Creating a powerful sense of self includes having strong boundaries especially when it comes to physical ‘stuff’. Most of us are bombarded with tempting ads every time we play on our phones and tablets and step outside.
What would happen if you worked in an industry like Professional Organising where the temptation was even bigger?
If on a daily basis, your car was filled with high-priced gadgets, designer clothing and other attractive items, do you have the strength and boundaries to take them to a charity or would unneeded items start to creep into your own home?
The other day we were helping a lovely gentleman declutter in preparation to move into assisted care. Having lived in his home for 30 years, he had a lot of items to go through. What a champion, he donated some beautiful items that he knew no longer served a purpose to him.
He’s a champion because by making the decision to remove these items they can now help raise much needed funds for a local charity, become useful again in a different household and reduce landfill. His home is no longer clogged making it easier to find what he needs, and the impending move will be cheaper and quicker.
As we filled our cars with his donations he made a throw away comment about how he thought our homes must be very cluttered because we had access to our clients’ donations. This was not said in any malice, most clients love the idea of knowing that someone can use their donated items, especially if it’s someone they know.
It’s not uncommon for us to leave with highly desirable items, our cars have been adorned with some pretty high end fashion labels and expensive housewares! We have a very clear vision of a clutter free life for our clients and us that helps us keep strong boundaries as to what to allow into our homes.
If you want to have a clutter free life, having strong boundaries is key! It’s important to look at what physical items are coming into your home and how. There are verge collections, friends and family who think they are helping by offering you items, the constant sales and online shopping. Lol, I should know as I didn’t always have good boundaries – read the weirdest item I’ve ever purchased (and tips on how to conquer the boundary issue when it comes to ‘stuff’).
If you are trying to declutter your life then make sure you have strong boundaries and only let items into your life that you want and need.
Don’t delay, start today
Sara
