I have not always been clear of clutter! I spent years struggling with organization until I realized I was fighting a losing battle – I just had too much stuff. The stuff was cluttering not only my home but also more importantly my mind.

I could never understand how people seemed to be just naturally ‘sorted' and organized. I felt that there was something wrong with me because everything was just an exhausting struggle.

I discovered clutter clearing and it changed my life. Now that I'm clutter free I have more time and more importantly I have more peace of mind. This has been so empowering that I felt that I had to help others achieve the same goal.

I am now a Life Coach and I specialize in helping people to get rid of their emotional and physical clutter so that they can enjoy more of the things they want from life.

5 Simple Steps to Getting and Staying Clutter Free

These simple steps are designed to help you lead the life you want to lead: free or clutter, more organized, with more time and more energy to do the things you love.

1) The most important step in getting what you really want is to focus on it. How do you want your life and surroundings to be like? Spend at least twenty minutes writing what your ideal environment would be. Our minds are so powerful: they can liberate us or they can hold us back. Forget about what you don't want or how awful it really is right now. Write about what you really want! Let your mind run free and enjoy the feelings that come up.

2) Spend ten minutes of clutter clearing every day. Focusing on an area that will really make a difference to your life when it's clear. Even when we are fed up and miserable we can manage just ten minutes. Sometimes you may want to continue. At other times 10 minutes will be enough.

You will be amazed at how much you can do in just ten minutes and slowly over time you can clear everything you need to by just using the ten minute rule. You didn't create your clutter overnight so why do you feel you should clear it over night?

3) How can you decide what you want to get rid of? These are the guidelines I have set up for myself and my clients:

You keep:

Things that bring you great pleasure

Things that enhance your life

Things that you regularly use or need

When you look at each item use these guidelines to help you decide.

4) ‘Things' are not just things. They usually have emotions and values attached to them. That old dog-eared teddy is not just another toy – it's part of your memories of childhood, your old friend, your comfort.

There are many reasons why we have clutter and as you start to clear your clutter you will uncover many emotions which are wrapped up in the energy of the items. Be prepared to face these feelings and be patient with yourself if you become emotional. Often when we de-clutter we learn a lot about ourselves. It's uncovering these emotions which will help you to stay clutter free in the future.

5) What's coming in?

As you clear your clutter you will become more and more aware of what's coming into your home/life. Some of it will be clutter. The best way to deal with this issue is to develop your own systems for things that are coming in. For example, your post; you can get rid of junk mail immediately rather than adding it to your current pile of paperwork. If you buy a new item of clothing, what can you let go of? Perhaps something that no longer fits you.

Some people want some help and inspiration, that's where a coach or de-clutterer can help. There is an organization called APDO, Association of Professional De-Clutterer and Organisers which will have a member who is local to you.

It's really important that you feel comfortable with anyone you choose. It's your home and your life. You are in charge and you need to like and trust the person who gets involved.

Happy Clearing!