Mind Over Clutter

Mind Over Clutter Plot Summary

Introduction

Creating a clutter-free environment isn't just about having a tidy space—it's about transforming your entire life. When our physical surroundings become chaotic and disorganized, our mental state often follows suit. We find ourselves overwhelmed, anxious, and unable to focus on what truly matters. The connection between our external environment and our internal wellbeing runs deeper than most people realize. Many of us accept living with clutter as an inevitable part of modern life. We tell ourselves we're too busy to organize, that we'll get to it "someday," or that being messy is simply part of who we are. But what if the path to greater mental clarity, reduced stress, and increased productivity begins with something as simple as decluttering your home? The journey toward an organized living space is also a journey toward personal freedom—freedom from the mental weight of disorder, from the constant nagging feeling that your surroundings are controlling you rather than the other way around. This transformative approach isn't about perfection; it's about creating spaces that serve your needs and bring you joy.

Chapter 1: Embrace the Decluttering Mindset

Embracing the decluttering mindset is about fundamentally changing your relationship with your possessions and your space. It's not simply about tidying up occasionally or hiding things away in cupboards and drawers. Rather, it's about developing a new perspective that values space, order, and intentionality over accumulation and chaos. This mindset recognizes that our physical environments directly impact our mental wellbeing. Nicola Lewis, the author, shares her personal journey from working in investment banking to founding her organizing business. After years in high-pressure corporate environments, she found herself struggling with her identity and work-life balance, especially after becoming a mother. "Every morning I would sit on the train on my way to work, writing lists and schedules. This enabled me to get everything out of my head onto paper and to plan ahead for the week, the month and even the year," she recalls. Despite her organized approach to work, something was missing from her life. The turning point came when Nicola was made redundant from her banking job. Rather than seeing this as a setback, she viewed it as an opportunity: "I felt liberated walking out of Canary Wharf that day and into the future. I was so excited to be leaving – finally, to have the opportunity to do something new and totally different." This moment of forced change led her to discover her true passion for organizing and decluttering, ultimately founding her business, This Girl Can Organise. The impact of decluttering on mental health cannot be overstated. Studies have found that cluttered homes can be stressful to live in, triggering physiological responses like increased cortisol levels—the body's main stress hormone. Elizabeth, one of Nicola's clients who struggled with depression and anxiety, found that her untidiness was linked to her self-worth. Through Nicola's guidance, she learned that "cleaning and decluttering needn't be a chore; it can be a pleasure if you approach it in the right way." By breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, Elizabeth transformed her relationship with her home. To begin your decluttering journey, start by analyzing the problem and creating a concrete plan. Take it step by step, room by room, and remember that small victories matter. Grab a notepad and make a to-do list for each room, noting all the items you'd like to declutter. If you feel overwhelmed, ask family members or friends for support. Then set aside dedicated time—even just an hour daily—to work through your list systematically. Remember, successful decluttering isn't about achieving perfection overnight. It's about progress, not perfection. In Nicola's words, "Big challenges can be intimidating, so turn them into measurable goals – say, 30 minutes a day – and you'll be blown away by how much you can achieve. Start to self-love and self-praise: tell yourself you're doing your best. Then nothing is impossible."

Chapter 2: Create Your Room-by-Room Strategy

Creating an effective room-by-room strategy transforms the overwhelming task of decluttering your entire home into manageable, focused projects. This methodical approach allows you to concentrate on one space at a time, fully addressing its unique challenges and storage needs. The key is to view each room as both an individual project and part of your home's larger ecosystem. The TGCO Decluttering Plan follows four essential steps: Remove, Sort and Purge, Clean, and Organize. First, collect all items in the room. Then sort them into four piles: keep, donate, bin, and sell. Next, thoroughly clean the space. Finally, organize everything you're keeping in a logical, accessible manner. This systematic approach prevents the common pitfall of simply shuffling items around without making real progress. Sarah, a busy lawyer working long hours in London, exemplifies how this strategy can transform not just a home but a life. Sarah and her husband both left for work at 6am and didn't return until around 9pm. Their demanding schedules left little time for home organization, and Sarah became increasingly anxious about the state of their living space. "She became increasingly anxious when the weekends came around and she opened the kitchen cupboards and wardrobes. Along with the bathroom and the living spaces in her house, they were full of stuff and she knew she had to sort it, but the problem seemed so immense and insurmountable." When Sarah finally reached out for help, she and Nicola tackled the chaos together, creating a customized plan that prioritized the most problematic areas. They broke down the overwhelming task into smaller, achievable goals. To Sarah's surprise, the process became enjoyable rather than dreadful. "While we worked, she played songs by Prince, her favourite artist, and she sang, danced, cried, hugged me and stepped back in amazement – all because she could feel her worries disappearing as a huge weight was lifted off her mind." To implement this strategy in your own home, begin by walking through each room and asking critical questions: How can I improve this space? Am I making the best use of the available area? Is the current storage working effectively? What atmosphere do I want to create here? These questions help clarify your vision and goals for each space before you begin physical work. For bedrooms, focus on creating a sanctuary where you can truly relax. Kitchen organization should prioritize functional zones like prep areas, food storage, and cooking utensils. Bathrooms benefit from clear containers to organize toiletries by category. Living spaces might need designated areas for different activities—reading, television watching, or children's play. Remember that decluttering isn't a one-time event but an ongoing process. Create maintenance schedules with daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks. As Nicola advises, "By decluttering and organising your laundry area or utility room, laundry will be less of a chore and you might even feel encouraged to do that little bit more every other day." The effort you invest in creating these systems will pay dividends in time saved and stress reduced.

