As I embarked on this journey of “Creating Space: How Clearing Clutter Invites New Possibilities,” I found myself in a curious position.  I had just moved all my belongings into storage in preparation for a house sale, and my weekends, once filled with endless personal projects, suddenly became a blank canvas.

The knitting needles, the sewing machine, the crafting supplies—all of it was out of sight.  The pressure to be perpetually productive lifted, and I faced an unfamiliar quietude.

This newfound space led my family and me to the great outdoors.  Living near the Sierra Nevada’s majestic trails, we filled our weekends with adventures instead of chores.

Every hike felt like a step further from my former life, cluttered not just with objects but with unmet expectations and uncompleted tasks.  In the simplicity of these expeditions, I discovered an unexpected gift: health.

The trails became my sanctuary, and as the miles accumulated, the weight began to drop.  I went from being unable to conquer the first incline on the trail to Parker Lake, to navigating the path in 45 minutes with confidence and ease.

But life, as it often does, brought twists and turns.  The house sale fell through, and slowly, the clutter crept back in.  With it, the hiking boots saw less light, and the weight I had shed found its way back.

I pondered this cycle and realized that the clutter wasn’t just in my home; it was in my life, reflected in my physical well-being.

Then, a profound lesson from Denise Linn’s “Gateway Dream Interpretation” class came back to me: clearing physical clutter can lead to weight loss.

Reflecting on my own experience, the correlation was clear.  And when I heard Lisa Williams’ story of creating space for a partner and meeting him shortly after, I couldn’t help but wonder about the power of the spaces we create.

This isn’t just about clearing a room or a house; it’s about clearing the way for what we truly desire.  Whether it’s mental clarity, physical health, new relationships, or career opportunities, making space can be transformative.

8 Tips for Creating Space

Start with a Vision: Before embarking on your decluttering journey, take a moment to envision your ideal space. Imagine how you want each room to look and feel.  This vision will serve as a guiding star, helping you make decisive choices about what stays and what goes.  Visualizing the end result can also provide motivation and a clear sense of purpose as you work through the process.

One Room at a Time: Tackling an entire house can be daunting, so focus on one room or a specific area within a room at a time. This approach allows you to see tangible results quickly, which can be incredibly satisfying and motivating.  It also prevents the feeling of being overwhelmed, making the task more manageable and less stressful.

Four-Box Method: This method is a practical way to sort items efficiently. As you go through each area, categorize items into four boxes: Trash, Give Away/Sell, Keep, and Store.  This clear division makes decision-making easier and more systematic, ensuring that each item has a designated path.

Use the One-Year Rule: This rule is particularly useful for items that tend to accumulate over time, like clothes, kitchen gadgets, and hobby supplies. If you haven’t used an item in a year, it’s likely it won’t be used in the future either.  Applying this rule can significantly reduce the amount of stuff in your space and simplify your life.

Implement Storage Solutions: Proper storage solutions are key to maintaining an organized space. Invest in items like drawer dividers, storage bins, and shelf organizers. Not only do these tools help keep your belongings neatly stored, but they also make it easier to find things when you need them.

Digital Declutter: Digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter. Organize your digital files, clear out old emails, and unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters. This can free up digital space, making your online environment more manageable and less distracting.

Regular Mini-Declutter Sessions: Incorporating short, regular decluttering sessions into your routine can prevent clutter from building up. Setting aside just 15 minutes a week can make a significant difference, keeping your space tidy and manageable without requiring a huge time commitment.

Mindful Shopping: To maintain the clarity and openness you’ve created, it’s important to be thoughtful about new acquisitions. Before purchasing, consider if the item is necessary and where it will fit in your home.  Mindful shopping helps to prevent the cycle of clutter from starting again, ensuring that your space remains a reflection of your needs and values.

My personal challenge is to reclaim my art studio:

To transform it from a space of stagnant energy and unfinished projects into a cradle of creativity for making an Art Quilt.  The journey to creating space is ongoing, but each step, each item released, brings me closer to the life I envision.

“Creating Space” is more than a decluttering mantra; it’s a path to personal freedom.  It’s an invitation to life’s table, set with the things that truly matter.  Let’s clear a path, not just in our homes, but in our hearts and minds, for the new and the nurturing.  Let’s create space for the extraordinary.

Additional Resources:

Danette Lowe – Planner and Journals on Amazon

Denise Linn – New York Times Best Selling Author & Oracle Card Deck Creator (Some of my favorite decks are by Denise)

Animal Spirit Guides by Steven Farmer, Ph.D.

 

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