Simplifying Mom-Life with Declutter Coach Kiera Malowitz

by Virginia Elder | Oct 25, 2020 | Household | 0 comments

Let’s just be real for a sec, motherhood can get messy – like, physically. Seemingly, one day we get smacked with the realization that we can’t keep up with the laundry no matter how we try, we can’t remember the last time we could actually walk through the toy room without tripping on something, and there are closets throughout the home that should have a “Warning Possible Avalanche” sign on them.

Did you know clutter fuels distraction and increases the likelihood that you’ll feel frazzled or stressed? Yup!

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It’s hard to determine if this is just a phase (if it is, how did we enter and where’s the dang exit?), if it just comes with the territory of being household momager in charge or clothing tiny humans, or if it’s a result of the materialistic rhetoric in society that we “need” all-the-things. Maybe all three?

Either way, there’s shame, guilt, embarrassment, and a load of other negative feelings associated with realizing you have a clutter problem. I know, because I’ve been there. For me, the clutter was also indicative of disorganization in other areas of my life and paralleled strongly with our financial journey. Decluttering is yet another way to ditch the chaos, simplify, and regain connection to the areas of life that matter most.

Where (and How) to Start Decluttering

First, it’s important to embrace the concept that change starts with you. It’s time to embrace that inner CEO and focus on what you CAN control. I can control my closet, my office, and the pantry, for example. I’m the only person who uses the clothing in my closet, the one who works and uses the items in my office, and I’m the one who does the meal planning and grocery shopping. If I take charge of my “areas” of the home, others will likely, eventually follow suit.

Pick an area that you 100% control and powerfully assume charge. Begin by getting rid of things that are broken, stained, out of style, missing parts, unused, expired, or no longer wanted. Don’t force yourself into decisions on things that you might want to keep yet – take the easy wins and donate or toss the items you’re completely sure you don’t want anymore.

If you have young kids in the home, you’re also in control of what they do and don’t have in their toy rooms, bedrooms, and closets. If you can’t walk through a room without stepping on something or tripping, tackle that floor clutter first. If there’s a visible “junk” counter or bookshelf that’s a great place to start too. Some of the best advice out there is to start with visible areas before you go unloading a cabinet or closet.

Consider setting aside certain things in bins and implementing a rotation if you’re not ready to get rid of the clutter. This works well for kids’ toys, home decor, and even small appliances. When you set up a toy rotation, every time the bins come out with “fresh” toys, the kids’ imaginations are revived and they suddenly play with old items like they were new again. The same thing would happen to you if you pulled out the blender each spring and the crockpot each fall.

Working Through Organization Overwhelm

Sure, messes are stressful, but the thought of actually committing to organizing that hideous pile is daunting and overwhelming too! So, what’s a girl to do?

Our default reaction is to shove things we don’t want to deal with out of sight. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Wrong.

It’s still there, behind that door, in the drawer, in the back of your mind, annoying you from a distance, and that little annoyance, although shushed for the time being, still exists. This is one way clutter causes stress, and no matter our avoidance tactic, that stress remains until we face the issue head-on.

I urge you to face the music and see what progress you can make in just one hour. Pick a visible, cluttered spot that most annoys you. Get out that ol’ egg timer, set it on the counter and dedicate just a single hour of distraction-free, focused, declutter time on that single project.

Another option is to get outside help. Do you have a friend that could be brutally honest with you that you won’t get mad at if they come help? Usually, spouses and family members aren’t the best fit for this job, and I want to emphasize the OUTSIDE part of getting outside help.

Invite your gal-pal over, tell her your dilemma with the clutter in this area, and ask her to help you laser focus and clean out the mess. If at any point, you decide the clutter is causing undue stress or that you absolutely don’t have time to deal with it, it may be time for professional help… I may know someone who can help you 😉

Something New In, Something Old Out

One more fantastic tactic is to establish “rules” around new purchases. Upcoming birthday and Holiday parties usually mean new things will be coming in, so the Fall months are perfect for getting rid of old things.

In the realm of budget-consciousness, I strongly recommend NOT using that 1-Click Ordering button. I know it seems so tempting, but practicing delayed gratification will also make you think twice about what kind of clutter you might be buying. With each new purchase, think through these questions:

Where will this belong in our home?

What is this replacing?

Do I know someone who has this who will let me borrow it?

How long will this item be used and loved in our home?

Do we already have something that serves this same purpose?

Will this help or add to clutter in any certain area?

If you’re able to walk through these questions, aside from helping you deeply evaluate your purchase, you’ll also be triggered to get rid of anything it’s replacing, ensure the new item has a place where it will go & belong when not in use, or maybe prompt you to get rid of a few old things before clicking “Check Out.”

Practicing thoughtfulness around new purchases consistently will help reduce and control the amount of clutter coming into the home over time and assist you toward a long-term lifestyle-altering solution for clutter.

Meet Declutter Coach, Kiera Malowitz

Professional Organizer and Declutter Coach Kiera Malowitz is on a mission to help people feel less stress and anxiety over the things they own. Kiera studied Accounting and had a 13+ year career in consumer products, has been married for 12 years and has 3 children. She’s focused on helping moms solve clutter issues so they can focus on the things that matter most in pursuit of an abundant life.