Decluttering your home or workspace is a super-easy way to increase productivity.
Clutter is a distraction, plain and simple.
It is much easier to focus on the task at hand when your environment is tidy.
Less stuff crowding up your space means less time cleaning.
Minimalism is a hot new trend.
Whether you decide to dive headfirst into a minimalist lifestyle or not, decluttering still provides tremendous value – both physically and emotionally.
Related posts:
- 7 Minimalist Lifestyle Hacks that Will Increase Productivity
- How Minimalism Can Free Up Your Time for What Matters Most
- How to Keep Your House Clean When You Have Kids
In this post, we’re going to discuss how physical clutter negatively impacts you and your productivity.
I’m also going to give you a list of 50 things to declutter right now.
This will help you get started and show you how decluttering can change things.
By giving yourself a few quick wins, you will build momentum and see quick results.
Once you experience the joy of living with less, you will wonder why you waited so long.
Let’s get started!
How Decluttering Impacts Productivity
There are studies coming out that reveal the negative impacts of clutter in the home.
When you see the way clutter affects people, it’s easy to make the connection between decluttering and increased productivity.
Below are three areas in which clutter affects us that we don’t even realize:
1 // Sleep
One study found that people who tend to hold on to things and refuse to get rid of them sleep worse than people who don’t.
Lack of sleep causes all sorts of things from impaired judgment to forgetfulness.
I know all of you moms with young kids can attest to this!
Hello, “mommy brain!”
It is basically a no-brainer that too little sleep decreases productivity, among other things.
2 // Stress
Another study made a connection between clutter and stress.
What they found was that owning too much causes an increase in the level of stress hormones, especially in women.
Unfortunately, women care about what other people think.
They also judge themselves harshly.
The amount of clutter in your home directly correlates with how you feel about yourself and your life.
Clutter weighs you down, which ultimately impacts how effective you are at managing your life.
3 // Focus
A third study found that clutter inhibits your ability to focus and process information.
How can you expect to be efficient if you are surrounded by clutter that is competing for your attention?
Decluttering your space allows you the opportunity to get laser-focused on your priorities and your goals.
50 Things You Can Declutter Right Now
Now that you see how easily decluttering can improve your life you probably want to get started right away.
Below you will find a list of things you can easily get rid of, and once you start it’s hard to stop.
- Cleaning supplies
- Medicine
- Refrigerator items
- Freezer items
- Pantry items
- Cooking utensils
- Cookware
- Small kitchen appliances
- Plastic storage containers
- Glasses and cups
- Coffee mugs
- Dishes
- Kitchen towels
- Clothing
- Socks
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- Swimwear
- Belts
- Scarves
- Shoes
- Coats
- Gloves
- Hats
- Purses
- Jewelry
- Skincare
- Makeup
- Haircare products
- Bath products
- Lotions
- Perfumes
- Hair accessories
- Bath towels
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Toys
- Books
- Writing utensils
- Notebooks
- Office supplies
- Junk mail
- Magazines
- Old electronics
- School paperwork
- Craft supplies
- Gift bags
- Wrapping paper
- CDs
- DVDs
Tips for getting started
When you begin decluttering, you might become confused about what to keep and what to toss.
You can donate items that are still in good condition, but trash anything that is broken, torn or stained.
Whether you trash or donate, you can get rid of the following:
- Duplicate items
- Items you no longer use
- Things that no longer fit your style or decor
- Anything you no longer love
- Expired items
Now, it’s your turn
Decluttering your physical space helps clear the clutter in your mind as well.
If you feel stressed out and overwhelmed, take a look around.
Is your home a place of refuge and peace, or does it constantly feel messy and out of control?
If you answered the latter, you can do something about it!
Use the list above or enter your email address below to download a printable version.
Learn to live with less and change your life for the better – better sleep, better mood, and better focus.
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