Have you ever decluttered your home?

To declutter is to let go of things that are untidy and messy in our space, so we can make room for whatever is useful and important.

That’s something I do every spring, and each time we move to a new location. So far, I’ve lived in six countries, so I can say I got quite experienced on this one:)

The first time I decluttered wasn’t easy. I used to feel guilty for letting go of unwanted gifts, considering the  many poor people in the world, who have nothing. I used to think I was selfish and spoiled.

But here’s what I learned: our life experiences are different, and everyone is on their journey. I do the best I know and the best I can to help others, but I am not responsible for their lives. My job is to be responsible for my own path: a sign of maturity, responsibility, and self-care.

So here’s where I start:

I take a look at every room of my home: Is it messy, chaotic, or clean?

I do my spring cleaning and organizing fun instead of thinking it as a chore. It is more of a feel-good exercise – one that is going to help me feel good about myself and the space I live and work in.

Following the Marie Kondo method, I take a look at things, hold them in my arms, and ask myself this simple yet powerful question: Does this spark joy?

If it feels good to have it around, I keep it. If not, I put it aside, sell, or donate. I let go of things I don’t need, use, or like: clothes, shoes, books, CDs and DVDs, household items, anything I’ve been thinking I might need it someday. I replace anything too old or broken.

I organize my closets, cabinets, drawers, bins, boxes, and storage areas. I clean the pantry from old food. I have a look at my spices. I make sure finding things in my kitchen gets easy (how did I end up with four garlic crushers?:)))

I organize my office space. I check old brochures, magazines, business cards.

I also take a look at my email and social media channels. What needs to be cleaned up, reorganized, completed, or canceled?

Looking back on my past, I can recall I used to have a busy inbox that led to anxiety and overwhelm. So I deleted older emails, unsubscribed from newsletters I didn’t read or never signed up for. I canceled subscriptions that I never used.

I organize my laptop. I delete bunches of messy folders and put a beautiful, inspiring picture on my desktop.

I delete old contacts from my phone. I check my Facebook profile and unfriend people I am not close to or those who only complain and post negative stuff and drama. I remove myself from Facebook groups I no longer want to be part of.

“Clutter isn’t just the stuff in your closet; it’s anything that gets between you and the life that you want to be living.” – Peter Walsh

Letting go of physical clutter also declutters our minds and souls. It is a way to let the energy flow and free ourselves from whatever doesn’t serve us. It leads to greater mental space and improved emotional well-being.

Sara Fabian is a Women’s Empowerment & Career Coach and inspirational speaker, on a mission to help professional women to discover their unique strengths, gifts and talents, boost their confidence, find their calling and live a meaningful life of purpose. For weekly inspiration, subscribe to her free newsletter at www.sarafabiancoaching.com or follow her on Facebook.