

5. You Enjoy Your Home More When Decluttering is a Priority

When you’re living in a cluttered house, it’s nearly impossible to just sit, unwind and relax. All the stuff staring at you naturally makes you feel anxious. It’s like staring at a never-ending to-do list.

However, the opposition is also true when you live in a clutter-free home.  A clean uncluttered space allows you to love your home and love spending time there.

Not only will you love spending time in your home, but you’ll love the idea of having others over.  When you make decluttering a priority you become more hospitable. Partially because you’re able to invite friends and family over at the spur of the moment.

Removing the excess clutter from your home is what allows you to put time and energy into showing up for your purpose. And I want you to be able to live the kind of life you really want.

When you make decluttering a priority it’s your first step towards having a life you love.