What Your Clutter Is Trying to Tell You

by Kerri L. Richardson

Does this item represent who I am now? If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it? What feelings are triggered by this item? Guilt? Dread? Excitement? Do I use or display this item?

We think the problem is not having enough space for our stuff, when in fact it’s that we have too much stuff for our space.

When the clutter of negative thoughts, blocking beliefs, and piles of stuff surround you, it’s nearly impossible to see better options or creative solutions to overcoming life’s obstacles.

I define clutter as anything that gets in the way of living the life of your dreams. This can be an outdated wardrobe that’s overtaken your closet. It can be piles of paperwork that need your attention or that you don’t know what to do with. It can also be your nagging inner critic, toxic relationships, debt, or extra body weight. Those friends who drain your energy? Clutter. Your belief that if you can’t do it perfectly, then you shouldn’t do it at all? Clutter.

What stops you from clearing your clutter? (Go beyond “I don’t have time.”) What would it mean if it was all gone? (Move past “I’d be relieved.”) If clutter were no longer an obstacle, what would you then have time for? (This might be a professional pursuit, a romantic relationship, or a life dream.) Is there anything about that task, project, or goal that feels intimidating? (Might your clutter be a convenient distraction from pursuing that scary goal?)

With all-or-nothing thinking, nothing always wins.

What have I dreamed about doing but haven’t taken any or enough action on? What is stopping me from giving that dream more time or attention? What kinds of clutter showed up in my answer to question 2? (Remember, anything that stands in your way is clutter, so think about options for clearing whatever it is.)

The part of her that feared change kept filling up the space to make her stay put. Her inner critic was sabotaging her progress not because she didn’t want to move, but because there were unaddressed fears.

The first clutter you may need to clear is your resistance. Sit with it. Journal about it. Speak to someone safe. Give it a voice. This is what helps her settle down.

Each time you get ready to sort physical clutter or take steps to address emotional clutter, take a couple of minutes to check in with your resistance and see what’s going on.

Revisit an area of clutter that is giving you trouble. Bring along a notebook or journal. Set a timer for 10 minutes and answer this question: “What is it about this clutter that I find it so difficult to sort through?” Then let it flow. Just let whatever wants to come out come out.