Grief is a painful journey, whether it’s due to the loss of a loved one, sending your kids off on their own, or any of the other detours life throws our way. It can be tough to dig your way out from under this burden. One unexpected way to work through some of the heaviness is to declutter. The physical act of sorting through, purging, and organizing your belongings can bring a sense of control and calm, helping you find peace amidst the chaos.
Let’s get started with these practical tips:
Visualize your ideal living space and keep that vision in mind. Create a visual guide to help you stay motivated and focused on your decluttering goals. You could:
- Make a vision board using Pinterest
- Find inspiring pictures in magazines
- Write out a detailed description of your ideal space
Ask yourself:
- How do you want to use this space?
- How do you want to feel in your space?
“Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor – it’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living.” – Peter Walsh, organizing expert and author
Focus on the Positive and Celebrate Your Accomplishments Instead of dwelling on loss, focus on the positive aspects of decluttering. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Try a “stop and celebrate moment” (maybe even a little dance party). The space you’ve created can become a source of comfort and inspiration. Remember, every small step brings you closer to healing.
Seek Support and Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support (or even a Professional Organizer). Talking about your feelings can be incredibly helpful, and a professional can provide valuable guidance during this challenging time. By telling loved ones what you need, you’re not only helping yourself heal, but also helping them process their own grief. A trusted companion can offer support and encouragement during decluttering. Sharing memories and stories can also help you process your emotions.
“The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.” – Marie Kondo, organizing consultant and author
The Connection Between Grief and Decluttering
- Emotional Attachment: Belongings often hold sentimental value, making it hard to let go during grief. This can lead to clutter and feeling overwhelmed by the past.
- Low Motivation: Grief can drain energy, making it difficult to maintain a tidy living space.
- Impaired Focus: Emotional turmoil can hinder concentration, challenging our ability to tackle decluttering tasks.
Benefits of Decluttering During Grief
- Regain Control: Organizing your space can provide a sense of order during chaotic times, alleviating feelings of helplessness.
- Reduce Stress: A clutter-free environment contributes to a calmer, more peaceful atmosphere, easing stress and anxiety.
- Improve Mental Clarity: A tidy space enhances focus and concentration, aiding in processing emotions and coping with grief.
- Honor Loved Ones: Decluttering can be a way to honor memories by creating a space that reflects the values and personality of those we’ve lost.
“Outer order contributes to inner calm.” – Gretchen Rubin, happiness expert and author of “Outer Order, Inner Calm”
Keep in Mind During This Time:
- Take Your Time: There’s no rush to declutter. Move at your own pace.
- Consider Donating or Selling: This can provide closure and help you move forward.
- Create a Memorial Space: Dedicate a special area to honor your loved one, serving as a source of comfort and inspiration.
Remember, there’s no “right” way to grieve. Decluttering is just one tool to help find comfort and closure. By taking small steps and seeking support, you can create a space that reflects your new chapter and fosters healing.cluttering is simply one tool that can help you find comfort and closure during this difficult time. By taking small steps and seeking support, you can create a space that reflects your new chapter and fosters healing.