There are times in our lives when we get really burnt out and everything overwhelms us. We feel disorganized, we become forgetful, and we can't keep up with our work. One way to deal with this is to take some time to declutter things in your life that are not working for you anymore. The best way to do this is a little bit each day over a week so that it doesn't feel like a big project (which would just be more stressful).
Day 1
The first thing that would be good to declutter is something that you use every day and is always with you, and that's your smartphone. Take some time and go through your contacts so you can remove old ones that you don't need to have any more. Delete any apps that have never been used or haven't been touched in months. Sync your phone with your music and other downloads so everything is up to date.
Day 2
On Day 2, you should take some time to declutter another electronic device -- your computer. Back up your files so everything is protected first. Take some time to remove unnecessary files from the desktop so it's clean and organized. Create any new folders needed to organize your files. Delete any photos, music, or other documents that you don't want. Finish up by emptying the recycle bin so everything is removed for good!
Day 3
It's time to go through your clothes in your closet and your dresser. Get rid of items that you don't like or have never worn and cause you to feel guilty when you pass them in your closet. Anything that hasn't been worn in a year that you're saving until it fits better should be removed as well. Bring the clothes to be donated as soon as you're done so they don't sit in bags somewhere in your home.
Day 4
We spend a lot of time in our cars, so it's important to make sure it's a clutter-free environment. Get rid of any trash in the back seat and anything that needs to be thrown out in the front as well. Organize your glove compartment so that things don't spill out when you open it. Make sure all loose change is in one spot so it's easy to reach. Go through the trunk and remove anything that you don't need to be carrying around.
Day 5
Now it's time to organize your wallet. Empty everything out and throw out old receipts that have been stuck in there. Remove loose change that is weighing you down. Organize your money so that it is all facing the same way and is in numerical order. Make sure your credit cards, gift cards, and insurance cards are all separated and easy to find.
Day 6
It's time to declutter your workspace so that you can be more focused and get more done while you're there. Go through any papers that need to be put away and file them in the correct areas. Throw out anything that you no longer need. Clean up any excess writing supplies and notepads. Straighten up any pictures or photos that you have on your desk. Make sure your computer keyboard is dusted and cleaned. Now it will be easier for you to get to work!
Day 7
On the last day you should declutter the one space that has been stressing you out the most in your home -- whether it's the coat closet, the junk drawer, or your kitchen cabinet. Take the time to empty it out and clean out the space. You can then go through the items that were in there and throw out or donate the ones you no longer need. When you put everything back, organize it in a way that makes sense so everything is easy to access.
Now that you've taken the time to declutter your life, you'll notice that it's much easier and enjoyable to be in your space and you'll have room for new experiences to happen. Let us know in the comments how this works for you!