 A vacuum cleaner is one of the most if not the most expensive cleaning tool most of us will ever purchase. That’s why it is so important to pick the right machine for your home and your budget. Vacuums come in four different styles which typically come down to personal preference: upright, canister, stick, and robotic. There are also handheld varieties for small jobs like cleaning up a quick spill on your sofa or in your car. This list will focus on the big machines used for everyday cleaning. I've grouped them by type and have listed the top-ranked machines in each category based on extensive testing and reviews. Just click on the vacuum to learn about its features, specs, and pricing. Upright
Canister Stick
Robotic Do you have a vacuum that you love? Let me know what it is in the comments below! Are you interested in becoming a professional organizer? My friend Cassandra Aarssen, better known as Clutterbug, is a successful blogger, YouTuber, and author who also teaches a professional organizing course. Click here to become a Certified Organizational Specialist!
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How to Deep Clean a Ceiling Fan
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Cleaning Kit Must-Haves with FREE Printable
6 Key Products Everyone Needs
Cleaning is a part of life. But not everyone has been taught how to clean or what products to clean with. I’m going to give you my top seven cleaning supplies everyone should have in their cleaning kit and a free printable below to go along with it.
1. Regular White Vinegar – Deodorizer and Degreaser
2. Rubbing Alcohol – Disinfectant, Grease and Grime, and Streak-Free Shines
3. Dish Soap – Recipe Base, Cuts Grease, and an All-purpose Cleaner
4. Baking Soda - Whitener, Deodorizer, and Abrasive
5. Essential Oils - Pleasant Scents, Anti-Microbial, Anti-Viral, Anti-Bacterial, and Much More
6. Hydrogen Peroxide – Stain Remover, Bleach Substitute
6 Key Products Everyone Needs
Cleaning is a part of life. But not everyone has been taught how to clean or what products to clean with. I’m going to give you my top seven cleaning supplies everyone should have in their cleaning kit and a free printable below to go along with it.
1. Regular White Vinegar – Deodorizer and Degreaser
- Put a cup of it in your fridge to absorb odors.
- Place one or two cups of it on the top rack of your dishwasher as a rinse aid. It will keep soap and hard water from building up on your dishes.
- Using a cloth, rub the vinegar on your chrome faucets to remove soap scum and hard water. It will also help prevent them from recurring.
- Fill a container with half water and half vinegar. Soak your cutlery in it for about ten minutes. Dry them off with a microfiber cloth for sparkling flatware.
- If you’ve cooked something odorous like fish, boil 2/3 water and 1/3 vinegar. The steam eliminates the cooking smells.
- Putting vinegar into your wash while running clothes will act as a fabric softener and help to remove stains and odors.
- With a microfiber cloth and a 50/50 water and vinegar mix, wipe down your stainless steel appliances for a streak-free shine.
2. Rubbing Alcohol – Disinfectant, Grease and Grime, and Streak-Free Shines
- For an eco-friendly DIY disinfectant pour one part water and one part rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle. (Add in 20 to 30 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil to boost the disinfecting power even more!)
- Turn your blinds so they’re flat. Spray thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and wipe clean with a clean old sock.
- With a 50/50 water to rubbing alcohol mix on an electronics safe microfiber cloth, wipe down your phone, laptop, TV, and any other screens you may have.
- Wipe down chrome with a soft cloth for a disinfected streak-free finish.
- Make an easy eyeglass cleaner with a spray bottle, three parts alcohol, one part water, and a single drop of dish soap. No streaking!
- Homemade hand sanitizer can be made with one part rubbing alcohol, two parts pure aloe vera gel, a tablespoon of coconut oil, 15 drops of any essential oil you choose.
3. Dish Soap – Recipe Base, Cuts Grease, and an All-purpose Cleaner
- A few drops of dish soap to a bucket of hot water creates a great cleaner for any floor.
- Got a grease stain on your clothes? Apply a little dish soap directly to the stain and add a couple of drops of water to it. Let sit for five minutes then rinse and launder as like usual.
- Fill your blender halfway with water a couple of drops of dish soap and run it for a quick and easy blender cleaning.
- Put a drop of dish soap into a spray bottle and fill with warm water for a natural stone cleaner.
- Window cleaner can be made with a couple of drops of dish soap into a spray bottle of water. Adding ½ cup of ammonia increases the cleaning power.
4. Baking Soda - Whitener, Deodorizer, and Abrasive
- A 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water will make a paste you can use to scrub scuff and crayon marks off your wall.
- For a clogged or smelly sink, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain a leave it for an hour. Boil two cups of white vinegar and pour it down the drain as well. Rinse with hot water.
- Sprinkle baking soda onto your grout and sprinkle a little water on it. Scrub with a toothbrush for clean grout.
- If you don't have a self-cleaning oven, spray it with white vinegar and sprinkle baking soda on top. Let it sit for a few minutes then scrub it with a sponge or steel wool. Viola! Clean oven.
- Baking soda is a great carpet deodorizer. Just sprinkle it on your carpet, leave it for about 30 minutes then vacuum it up. Your vacuum will benefit, too!
- Add a cup of baking soda to your laundry every time you wash to brighten and deodorize. You can see the difference.
5. Essential Oils - Pleasant Scents, Anti-Microbial, Anti-Viral, Anti-Bacterial, and Much More
- Add five drops of oil for every three cups of liquid (water, cleaner, alcohol, etc.) for a light scent.
- To disinfect or get the full properties of the oil add fifteen to twenty drops to three cups of liquid.
- For a heavy-duty use like linen spray, poopourri, reed diffusers, etc., use thirty to forty drops in three cups of liquid.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide – Stain Remover, Bleach Substitute
- Add one part dish soap to two parts hydrogen peroxide for an amazing stain remover. Put the mixture directly on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then you can wash it like normal. It can also be used on carpets, rugs, or upholstered furniture.
- Putting a cup of peroxide into a quart of water to wash your fruits and veggies gives you pesticide and bacteria-free food.
- One part baking soda with two parts peroxide is a super grout cleaner.
- Pour ½ - 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into your toilet bowl to sit for 1-2 hours. Clean bowl with toilet brush and flush.
- Use peroxide in the laundry in place of bleach. Add it to the bleach compartment in your washing machine.
- Clean your toothbrush by soaking it in hydrogen peroxide.
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What are your favorite cleaning products? Leave me a message in the comments below!
| Be sure to check me out on social media at: Facebook Support Group | |
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If you’re anything like me you crave that Pinterest worthy bathroom but cannot afford the price tag that comes along with such a space. Thankfully, there are great ways to get that magazine cover space without the high dollar price.
Dollar Tree is a store offering everything from food and drinks to home décor and beauty items to automotive and cleaning supplies. Odds are if you need it, they have it, or a version of it at least. Aside from its wide variety of products, the most alluring thing about Dollar Tree is that everything costs ONE DOLLAR!! At a price point like that, accommodating all budgets is a cinch.
Most items come in a variety of colors and styles. Here are some examples of what the Dollar Tree carries and how you can use it in your space.
Dollar Tree is a store offering everything from food and drinks to home décor and beauty items to automotive and cleaning supplies. Odds are if you need it, they have it, or a version of it at least. Aside from its wide variety of products, the most alluring thing about Dollar Tree is that everything costs ONE DOLLAR!! At a price point like that, accommodating all budgets is a cinch.
Most items come in a variety of colors and styles. Here are some examples of what the Dollar Tree carries and how you can use it in your space.
Jars
There are beautiful glass jars in different designs and sizes that you can use for cotton balls, Q-Tips, bath salts, or even ponytail holder and bobby pins. These are great on a countertop or a shelf to hold your smaller items.
There are beautiful glass jars in different designs and sizes that you can use for cotton balls, Q-Tips, bath salts, or even ponytail holder and bobby pins. These are great on a countertop or a shelf to hold your smaller items.
Shower Caddy and Curtains
Believe it or not, you can get a shower caddy for a buck to wrangle all those hair and body products. This is a great buy as these sell for considerably more elsewhere and hold a lot of stuff.
There are many different shower curtain options at Dollar Tree also. They come in clear, prints, and solids.
