Simply your life by being clutter freZen Living is Clutter-Free

It has been mentioned before in previous blogs, but it is so important that we are going to look at it again: Clutter. Our homes can actually negatively affect our mental and physical well-being! Not only by the obvious toxic substances we bring into our homes, but also by the atmosphere we create for our families and ourselves. Something as simple as clutter can eliminate the feeling of peace in our homes. Lighting and noise level also play an important role but how we present our space can completely take away or add to our ability to use the home as an oasis.

Seeing With New Eyes

It’s easy to see how living with a family can cause a space to become cluttered. Living alone we can find ourselves in this same predicament by setting a letter here to remember to read later or putting your keys there because it’s a safe place. But how many times have you put something in a “safe place” only to have it be safe from you finding it? Perhaps you don’t see your home as cluttered. You may actually have a very good organization system. The next time you enter a room in your home, try stopping in the doorway and closing your eyes. Now open your eyes and just step into the room. As you scan the room imagine seeing it for the first time the way a guest would. Even if your space is clean you may notice the little things here and there that you could change to help de-clutter the space visually. One visual aspect of my home I found I could change was cords. My TV sits on a built-in corner cabinet. It was modified to fit our Television, with all the other electronics shelved neatly underneath. But I realized that I could see all the cords and machines. It really didn’t invoke the peace and tranquility I want my home to have. So, I sewed a neat little straight stitch curtain, got my handy dandy screw gun, and hung up a little curtain that complimented my space. Maybe you can’t sew a button. If you aren’t crafty – don’t panic! You can buy a simple curtain or ask a friend for help. (Thrift stores almost always have them in stock.) Now I don’t have to see the electronic mess in my living room, but I can still move the curtain aside when I want to use the electronics. Simple alterations to your space can help you focus on what is most important.

Let It Go!

(…Much like the song, only better!) As you reinvent your space think about the things you really don’t need or use. Check if it’s a seasonal item. If you haven’t used it in ages, you should probably get rid of it. Chances are you are holding on to something that you really don’t need. It’s amazing how much weight is lifted by simply donating or throwing away items you really don’t need. By simply paring down your collection of belongings, you are not only de-cluttering your space but also your life. Your health is directly affected by the atmosphere you create. If your home is peaceful you will find yourself feeling less stressed. By letting go of needless things you are even symbolically letting go within yourself. It is amazing how much a person clings to needless things and counterproductive memories. Change is hard, even with simple things. But the benefits to your mental and physical wellbeing are worth it!

Clutter Applications & Resources

  • Create a work space in your home. This way all your work stuff is away from the rest of your home. If it’s not constantly in site it will feel more like home instead of an extension of work
  • Ask a friend if you aren’t sure what you can improve. The fresh eyes will help!
  • Check out this bloggers ideas for de-cluttering his space and another step by step site can be found here
iGOZEN is a philosophy and a way of life. We don’t only make products to detoxify your life but also see the importance of creating a healthy environment inside and out. We hope you find our articles insightful and invite you to find ways to bring peace and harmony to your own life.