Chapter 3: Adopt Natural Cleaning Solutions

Adopting natural cleaning solutions represents a fundamental shift in how we maintain our homes—moving away from harsh chemicals toward gentler, environmentally friendly alternatives. This approach isn't just about cleaning; it's about creating a healthier living environment for yourself and your family while reducing your environmental footprint. Natural cleaning emphasizes simple, often pantry-based ingredients that clean effectively without introducing toxins into your home. Nicola describes her personal motivation for switching to natural products: "When I stopped using toxic cleaners, my allergies, eczema and symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, skin rashes and headaches, almost disappeared." This dramatic improvement in her health reinforced her commitment to eco-friendly cleaning. She notes that many conventional cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can release harmful gases into the air, leading to indoor pollution levels that sometimes exceed outdoor levels. The transition to natural cleaning begins with recognizing the power of everyday ingredients like lemons, vinegar, and baking soda. These humble items, which Nicola's grandmother Lottie used extensively, can tackle nearly any cleaning challenge. "Sometimes the old remedies really are the best," Nicola reflects, sharing how her grandmother would use these simple ingredients for both cleaning and medicinal purposes. For example, lemons can sanitize kitchen bins, remove odors from refrigerators, clean wooden chopping boards, and polish copper pans—all without harsh chemicals. Creating your own cleaning products is surprisingly simple. For a basic all-purpose cleaner, combine 400ml of cooled boiled water with 100ml of white vinegar, a couple drops of eco-friendly dish soap, and 10 drops of essential oil for fragrance. This versatile solution works on everything from kitchen countertops to bathroom surfaces. For windows and mirrors, mix equal parts white vinegar and water with a few drops of essential oil. The vinegar cuts through grime while evaporating without streaks. To implement natural cleaning in your daily routine, start by replacing one commercial product at a time. Begin with something simple like an all-purpose spray, then gradually expand to specialized cleaners for bathrooms, kitchens, and floors. Store your homemade products in repurposed spray bottles clearly labeled with their contents. Keep ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, and essential oils in an accessible location to make mixing new batches convenient. Don't forget to consider the tools you use as well. Microfiber cloths, natural bristle brushes, and reusable cleaning rags reduce waste compared to disposable options. For those with children or pets, these natural solutions provide peace of mind. As Nicola points out, "If you have kids or pets, you won't want them walking around and licking harmful toxic chemicals off their paws." The benefits extend beyond personal health to environmental impact. "Eco-cleaning protects your health, your skin, your furniture, your pets and, of course, your environment," Nicola emphasizes. By reducing plastic waste from cleaning product containers and preventing chemical runoff into waterways, your cleaning choices become part of a larger commitment to environmental stewardship.

