Is It Time to De-clutter and Freshen Up Your Life?

Some people are super-tidy and de-clutter ruthlessly. I've heard of people who've had to return to a charity shop to re-purchase items they'd previously donated.

Whilst most of us are not so rigorous about clearing out our possessions it's important to occasionally take stock, sort through our stuff and let some items go.

The longer, light days are a great time to start this process. We've put away our warmer clothes and now, as the sun starts shining through our windows, can feel motivated to freshen up, de-clutter and clear out our surplus stuff.

- Clutter can block energy, making progress difficult. A messy desk or overflowing in-tray can prevent us from even knowing where to begin. Systems and order bring control through clearer, more efficient thinking.

- Assess how you use your time. Do you fill your life with people and situations that drain you, leaving you feeling overwhelmed or dissatisfied? Sometimes we have to compromise and include obligations that don't inspire us, but check how often that happens. Is it time to be firm and de-clutter?

- Few people wear their clothes, shoes and accessories to destruction; it's estimated we wear only 10-20% of our wardrobes. Discarding newish items can be difficult, amidst feeble claims that they'll become fashionable again or we're going to lose weight! Deep down we know neither's likely to happen!

- Some people 'retire' items they've not worn for a year. By donating unwanted items to a second-hand/pre-loved/antique/charity shop you can either earn yourself or your charity a little money. Smarter clothes are often gratefully received by charities that pass items on to people needing outfits for interviews. How heartening to know that your unwanted clothes may help turn someone's life around.

- Sleep often improves after a bedroom tidy-up. Freshen up your bedroom by screening off any work area. Make it your retreat with lovely colours and fabrics.

- Homes often have a spare room that gradually becomes full of 'useful' clutter, but is rarely revisited. Why not enrol on free recycling websites which rehome items useful to others?

Helpful tips for de-cluttering are start small, take your time and tackle each area individually. Avoid becoming overwhelmed or distracted by specific items. Enlist a tough friend or professional de-clutterer who will help you focus on the job in hand. Alternatively, you could intermittently hire a skip and commit to fill it!

Susan Leigh, Altrincham counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor