But, what will I lose?
I loooooooove throwing out clutter. One client told me he suspected I get a dopamine hit when I pitch something. I concur. My fingers get a little twitchy and I feel a bit giddy when something lands in the discard pile.
I also scare people. They think when I pull into their driveway or their business, I’m going to slash and burn it all. So, I lay down this ground rule: Nothing goes without their permission.
But by the time they call an organizer, they see that it is time for the clutter to go. So they are motivated but they need a little cheerleading and persuasion.
The longer I do this, the more I realize I am more of a minimalist instead of an organizer. This may very well be in part to the fact that I have lived in a camper for over two years and really, really like not having a house to maintain.
(In case you’re wondering, yes, we have all the creature comforts of heat/AC/appliances. It’s surprising how often people ask that.)
We humans have is a fear of LOSS. It’s hardwired into our biology. Is parting with that tchotchke from Aunt Tilly going to threaten my connection her? If I give away that sweatshirt that my sister gave me, will she know about and feel betrayed? And (grasp your pearls!) what if I need it one day. Yes, yes, I hear you. What if you do need it one day? What if you can never, ever, EVER find that item again at WalMart. Or on Amazon. Or eBay.
Here’s what I like to ask clients. What will you GAIN by uncluttering? Here are just a few gains I have witnessed in my organizing work:
A business that runs more efficiently and profitably because paper piles are under control.
The ability to have friends over without feeling embarrassed
Bills are paid on time because there is a system in place to manage finances
Less decision fatigue because your closet only has articles of clothing that make you feel strong and beautiful.
More time to enjoy your kids because your weekends are no longer spent mucking out the garage.
If you are struggling with parting with something that you know no longer serves you well, I encourage you to think of what you will gain! And here’s a little hint – the more you object to letting go, the stronger the invitation to reflect on just why that is so.