Chapter 4: Transform Through Upcycling and Giving

Transforming through upcycling and giving represents a mindful approach to managing possessions that extends far beyond mere decluttering. This practice connects environmental consciousness with social responsibility, allowing us to reduce waste while helping others. At its core, upcycling involves creatively repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded, while giving ensures that usable items find new homes where they're needed and appreciated. Nicola emphasizes the environmental importance of this approach: "Whenever I declutter, I'm always mindful about not throwing things away into the bin, especially now that we're all increasingly aware of the dangers of climate change, global warming, polluted seas and overflowing landfill sites." This perspective transforms decluttering from a self-focused activity into one with broader positive impact. Every item repurposed or donated represents one less contribution to our planet's waste problem. The book shares numerous creative upcycling ideas that anyone can implement. For instance, rather than purchasing expensive drawer dividers, Nicola suggests repurposing cardboard food boxes: "Just cut them down to fit inside your drawers and hey presto. You're organised." Similarly, plastic food containers from supermarket purchases can be washed and reused to organize refrigerator contents. Empty glass candle jars can become attractive bathroom containers for cotton buds or makeup brushes after removing the wax with hot water. One particularly clever upcycling solution addresses the ubiquitous plastic bag. Nicola teaches readers how to fold these bags into compact "samosas" or triangle pouches that save space and can be easily carried in a pocket or purse for shopping. "Say no to new plastic carrier bags and always carry your own plastic-bag 'samosas'. Don't get caught short!" she advises. This simple technique transforms environmental consciousness into practical daily action. When it comes to giving, Nicola provides comprehensive guidance for donating various categories of items. For books, she suggests local schools, hospitals, libraries, and specialized organizations like Books2Africa. Clothing can go to charity shops, homeless shelters, or specific initiatives for people entering the workforce. Even items like makeup, computers, and furniture have dedicated donation channels that Nicola carefully outlines. The emotional aspect of donating is addressed with sensitivity: "Nothing makes clearing clutter easier or more worthwhile than knowing your unwanted or surplus household items, clothes and shoes are going to a worthy cause." This perspective helps overcome the attachment many feel toward possessions, transforming the potential loss into a positive contribution. For those ready to embrace this approach, start by designating a specific area in your home for items to donate. Research local charities and organizations that align with your values, and keep their donation guidelines handy. When upcycling, look at objects with fresh eyes—ask not what an item was designed for, but what it could become. Remember Nicola's philosophy: "Nothing will get wasted in your home now you're learning to upcycle."

Chapter 5: Master the Art of Clutter-Free Travel

Mastering the art of clutter-free travel transforms what is often a stressful experience into an opportunity to practice mindful organization. This approach isn't merely about efficient packing; it's about creating systems that allow you to move through the world with greater ease and presence. By applying decluttering principles to travel preparation, you can eliminate the common anxieties that accompany trips and fully enjoy your experiences away from home. Nicola confesses her own enthusiasm for travel planning: "There are few things I love more than planning a holiday and I've been known to start getting organised two months before even hitting the terminal." While this level of preparation might seem extreme, she contrasts it with the alternative—"a last-minute panic with insufficient time to pack, so that you end up throwing a month's worth of clothes and shoes into your suitcase for a two-night city break!" This scenario is all too familiar for many travelers. The foundation of clutter-free travel is the comprehensive packing list. Nicola recommends organizing items under clear categories: clothing and footwear, accessories, toiletries, entertainment, sports equipment, and essentials like passports and medication. This structured approach prevents both overpacking and forgetting important items. Once created, these lists can be saved and adapted for future trips, eliminating the need to start from scratch each time. Nicola introduces several innovative tools that simplify the packing process. The first is a mini clothes rail, a technique she learned from her mother. "You can use it to hang up all the items you think you may want to take with you and easily plan your outfits. This will help you to decide which things are necessary and which you can do without." Another game-changing tool is packing cubes—fabric containers that compartmentalize suitcase contents by category. "These wonderful organisers are so clever and will transform the way you pack. They come in different sizes, keep clothes neat, minimise creases and they're simple to use." For families traveling with children, Nicola recommends a specialized approach with three distinct bags: a grown-ups' bag for essential documents and valuables, a children's essentials bag containing necessities like nappies and changes of clothing, and a children's rucksack filled with entertainment items and snacks. This organization prevents the chaos that often accompanies family travel. "Just thinking about what needs to be taken when travelling with children is enough to make even the most organised parent break into a cold sweat," she acknowledges, before providing practical solutions to ease these concerns. Beyond the mechanical aspects of packing, Nicola emphasizes the mindset shift that accompanies clutter-free travel: "By being proactive, doing some simple prep and making lists of everything you need, you can help to make your dream holiday stress-free." This preparation allows travelers to be fully present during their journey rather than distracted by forgotten items or overstuffed luggage. As a final tip, Nicola suggests creating a permanent travel kit: "When you return home, happy and relaxed after a great holiday, do as I do and put all the things you only use when you're travelling in a packing cube in your empty suitcase, together with your packing lists, ready for next time." This forward-thinking approach exemplifies how organizational habits can compound over time, making each subsequent trip smoother than the last.

