Emotional Purging & Attachments
- Face the loss of a loved one.
- Deal with emotional abuse from the past.
- Conquer discouragement and low self-esteem.
- Tackle major depression, stress and anxiety.
- Remove feelings of guilt about clutter.
- Handle general emotional attachments.
UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF EMOTIONAL CLUTTER
We are easily affected by death, sickness, pregnancy, abuse, divorce, depression, etc.
More often than not, clutter can accumulate and spiral out of control due to a person’s inner feelings and emotions. Emotional clutter can be a direct reflection of how a person feels inside. Usually a fond memory, serious trial, traumatic experience or guilt is to blame and will present itself each time a person tries to conquer their disorganization. Someone who feels emotionally weak or isolated will subconsciously avoid dealing with their clutter out of fear of losing more of their self-worth or identity. Anxiety, stress and depression sets in because their environment becomes a constant reminder of their unresolved issues. As time and emotions progress, so do the piles of clutter.
How do I begin to conquer emotional clutter?
The first thing you need to do is find a close friend, relative or professional organizer to help you purge until you feel emotionally safe to handle your clutter alone. Choose someone that you know will listen to your feelings and give you positive support. It’s very important that you receive emotional encouragement in the very beginning; otherwise you may end up putting off your project again.
Second, follow the basic steps of organizing. When you come to items that stir up a lot of emotions, don’t avoid them and put them off; place your hands on them and go through the motions. It’s okay to cry! Many people get emotional while purging. It’s a natural part of healing. Make sure someone is there to listen to you so that you can heal properly. Once you’ve dealt with your emotions, you’ll be better able to decide if the items are actually worth keeping in your home. Eventually, you’ll become strong enough to organize on your own.
How do I deal with emotional attachments?
Emotional attachments usually stem from the need to connect to a fond memory from the past. Memories can be cherished in many ways. The most popular technique that professional organizer’s use is to take a picture so you can let go of the clutter. Pictures take up less space but still allow you to see and remember things you once owned. Another technique is to keep a journal as you purge. This process is slow but very effective. Many people have journaling projects planned out in their minds anyhow.
If you would like more information on how to purge emotional clutter, please join our forums or contact a local professional organizer who specializes in chronic disorganization and emotional purging.
How do I begin to conquer emotional clutter?
The first thing you need to do is find a close friend, relative or professional organizer to help you purge until you feel emotionally safe to handle your clutter alone. Choose someone that you know will listen to your feelings and give you positive support. It’s very important that you receive emotional encouragement in the very beginning; otherwise you may end up putting off your project again.
Second, follow the basic steps of organizing. When you come to items that stir up a lot of emotions, don’t avoid them and put them off; place your hands on them and go through the motions. It’s okay to cry! Many people get emotional while purging. It’s a natural part of healing. Make sure someone is there to listen to you so that you can heal properly. Once you’ve dealt with your emotions, you’ll be better able to decide if the items are actually worth keeping in your home. Eventually, you’ll become strong enough to organize on your own.
How do I deal with emotional attachments?
Emotional attachments usually stem from the need to connect to a fond memory from the past. Memories can be cherished in many ways. The most popular technique that professional organizer’s use is to take a picture so you can let go of the clutter. Pictures take up less space but still allow you to see and remember things you once owned. Another technique is to keep a journal as you purge. This process is slow but very effective. Many people have journaling projects planned out in their minds anyhow.
If you would like more information on how to purge emotional clutter, please join our forums or contact a local professional organizer who specializes in chronic disorganization and emotional purging.
