This week, get the inside scoop from our Members Only panelist event, where Dr. Whitney chats with decluttering experts Shira Gill and Courtney Florey about why having a decluttered home is important for everyone, how to start, and how to get the family involved.

WATCH THIS EXCLUSIVE MEMBER EVENT:

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

 - Why is it important to declutter? 

There’s so much oversaturation coming into our brains right now and so much input we already have to deal with. When you live in a cluttered environment, it adds to the mental clutter and makes everyone’s stress levels rise.  It can even bring (unnecessary) guilt and shame about bringing people into your home. A clutter free environment helps you relax and be more present, reduces conflict, and actually allows more creativity for those working from home, rather than a nagging reminder of what has been left undone.

- What’s the best way to start?

Start small! Set a timer and start with a space that won’t be emotionally draining or where you won’t have to make heavy decisions. Also, you’ve gotta remember your why. If you want your home to feel more peaceful, that’s a huge motivator when you feel stuck.

- How do you keep your house from becoming re-cluttered? 

Daily movements. Set yourself up for success with daily rhythms that allow you to stay on top of what’s coming in your home. A “one in, one out” policy is always a great idea; if something is coming in, something’s gotta go out. And when you are tempted to mindlessly shop, ask yourself, “is this numbing or nourishing?”

- What about all the kid stuff? How can we handle that?

In your home, your job is to define the boundaries and quantity, their job is to decide what stays within the boundaries. Kids feel overwhelmed when they have too many choices, which is only going to lead to more battles in the home. A great way to start is to involve them in the process, so they can understand that it’s not just about getting rid of their stuff. 

- How can moms impart the importance of decluttering to their families so they don’t feel like they’re the only ones who care about taking action?

Ultimately it starts with us. We have to set the example. Take control over your own things before you talk to them. But when you do, always start with the reason behind it instead of making it another chore. Great conversations revolve around things like, “The reason I want to do this is because I want our home to feel _____” and “What are somethings you definitely don’t want to throw away? I promise I won’t get rid of them, but let’s find a place to keep them.”