Evicting “squatters” from your “prime real estate”

Time to do a little Spring cleaning here at The Life Refinery, starting with that stack of magazines that has piled up on my desk. I’ve noticed when I keep clutter in my environment, it not only takes up physical space but mental space as well. Every time I see it, it’s a reminder of unfinished business or messy places that need attention. And that takes mental energy away from more important matters.

When I allow things to pile up, it’s usually a result of not making a decision about it. But when I take a few moments to focus my attention on a firm, “yes, I want this” or “no, I don’t”, it’s incredible how fast I can clear away all the excess stuff.

If clearing out clutter is on your to-do list, rather than dreading it, visualize the breathing space you’ll be opening up by getting rid of the “squatters” that are taking up “prime real estate” in your life. Because your physical and mental space is valuable and limited and needs to be reserved for what truly deserves to occupy it.

Here’s an easy way to make a big dent in your clutter: Take 3 garbage bags. Label 1: “keep”; 1: “toss” and 1: “donate.” Then choose 1 small messy area, since tackling big mountains of clutter all at once can be overwhelming and immobilizing. Finally, quickly and decisively go through the items, without stopping to ruminate. Just trust your gut and make an instant decision about what you want to do with it. By doing so, you’ll be able to clear out a clutter zone in lightening speed.

Chances are, you’ll feel so good about letting go of what no longer serves you that you’ll want to keep it up. I recommend doing little “blasts” like this over time to make consistent progress, especially if you have a lot of clutter to address. Before you know it, you’ll have freed up tons of physical and mental space by evicting all those “squatters” from your “prime real estate.”

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