The Art of Decluttering for a Clearer Mind

In today's fast-paced world, clutter—both physical and digital—can quickly accumulate, leading to stress, reduced productivity, and even anxiety. Whether it's a messy home or a chaotic computer and phone, taking the time to declutter can provide better clarity, improve efficiency, and create a more serene environment.

Here are some ways to help you streamline both your physical and digital spaces after learning best practices from others, like asking, “Does this spark joy?”

Decluttering Your Physical Space

A cluttered environment can negatively impact focus and productivity. Here’s how to effectively declutter your home or workspace:

1. Start Small and Set Goals

Decluttering can be overwhelming, so begin with one area at a time. Set realistic goals, such as organising a single drawer in one cupboard or clearing a small corner of a room followed by bigger areas such as the kitchen and storeroom.

2. Follow the “One-Year Rule”

If you haven’t used an item in the past year, consider donating, recycling, or discarding it. This applies to books, clothes, kitchenware, and toys etc. You can even consider selling newer stuff on carousell to get some money back.

One fun challenge attempted was throwing away something everyday for a month. It really made the thought process simpler on whether an item was really needed in the house or not.

3. Clear personal spaces

Walked into the office and eyed many messy and dirty workspaces? A rather common occurrence. From computer wires to snacks and paper everyone, some colleagues just can’t clean up their areas, but you can.

Keep only the things that make your day better like a nice cup or water bottle, notebook and minimal stationery, your laptop and phone in view for a neat table. Keep papers sorted in folders and tibits in your drawer or pantry. This can apply to your own table at home as well.

4. Implement Storage Solutions

Use organisers, bins, and shelves to maintain order. Labeling containers can make retrieval easier and prevent future clutter. This is especially useful for your workspace. Loose papers of notes means more time figuring out where you might have left things, including other items like stationery, electronics etc.

5. Dedicate a Time

Decluttering isn’t a one-time task. Set aside time each week to tidy up, ensuring clutter doesn’t build up again. You could play music at the same time and get into a cleaning mode, and by the time it’s festive season again, there’s less things to clear up too when you are going to have guests in your home.

Decluttering Your Digital Space

Similar Marie Kondo’s philosophy; does this content spark joy? You should curate your digital spaces with intention.

Digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical mess. Unorganised files, overflowing inboxes and messages, plus excessive notifications can disrupt workflow. Here’s how to manage your digital space efficiently:

1. Manage Your Desktop and Folders

A cluttered desktop can slow down productivity. Organise files into labeled folders and delete unnecessary documents. Create secure passwords that you can actually remember instead of needing to change everytime you need to login.

2. Unsubscribe and Unfollow

An overflowing inbox can be daunting. Unsubscribe from constantly unread newsletters and prioritise replying to important emails.

Unfollowing people on social media that you don't keep in touch anymore can help too since seeing certain types of posts can make you even unhappier, why keep them?

3. Organise Photos and Documents

Back up important files to cloud storage or hard disks and delete duplicates. Consider using tools for better file management for example, google drive for docs, photos and pdfs, google keep for notes and articles links. Assign file names using a clear naming convention so that it's easier to find it when you need it again.

Keeping different notes in one place, like your To-do-list, can also help cause there’s only one list to refer and delete when done instead of needing to track multiple ones. Use bookmark tabs for links that you access frequently. This reduces the need to type multiple times into the search bar. Even keeping the same type of apps in one folder like food, payment, social etc helps to reduce scrolling on phone to find stuff too.

4. Remove Unused Apps and Software

Unused applications take up space and may slow down your devices. Regularly review and delete apps that are no longer necessary. Also turn off notifications from apps that might distract you like food promos, and social media prompts.

5. Limit Screen Time

Try to stop doomscrolling and video binging or creating digital-free zones such as bedrooms or dinner spaces. Take intentional breaks like not bringing your phone to the restroom or putting it in your bag during lunch time etc helps rest your mind and eyes!

Decluttering, whether physical or digital, is an ongoing process that requires commitment. By developing good habits and maintaining an organised system, you can create a more productive and less stressful environment. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free life!

Master Your Finances Wisely,

Value Vaulter