Lifestyle

No More Baggage: 15 Simple, Cleansing Ways To Declusterf*ck Your Life

by Alexa Mellardo
Stocksy

Urban Dictionary defines a “clusterf*ck” as a situation that’s seriously all sorts of f*cked up.

It’s an unorganized scenario that displays complete disarray.

Everyone experiences and creates clusterf*cks at one time or another, in all aspects of his or her everyday life.

Clusterf*cks come in different shapes, sizes and forms… and can be physical, mental or personal.

There are many ways to eliminate and prevent clusters in your life. Alleviating baggage and creating an organized lifestyle is an excellent road to being cluster free.

To get started, the most important step is to identify the areas in your life that require improvement.

Examine the physical space around you, your personal daily routine, relationships and general state of mind. Break each of those areas out, and begin to tackle each train wreck, one declusterf*ck at a time!

Here are 15 healthy habits to consider incorporating into your routine:

1. Eliminate excess crap in your living space.

Clean that sh*t out… don’t be a hoarder!

Extra things just add to unnecessary stress and clutter in your life.

If it doesn’t serve a useful purpose, you don’t need it. Declusterf*ck it.

2. Organize closets and storage spaces.

Go through each and every one of these areas, and be honest with yourself: If you don’t use it, lose it. Consign, donate, sell or throw away.

Organize what’s left in a well-thought-out plan that makes sense for your everyday routine.

3. Designate files for your paperwork.

Go paperless wherever possible, and organize a space for documents that must be kept and require safekeeping.

If everything has a home, it can be easily accessed.

4. Review your finances.

Paying bills and having debt can be completely draining; plan a workable budget and stick to it.

Create a schedule to pay off any credit card debt.

Planning your income and expenses wisely and creatively will help you to save for what you want and spend within your means.

5. If you don’t need it, delete it.

Get in the habit of deleting emails, texts, pictures… whatever you won’t need again in the future.

Transfer files you rarely use but want to save onto disks, and get them off your computer.

6. Rearrange belongings based on your routine.

You've got your keys, purse, wallet in one spot; your coffee maker with travel mug ready for each morning; your laundry, basket, detergent and coin jar organized together; your dog leash, coat and pooper-scooper should also be hanging out with each other.

7. Use a calendar.

Marking down even menial tasks, such as “pick up dry cleaning” or “call for dinner reservations,” will help you to be super organized and to never double book.

Choose your personal preference; as long as your method works, and you are diligent about using it, it’s a good one.

8. Keep a list for things you have to pick up while you’re out.

Not only is this habit efficient, it will also make you feel so accomplished each time you cross something off!

Break the list out into smaller tasks, so it’s not so overwhelming.

9. Re-evaluate your circle of friends.

Time is a precious thing to waste; once it’s lost, it’s gone forever.

Eliminate toxic relationships; they are draining and stressful. Increase time spent with those who appreciate you, and re-evaluate the time spent with those who don’t.

10. Do your best to avoid gossip.

Even though gossip can be juicy, everything about it is usually negative and unproductive.

You can’t control other people gossiping, but you can choose whether or not you want to be part of it.

Do yourself a favor and nip it!

11.Don’t attend pity parties.

Everyone has issues to deal with. Complaining or dwelling on a situation will get you nowhere fast and brings you into a non-productive, negative zone.

Think about things you want to change, improve on or eliminate… Then tackle them one by one.

12. Dedicate time for yourself.

Everyone needs time to rejuvenate, recharge and self-pamper. If you plan time for something you enjoy in your weekly routine, it will happen no matter how busy you are.

“You time” is necessary and well-deserved!

13. Learn how to say “no.”

Overcommitting does not work.

Be realistic when you are asked to do something. If you know you won’t or don’t have time, plan it for another time or just say no.

14. Kill two birds with one stone.

Take time to plan your errands in an efficient route; going the extra mile to get something crossed off your list will make you glad you did.

Never put off until tomorrow what you can get done today.

15. Don’t compare yourself to others.

You are responsible for your own choices.

If you aren’t happy with decisions you have made, take steps to change things rather than being a downer. Don’t begrudge what others possess or have accomplished.

There it is, plain and simple.

Clusterf*cks come in many shapes, sizes and forms. When you re-evaluate your habits, you can simplify your lifestyle.

Solid, organized plans that work for your time, finances, space, habits and relationships will enable you to embrace your life with fewer roadblocks and less stress in the way.