Put your clutter to order

There are people who hold onto things such as clothes, shoes and books among other items that they do not necessarily use and these end up filling space that would rather be used to serve other purposes.

Artist and interior designer, Sheila Nakitende, director of Zaabu Art and Media and Dorothy Mwima Barrak, of Dorah’s Touch, say, “Some have sentimental attachment to the items so they find it hard to dispose of them while others hope to pass them on to their next generation.

Like that, they keep them. The common clutter in homes includes furniture and electronics.” But as a person who loves to de-clutter people’s homes, Mwima advices her clients to pick out what is really important and throw what is just taking space before she can start organising their home or office set up.

Have organised storage
“To organise important documents, buy files and label them, this will help you in tracking down those important receipts or documents. Children’s toys can be put away in beautiful themed storage boxes while giving out old clothes and shoes that are not being worn will give you more room,” she advises.

Reuse them
Nakitende says, “I do purposeful recycling to some of the things and use them to redecorate.” The interior designer who doubles as an artist, advises that if you are space constrained or simply want to do away with clutter, find time to manage clutter by sorting it, then identifying people who need it and giving it away.

Diane Gallin, Wind and Water Feng Shui Consulting agrees with Nakitende, and adds that the best way to keep clutter in order is to carefully evaluate every item in your home and decide if it has a purpose or if it brings you joy.

But while some people find it okay to live with clutter, Nakitende says, “I always recommend that clients start with one drawer, one closet or one room at a time so that they will be gratified by the results and inspired to move on to the next project.

It takes less time to get dressed, prepare food, locate important papers and complete projects when clutter is cleared but the job will seem overwhelming at first,” she adds.

cons of clutter Clutter always has consequences in a person’s living space and therefore should be addressed. “The biggest problem is that clutter blocks the flow of chi energy which is necessary for growth,” explains Diane Gallin, Wind and Water Feng Shui Consulting.

Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophical system of harmonising everyone with the surrounding environment.
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