Unexpected Side Effects of Organizing

Decluttering is not a panacea for all trials and tribulations in life, but it can be downright transformative. How do I know? Over nearly a decade as a professional organizer, I have repeatedly seen emotional transformations with my clients.

Clients start with excellent reasons to get organized, only to find that the benefits of decluttering and finding organizing systems that support their lifestyles trickle into other unexpected areas. Decluttering and success in day-to-day life management lead to happy surprises. Additional goals come to fruition. Delight appears. Here are just a few examples of unexpected benefits that I have seen over the years:

• Shedding pounds by being able to use kitchens again.
• Deciding to move and getting paperwork organized to transition from renting to owning.
• Getting married.
• Improving levels of marital satisfaction.
• Discovering cash, jewelry, and other items that help offset costs of future care or improve the lives of estate beneficiaries.
• Finding long-lost mementos.
• Discover hidden strengths.

These are impressive, unexpected benefits that are solely in addition to the direct goals that clients aspire to and achieve as they successfully declutter and organize their lives in ways that work for them.

Here is a sample of common goals that my clients hope for and achieve by getting on top of their clutter and improving their ability to manage the day-to-day:

• Improve Finances:
  • Stop buying more stuff to organize the stuff.
  • Deposit previously lost checks.
  • Stop purchasing duplicates when originals are lost.
  • Stop paying late fees.
  • Redeem unclaimed property with the state.
  • Review unboxed items from a previous move to prepare for an upcoming move.
  • Reduce volume for an upcoming move.
  • Turn in receipts for medical reimbursements.
  • Extend a vehicle’s life by using the garage again.
  • Turn in tax returns for multiple years.
  • Clear out storage units rented for years and even decades.
  • Move to cheaper locales.
  • Downsize to smaller homes.
• Increase Free Time, Relaxation, and Calm:
  • Reduce overwhelm and end procrastination, even with tedious or daunting tasks and projects.
  • Reclaim space to read and unwind.
  • Return to creative endeavors, such as writing, playing instruments, painting, knitting, sewing, and cooking for friends and family.
  • Experience comfort and calm at home.
• Increase & Improve Relationships:
  • Reduce relationship stress.
  • Improve relationships with romantic partners.
  • Deepen familial and friendly relationships.
  • Enter new relationships, both platonic and romantic.
  • Increase free time to spend with children.
  • Reconnect with family members and friends.
  • Feel more connected.
• Increase Health & Well-Being:
  • Organize new homes to support goals.
  • Reclaim rooms for exercise.
  • Create a safe and relaxing environment in anticipation of recuperation after surgery.
  • Successfully manage day-to-day living at home without stress.
  • Reduce ADHD friction points.
  • Reduce stress.
  • Gain confidence.
  • Improve self-esteem.
  • Feel more like themselves.
  • Increase peace of mind.
  • Increase life satisfaction.

These are a small subset of goals that clients reach. All this is to prove that you, too, can declutter and arrange your daily life to achieve those essential WHYs behind your goals! Look at all the fantastic results waiting to reveal themselves to you as you undertake your journey!

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