Believe it or not, you can get a shower caddy for a buck to wrangle all those hair and body products. This is a great buy as these sell for considerably more elsewhere and hold a lot of stuff.
There are many different shower curtain options at Dollar Tree also. They come in clear, prints, and solids.
Storage
Whatever your design aesthetic is you can find storage containers to suit it. There’s stackable under the sink bins, baskets with lids, drawer organizers, bath caddies and more available in bright colors, pastels, and neutrals. My personal favorite is the acrylic style makeup organizers that have a variety of shapes and compartment sizes. I use a number of these on my makeup table.
Whatever your design aesthetic is you can find storage containers to suit it. There’s stackable under the sink bins, baskets with lids, drawer organizers, bath caddies and more available in bright colors, pastels, and neutrals. My personal favorite is the acrylic style makeup organizers that have a variety of shapes and compartment sizes. I use a number of these on my makeup table.
Space Savers
A narrow trash can and over the door hooks free up space which is often at a premium when it comes to bathrooms. Use one hook or many to hold towels, robes, clothes, etc.
A narrow trash can and over the door hooks free up space which is often at a premium when it comes to bathrooms. Use one hook or many to hold towels, robes, clothes, etc.
Decor
New items come out every season, so your décor choices are quite expansive. Many are not only pretty, they also have a function. Wall art, dispensers, jewelry holders, hand towels and wash cloths are just a handful of the options.
New items come out every season, so your décor choices are quite expansive. Many are not only pretty, they also have a function. Wall art, dispensers, jewelry holders, hand towels and wash cloths are just a handful of the options.
Regardless of your budget, you can find inexpensive storage and décor items to improve your space. If there isn’t a store in your area, you can shop online at Dollar Tree.
What are your favorite Dollar Tree items? Leave your answer in the comments below!
| Be sure to check me out on social media at: Facebook Support Group | |
Labels are one of my favorite things to use when organizing. They make things look cohesive, give visual cues, and are practical for all organizing styles. They eliminate the question of, "Where's my [keys, phone charger, highlighter, etc.]?" You can get labels in a variety of types, styles, and writing mediums. If you want you can even design and print personalized labels. Choose what works best for you and the décor of your space.
  
  
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Chalkboard Labels
One of the biggest trends right now are chalkboard labels. These can be easily changed which makes them great for the fridge and seasonal items. They are aesthetically pleasing so many people opt to use them as their main label type. DIY Labels If your décor is hard to match, or you have a specific theme or style you prefer, making your labels is a great option. You can get as fancy as you want or keep things simple. If you want something unique and custom, I recommend using the free graphic design software Canva offers. If you’re looking something quick and easy, Microsoft word can accommodate whatever labeling needs you have by easily inserting one of their graphics. Easy peasy! Dry Erase Did you know there are dry erase labels? I almost lost my mind when I discovered these gems at my local Dollar Tree! Cheap and super practical. You can’t lose on this one! Sticker Labels Most pre-made labels are self-adhesive. If you are going the DIY route, you can print your designs onto sticker paper to make your sticker labels. Label Makers This may be the number one tool in a professional organizer’s arsenal, the label maker. Even before I had a successful organizing business I owned one of these bad boys. It was a P-Touch Label Maker by Brother. My love for this tool was so great that when I got divorced my now ex-husband refused to give it back, if can you believe that! Label makers are extremely versatile, have multiple settings for font, size, spacing and so much more. You can quickly get all your labeling done with just this device. What’s more, they’re very inexpensive. You can get the Brother PT70BM for under $20 or the Brother PTD600 that connects to your PC for custom designs for around $65. Cricut A Cricut machine is another level of label making. As their website states, “Cricut smart cutting machines and apps give you the freedom to make DIY magic happen anywhere…” They aren’t joking. If you are really into DIY, a Cricut will not only cut paper, it can cut vinyl as well, truly elevating your labeling ability. The only downside is the machines are somewhat pricey, ranging from $200-$400, with additional tools costing extra. However, if you’ve got the means to purchase one of these babies, they are well worth the investment. |
Labels bring order to your space and visually remind you of where things belong. They fit into any décor and bring everything together. Once you start labeling, you may never want to stop!
