Decluttering is out ! Really?

That is what I heard from a friend recently. What she actually meant was that minimalism was out. It was never in!!!

Often people feel that what decluttering means is doing without. They feel that they are going to be impoverished as they have to let go of their prized possessions, comforts and their life. Never more so than when I tell them what I do! Their imagination really scours out their homes and I can see the terror that they are putting themselves through.

When they hear that actually I am going to give them time, space and more happiness, they are equally at a loss. How, if I am going to depersonalise - that is their feeling - them, can they have any of this?

Well, dear reader, the reason it works is that we work together and the client decides what she or he wants to keep. When we are in overwhelm, any decision becomes hopelessly overlaid by anxiety or apathy - or a strange mixture of them both. There have been studies to show that a part of the brain called the anterior cingulate, which is charge of mood regulation, can feel pain at the thought of letting go of belongings. We need to strengthen this muscle so it works with us and supports our journey. Getting a Konmari Consultant in to help you may seem like being a failure - but while we are on the subject of things being not what they seem - this is in fact the first step to success.

I love it when I see the face of my client after the first days work. They have gone through the anxiety, the stress and we have had lots of laughs and finally there they are - the bin bags for the charity shop, other items for other homes and many items the recycling centre. Success.

I would encourage all of you to get in touch with a local Konmari Consultant if you are reassessing your life, your home, thinking about a move, making changes or just wanting to start this decade anew. I work in South East England but I have colleagues all over the country who can help. Contact me or contact our trade association, APDO and they can put you in touch with someone close who can help.