By Shay Greenwood
Columnist Shay Greenwood’s garage before the big cleanout
Columnist Shay Greenwood’s garage after the big cleanout
Have you ever found yourself staring at a cluttered space, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff that seems to multiply over the days and months – and then it turns into years? Maybe 23 years, to be exact? Well, I recently embarked on a little adventure of my own — cleaning out my garage after years of lugging around too many boxes from a few moves.
It has been a life filled with decision fatigue, especially after navigating through some tough circumstances. Recently, I waited for the first day of nice weather and got to work to clean the clutter out and use our garage for its intended purpose: cars!
Let me tell you, the sense of freedom and clarity I have experienced was absolutely worth the time I’ve spent over the last several weeks going through every single box and making hard decisions to keep, give away, or throw away items I’ve had for years.
As I sorted through boxes of forgotten treasures and stuff that just needed to be thrown out, I realized that decluttering isn’t just about tidying up our physical spaces. It’s also about refreshing our souls. So many memories and emotions were in all of the clutter; it was much-needed therapy for me. Do you need to do this too?
It’s important to start small and celebrate progress along the way!
When faced with a mountain of clutter, it’s easy to feel paralyzed. Instead of tackling everything at once, start with a small area — like a single box or a corner of your garage. Celebrate each little victory! I found myself talking a lot to myself while listening to music or a podcast, or saying things like, “Keep going” ; “You got this”; “Don’t stop”; “Make a decision”; etc.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10, NLT). This verse reminds us that every small step counts in God’s eyes. Each item you let go of is a step toward a more peaceful space and a more peaceful mind!
As you sift through your belongings, ask yourself, “Does this item bring me joy or serve a purpose?” If it doesn’t, it might be time to let it go. Holding on to things that weigh us down can hinder our growth and joy. I found a box of pictures with so many duplicates from the years when you always chose to get double exposures. It was hard, but I threw away every single duplicate photo. I didn’t even know they were there before I opened the box anyway.
There is freedom for you on the other side of decluttering! Grab a friend to help hold you accountable!
Shay Greenwood is a wife, mom, and mentor who loves helping women be their best selves! Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @shaygreenwood.