What is your go-to type of labeling? Let me know in the comments below!
What is your go-to type of labeling? Let me know in the comments below!
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Be sure to check me out on social media at:
Facebook Support Group |
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Whenever someone tells me they don’t know where to start when it comes to getting their home organized my answer is always the same, the master bedroom. Everyone needs a sanctuary they can retreat to, even if the rest of the house looks like a tornado blew through it. Having the last space you see at night and the first one you see in the morning be calm and peaceful helps to start and the end the day on a good note.
 | Too often the master bedroom is neglected because it’s typically the room no one but you or you and your significant other see. We tend to put the other areas and people in the home before ourselves. That is a critical mistake. By taking care of your personal space first, you’re taking care of yourself. A clutter-free and organized space lifts your spirit and gives you energy and motivation to do more. Who wants to spend the day organizing the kitchen then retreat to a bedroom with laundry everywhere, overflowing bedside tables, and shoes all over the floor? Not me! And I’m sure you don’t either. Here’s a great plan for turning your master bedroom into an organized oasis. |
Declutter
Before you can organize, you have to declutter. Take a couple of minutes to run through the room throwing away trash and collecting items that belong in another part of the house. Straighten up the room. This is just a quick pass of the space. We’ll tackle a full decluttering later on. Right now, let’s get your space beautiful.
Before you can organize, you have to declutter. Take a couple of minutes to run through the room throwing away trash and collecting items that belong in another part of the house. Straighten up the room. This is just a quick pass of the space. We’ll tackle a full decluttering later on. Right now, let’s get your space beautiful.
Organize
Follow these steps to get your bedroom organized and feeling like an oasis
Follow these steps to get your bedroom organized and feeling like an oasis
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Make the Bed
Nothing straightens up a bedroom faster than making the bed. That one task makes a tremendous difference in just a couple of minutes. |
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Extra Pillows and Linens
This is a great time to gather up any pillows you have but are not using and put them in your donate pile. Pillows, blankets, and sheets take up a lot of space. If you’re not using them, toss them. Animal shelters are always in need of these items so consider donating them there. |
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Tidy Tables
Keep the clutter off the side tables. Stick to the basics like a lamp, clock, book, etc. No more than a few key pieces that you need at the ready or truly love should take up this important space. |
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Containers
Place beautiful boxes, baskets, or other containers in places you know are clutter hot spots, like the top of the dresser. Things like chapstick, lint rollers, and eyeglasses are often here. Use the containers to corral that homeless clutter, whatever yours may be. |
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Tween Clothes
No, I’m not referring to a preteen child, but rather your clothes that have been lightly worn. You know the clothes I'm talking about. They're not clean, but they're not dirty either. They're in between. Those clothes always seem to end up on a chair, a bench, a seldom-used piece of exercise equipment, or even the floor. I suggest putting hooks on the inside of your closet door or even inside the closet itself to give those clothes a proper place to hang out. |
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Jewelry Corral
Jewelry is another thing guilty of cluttering up your master bedroom space. You can find it on the bedside table, dresser, bathroom countertops, among other places. Quickly gather up the jewelry around the room and return it to its home. If you don’t have a designated place for it, or if the place you have isn’t working well, try these:
Jewelry is another thing guilty of cluttering up your master bedroom space. You can find it on the bedside table, dresser, bathroom countertops, among other places. Quickly gather up the jewelry around the room and return it to its home. If you don’t have a designated place for it, or if the place you have isn’t working well, try these:
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Multi-Function Pieces
When organizing it is important to have as many pieces as possible perform multiple functions. Things like under the bed storage drawers, bedside tables with drawers and/or shelves, benches with storage, and so on. I’m not suggesting you go out and buy all new furniture. Well, you can if you want to, but most items can be found for free or nearly free on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or your local Facebook free and community share groups. Adding in double-duty pieces will help your room stay tidy and free of the clutter monster.
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If your space is small, go vertical with your storage. Something like the Kallax cube shelving unit from IKEA is a great option. It’s sturdy, versatile, and can be painted any color you like. They hold a ton of stuff and can be used as open shelving, with cube drawers, or have doors or additional shelves put in.
