Most houses in America have a constant flow of stuff entering the door. It is a daily process to bring things into your home: mail, packages, food, drinks, gifts, house supplies, gear, clothes, shoes, and more. But other than a weekly trash service, how many homes in America have a constant flow of stuff leaving their house?
One of the biggest keys to having a beautifully organized home is to be intentional about moving things out of your space. Feng Shui suggests emptying trash daily to promote fresh energy. I think a home can be truly revitalized by having a daily outflow. What are you releasing today???
Letting things go is largely a psychological action. While it is easy to physically remove something from your life, it can be much more challenging to mentally let it go. Gratitude helps immensely as you overcome the mental block of releasing something. Marie Kondo, creator of the Konmari Method, recommends thanking each item you release. I also love focusing on how others will appreciate my eliminated item. Having a “pay it forward” mentality can truly change how you consider an item’s value. Does this specific object create more value for me than it would for someone else? I believe the best form of recycling is donating or gifting your possessions. Letting go of things ultimately opens up mental and physical space, which allows for better energy flow.
These simple ideas can help encourage habits of release:
Create an IN/OUT spot for yourself and for each member of your family. This area can be used for people’s keys, wallet, phone (set up chargers here), mail, coupons, lists, lunches, backpacks, and other things needed when leaving the house.
Help things CHANGE FLOORS by putting a small table or basket at the top and/or bottom of your stairs. This can help to “unstick” stuff that you may not have time to move in the moment.
Set aside a LEAVING THE HOUSE area near your most used door for any items you are ready to release. Ideally, this area will be easy to see, so you remember to distribute the items asap.
Designate a DONATION/SELL bin somewhere in your home. A sturdy bin with handles makes these things easier to transport.
Allow a MAYBE bin to exist in your home. Things in this spot can be given more thought and re-evaluated as time passes. I find that most “maybe” items eventually leave our house (I have actually combined our maybe & donation bin), but occasionally items are re-claimed with increased appreciation.
Have a spot for GIFTS and RE-GIFTS. I cannot advocate re-gifting enough! If you don’t love an object, chances are you know someone who would appreciate it. I enjoy thinking about and gathering gifts year-round for all occasions.
One way to help solidify these new habits of release is to reward yourself for your efforts. Sit in your newly cleaned space for a few minutes and breath. Notice your new feelings. Are you feeling lighter? Are you experiencing some sadness of loss or maybe a new appreciation for your things? Acknowledge your feelings and be grateful for your abundant life. After you drop off donations or gifts, take a moment to treat yourself to something (I like small consumable treats like coffee). Personally deliver gifts to people, and soak up the joy of giving. And finally, embrace the peace and prosperity of a home with matching inflow and outflow.
Love Always,
Meg
These are pictures of our designated "leaving the house" spots...
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