Clutter-busting Strategy #4: Reduce pieces of furniture to a minimum

dorah blume
Aug 24, 2017 · 2 min read

This morning I received an on-line solicitation for “Chaos Master,” a product designed to declutter my computer. I almost bought it until I remembered the two recently purchased software programs — both of them sitting in their yet unzipped files on my download folder. My electronic desktop clutter is just another sphere of junk that threatens my psyche, along with the contents of my closets, drawers, storage area, all available surfaces, my social and work calendars, and my brain. Today’s strategy is about getting rid of the extra pieces of furniture you no longer like or need.

Traveling one summer for three months, I discovered that all I needed in order to feel at home was a comfortable bed, my own bathroom, a window and a desk and a wall outlet in which to plug my computer so that I could write. As soon as I returned to the States, I promptly divested myself of a number of large Victorian antiques I had squeezed into my one-bedroom apartment after downsizing from a ten room condo. It was time to downsize again.

Look around you. What pieces of furniture can you get rid of to increase the flow of energy through your living space? Craigslist.org is a great way to sell off or give away what no longer serves you.

Don’t underestimate sentimental value. If you have something that you feel a strong emotional attachment to, keep it. Objects hold our histories. But don’t take the enjoyment of them away by mixing them with pieces that you don’t like or you are too guilty to let go of because of family ties. Think of it as sending the pieces you no longer need or want into the arms and homes of new owners who will treasure them.

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Written by

Author of Botticelli's Muse, about Botticelli’s creation of the Primavera, and her upcoming memoir, Confessions of a Self-Help Junkie. dorahblume.com

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