I am curious.  What are your shopping habits?  

Are you the type of person who goes to the grocery store or the department store with a list of things to purchase and sticks with it? Or, are you the type of person who goes without a list and has no idea what you are going to purchase and just "sees what happens"?Did you know that the latter choice is one of the contributors to clutter?  

Interestingly enough, I have found that most men are the type that go to the store, get what they need and leave.  They tend not to be the brousing type.  I know there are exceptions.  Not to stereo-type but when it comes to sports equipment, cars, motorcycles tools or other hobby-related items, you might just catch them brousing in a store and coming home with more than they intended.

Women, on the other hand, are generally "shoppers" in the true sense of the word.  For the most part, they are the ones that come home with items they had no intention of purchasing when they first entered the store.  Whether its food, clothing, decorative items, they fall victim to the enticement of those "bright, shiny objects".

Remember, a deal is only a deal if it is going to save you money on an item you use.  Don't use a coupon on an item you don't use just because you have a coupon.   

These days, it is especially easy to shop "without intent", thanks to the internet.  We are bombarded with pop-up ads and can easy brouse a site of interest.  Before we know it, UPS is at our door with items we chose simply by clicking a few buttons.  Painless, right? It might not be painless at first, but over time, these purchases can become clutter.

I cannot tell you how many times my clients complain about having "too much stuff" and the feeling of overwhelm.  A lot of times, it has to do with purchasing items without intent.  

I coach my clients to set healthy boundaries for the items they possess and how to make smart, intentional choices so that clutter can be eliminated and balance can return to the home.

With the holidays quickly approaching, we will all be doing more shopping.  Do yourself a favor.  Shop with intent and keep the clutter at bey.  

If you are feeling overwhelmed with your clutter and don't know where to begin, I can help.  I will bring balance back to your home so you can enjoy what you do have and what makes sense to keep.

In the meantime, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!   

Ah, the winds of change.  Today, as I sit in my office, I hear the wind blowing and see the trees swaying.  We have just turned our clocks back which ends Day Light Savings Time.  November is now upon us and it is perhaps time for a change.  

The holiday season is fast approaching and with it brings thoughts of eliminating clutter and getting organized.  My full schedule for November reflects that.  My clients are ready to move forward and get organized.  

Have you ever given thought to what your clutter might be saying about you?  

There are some interesting theories based upon the correlation between clutter and state of mind.  

The most obvious one is depression.  When someone is depressed, they tend to become unmotivated.  They might leave their clothes on the floor, food on the coffee table, stack papers on the desk or all over the floor in their home offices, bills left unpaid, deadlines missed.  A depressed person tends to no longer care.  If you are struggling with depression and unable to do get organized, reach out for help.   

Interestingly enough, there was a study about is how eliminating clutter can result in a healthier lifestyle and behaviors.  Researchers at the University of Minnesota suspected that an orderly lifestyle could result in healthier behaviors.  To find out, they assigned 34 students to work in either a neat or untidy space.  After ten minutes, the students were asked whether they wanted an apple or a piece of chocolate.  Those who spent time in an organized room were more than three times likelier to pick the apple.  So, if your desk reflects a sense of discipline, you may be more apt to show restraint in other areas of your life.  Louise Hay, in her book "Heal Your Life" says that the likely cause of being overweight ranges from being fearful and needing protection to being resistent to forgiving and that overweight people are ultiminatey seeking fullfillment.  Do you agree?  Something to think about!  

People who have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) have difficulty staying focused and completing tasks.  They tend to listen but don't absorb what is being said.  They are focusing on other things.  They are easily distracted.  Piles tend to be their favorite method of organizing.  Once a task is complete, papers realted to it are placed in a pile where they will stay.  People with ADD have to be careful to not become hoarders.  They have trouble keeping things in order because their brain doesn't function in an orderly manner.  As a result, they tend to avoid tasks because making decisions and completing tasks on time is a struggle.  They tend to be over-thinkers. Their minds are full ofoptions and possibilities which can be counter-productive.   

Hoarders are people who have lost control of reality.  They no longer see life as it truly is, but rather, cling to a stubborn idea or emotion about having things taken away from them or losing control of a situation.     

When you are in a state of overwhelm, whether from ADD or simply living a chaotic life, it can cause you to feel stuck, freeze and do nothing. You are being dragged down by negative energy in your home or negative self-talk in your head and have trouble letting go.

When we hold onto our possessions that we've brought in from the past, our home is telling us so with cramped drawers, closet rods, and rooms filled with junk.  We sometimes see no hope for the future.  What is your mind telling you and what is your house showing you? Your clutter tells you that you do not believe you can fix the future.  Have you faced up to your insecurities - whether they are financial, emotional or relationship oriented?  

Are we seeking fullfillment by filling our homes?  What is your house showing you with the clutter it contains?     

If you are overwhelmed by your clutter, don't hesitate to reach out.  Contact me.  I am here to help.