Oasis
Now that the space in order, it’s time to add in those extra touches that turn your bedroom from boring to an oasis.
Now that the space in order, it’s time to add in those extra touches that turn your bedroom from boring to an oasis.
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Good Quality Mattress
Invest in a good quality mattress. They can be pricey, but it's worth the money for something you spend a third of your life on. If a new mattress isn't in the budget right now, a nice memory foam mattress topper is a great alternative. Depending on the size of your bed, you can pick one up at Walmart for $100-$200. |
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Luxurious Sheets
Nothing gives your body that sense of luxury like slipping into some high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. They feel divine against your skin and last for many years. |
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Candles
No master bedroom is complete without mood lighting. Place candles throughout the room for a relaxing and soothing touch. If you’re sharing the room with a significant other, the gentle glow also creates a romantic vibe (if you know what I mean). |
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Smell
If the candles are unscented, you need to add some soothing aroma to complete your master bedroom retreat. My recommendation is an essential oil diffuser. You can change the scents at will to create whatever mood you choose with a variety of essential oil combinations. As a bonus, the essential oils can also be used in cleaning and disinfecting your home. You know how I love double-duty items! |
Do you have a master bedroom oasis? Email me a picture of your space!
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For a quick round of decluttering, use this list to lighten up your belongings fast!
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If you look around your space and feel overwhelmed by all the stuff and don’t know how to start taming the chaos, use the list below to tackle your clutter and take control of your environment.
- Rubbish Roundup - Before you can begin the decluttering process, you need to do a Rubbish Roundup. Grab a trash bag and walk through every room in your house throwing away every bit of garbage that you see. Don’t forget things like old magazines, bad batteries, fast food cups, wrappers, and so forth.
- Big Money - Take look around for large items you could sell. Things like furniture, appliances, large toys, etc. If you’re not using them, why not make some money? You could have a traditional yard sale or go the modern route and post the items for sale online through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Varage Sale, Letgo, or OfferUp. The online sites often bring in more money than a traditional sale.
- Goods for the Greater Good - As you walk through your space, gather up linens, blankets, and towels you no longer need and donate them to your local animal shelter. If you have books your kids no longer read give them to their school (the teachers will love you!). Daycares go through a lot of toys and would be overjoyed to take in your gently used children's toys.
- Hot Spot Signals - No, I’m not talking about Wi-Fi. I’m referring to those areas in your space signaling for help. Those areas are where clutter seems to naturally gravitate and pile up….your hot spots. Walk through your space and make note of those areas. Write them down if you need to.
- Homeless Clutter – Using your list from number four, you’re going to create a home for all the homeless clutter accumulating in your hot spots. Place baskets, bins, small boxes, whatever you have into those hot spots to corral that clutter. Give all your items a home, including your keys, purse, papers, mementos, etc. Assign a home for everything.
- Worst-Case Scenario – If you find yourself struggling to get rid of things or aren’t sure what to let go of, ask yourself what is the worst thing that could happen by letting the item go. Let's say you have 20 different food storage containers but you really only use 5 regularly. You want to keep the other fifteen in case you need them in the future even though they take up an entire cabinet in your kitchen. If you get rid of those extra containers you are guaranteed to free up valuable space in the kitchen while the worst-case scenario is you MIGHT have to buy a few containers someday in the future.
- Expired Contents – When you are on the fence about letting go of something for fear you may need it in the near future, place it in a box. On the outside of the container write an expiration date six months or one year from now (do not write the contents!). Then seal the box. If you have not opened it by the expiration date, take the unopened box and donate it. Don’t open it! That will just have you rethinking whether or not to keep it. If you haven’t used it by the date, you clearly don’t need it. Let it go.
- Making Time – Do you want to know how to eat an elephant? Take one bite at a time. The same goes for your clutter. No matter how big your project is, you can conquer it bit by bit. If you don’t have hours to dedicate to decluttering, take 15 minutes here and there. Do one drawer at a time. Scale down your bathroom contents while your kids are in the tub. Wherever you can squeeze a few minutes in to get rid of clutter, do it! Before you know it your space will be clutter-free.
- Full Cycle – Combat clutter by finishing the cycle. If you run the dishwasher, put the dishes away when it’s done. After making dinner, put the ingredients away. When you do laundry wash, dry, AND put it away. I know many people who wash their clothes and leave them in the washer for days to mildew. Others leave their clean laundry in a basket or on a chair without ever putting them back in the drawer or closet. If you want to keep clutter at bay, do the full cycle in your tasks.
Removing clutter from your surroundings not only improves your physical environment, but it also improves your emotional well-being and mental health. YOU CAN DO THIS. Take one step at a time and keep at it. Join my Facebook group, Clutter Cricket – Decluttering, Organizing, and Cleaning, for tips, tricks, and support from myself and others who are on a journey to a clutter-free space.
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 | Decluttering is more than just an aesthetic activity. Of course, we all want a beautiful space, but removing clutter does so much more than free up room, it’s therapeutic. Our stuff represents us, our lives, and believe it or not, our emotions. We are our things. When we tackle those excess items, we not only lighten our environment, we lift a weight off of ourselves as individuals. Niecy Nash, the host of the popular TV show Clean House, said it best, "Clutter is an outward expression of an inward thing." I didn't know how true that was when I first heard it. Over the years, I came to realize my space reflected whatever was going on in my head and my heart. Some people say it’s just stuff. That “stuff” speaks. It tells a story. |
Hoarders are the most obvious example of inner turmoil being reflected outwardly. Most hoarders are extremely organized people who have suffered some sort of loss or trauma, which has manifested itself into the inability to let go, leading to a home that's bursting at the seams. That is why hoarders need counseling to be able to declutter their home because it's not about the stuff. It’s about what the stuff represents.
An acquaintance of mine shared her story with me. Her boyfriend had been unfaithful which ended the relationship. She had a folder full of emails, letters, photographs, receipts, and credit card statements proving his indiscretions. She held on to that folder for over fifteen years. Think about that. Fifteen years of being reminded of what happened, of betrayal, of loss. Fifteen years of anger, sadness, and pain. Despite how that folder made her feel, she struggled to let it go. It took the motivation of a friend for her to finally take that folder and throw it in the trash. What happened when she did that was a turning point. By letting go of that folder, she was able to let go of everything it represented. All the hurt and negative emotions went into the garbage right along with that folder. Then, she forgave him. And with that, tons of sadness was lifted off her soul. She was finally free.
Decluttering means so much more than changing our physical surroundings, it changes our mental health and emotional well-being. Letting go of items helps to let go of what those items represent, bringing closure, relief, and even inner-peace. It brings a sense of calm to the space and the emotions. Tackle your clutter head-on. It may seem scary or overwhelming, but it will liberate you and improve your life.
Tell me, what does your clutter say about you? Let me know in the comments below.
An acquaintance of mine shared her story with me. Her boyfriend had been unfaithful which ended the relationship. She had a folder full of emails, letters, photographs, receipts, and credit card statements proving his indiscretions. She held on to that folder for over fifteen years. Think about that. Fifteen years of being reminded of what happened, of betrayal, of loss. Fifteen years of anger, sadness, and pain. Despite how that folder made her feel, she struggled to let it go. It took the motivation of a friend for her to finally take that folder and throw it in the trash. What happened when she did that was a turning point. By letting go of that folder, she was able to let go of everything it represented. All the hurt and negative emotions went into the garbage right along with that folder. Then, she forgave him. And with that, tons of sadness was lifted off her soul. She was finally free.
Decluttering means so much more than changing our physical surroundings, it changes our mental health and emotional well-being. Letting go of items helps to let go of what those items represent, bringing closure, relief, and even inner-peace. It brings a sense of calm to the space and the emotions. Tackle your clutter head-on. It may seem scary or overwhelming, but it will liberate you and improve your life.
Tell me, what does your clutter say about you? Let me know in the comments below.
Check me out on my social media links below. Don’t forget to sign up for email notifications so you never miss a thing!
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Author
All blogs posts are written by Clutter Cricket, Certified Organizational Specialist.
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