Chapter 6: Establish Daily Organizational Habits

Establishing daily organizational habits transforms decluttering from an occasional overwhelming project into a sustainable lifestyle. These small, consistent actions become the foundation of lasting order in your home and clarity in your mind. Rather than fighting against chaos through periodic intensive cleaning sessions, these habits allow you to maintain control with minimal daily effort. Nicola emphasizes that even brief daily attention to organization yields significant results: "I don't believe you have to spend hours cleaning your home – 30 minutes a day can work just fine." This realistic approach acknowledges the constraints of busy modern lives while offering an achievable alternative to the all-or-nothing mentality many people adopt. She suggests that even simple actions like cleaning up after meals and quickly wiping down bathroom surfaces daily can dramatically reduce weekend cleaning sessions. Elizabeth, a department manager struggling with depression and anxiety, discovered the power of these small daily habits. Initially overwhelmed by basic tasks like showering and cleaning, she found herself deeply affected when her mother offered to clean her house. "It made me realise I was truly debilitated by my illness. I felt so useless, but I know now that a lot of my untidiness was linked to self-worth." Through Nicola's guidance, Elizabeth learned to break tasks into manageable pieces: "The biggest thing I learned is that I don't have to tackle mammoth tasks all at once, and that's very comforting. I don't worry about getting the whole house tidy. I just pick a small space and see where it takes me. Doing a little every day is much more powerful for my sanity, as well as my home organisation." The power of daily habits extends beyond physical organization to mental wellbeing. Making your bed each morning, for instance, provides an immediate sense of accomplishment and creates visual order that can positively influence your mindset throughout the day. Studies have found that people who make their beds are 19 percent more likely to report getting good night's sleep—a crucial factor in managing stress, anxiety, and depression. To implement daily organizational habits, start by identifying small, high-impact actions that address your specific clutter challenges. If kitchen counters perpetually collect random items, establish an evening ritual of clearing all surfaces before bed. If laundry accumulates, commit to washing a load daily rather than letting it pile up for weekend marathon sessions. As Nicola advises, "Washing a load of laundry every day or as soon as the basket is full will mean that you need fewer clothes. You don't really need 25 pairs of socks or 40 pairs of knickers if you follow this simple procedure." For family homes, creating systems that everyone can follow is essential. Labeled containers, designated spaces for frequently used items, and simple cleanup routines that even young children can manage ensure that organizational habits become collective rather than falling to one person. Nicola suggests involving children from an early age: "It's so important to get your children involved from the earliest possible age when it comes to tidy-up time as they really will feel a sense of ownership sorting out their own stuff." Remember that consistency matters more than perfection. As Nicola reassures readers, "You don't have to be perfect. Life gets in the way and sometimes even my sheets go on my bed unironed. Don't sweat the small stuff and just do the best that you can."

Chapter 7: Design Functional Storage Systems

Designing functional storage systems is the cornerstone of maintaining an organized home long-term. These systems transform chaotic spaces into harmonious environments where everything has a designated place, making both storing and retrieving items intuitive and effortless. Unlike temporary tidying efforts that quickly unravel, thoughtfully designed storage creates a sustainable framework for organization that adapts to your specific needs and lifestyle. Nicola emphasizes that effective storage is about quality over quantity: "Owning less is better than organizing more." This principle encourages us to be selective about what we keep rather than constantly seeking more storage solutions for unnecessary items. The goal isn't to hide clutter but to create logical, accessible homes for the things that truly serve us. Jennifer, an online follower living with three children in a two-bedroom flat, illustrates how transformative proper storage can be even in limited space. "Your Instagram feed has helped me massively, not just to organize my home but also my life," she shares. "It's so reassuring to know that everything has its place and the children know where to put things." By implementing clear storage systems, Jennifer created order in what could easily have become an overwhelmingly cluttered environment. Her experience demonstrates that space constraints don't preclude organization when thoughtful storage solutions are applied. Creating functional storage begins with analyzing each room's purpose and the activities that occur there. In kitchens, this means establishing distinct zones for food preparation, cooking, serving, and cleaning. Bathroom storage should separate categories like skincare, haircare, and medications. Bedroom wardrobes function best when organized by type of clothing or by season. This categorization ensures items are stored near where they're used, making daily routines more efficient. For implementation, Nicola recommends starting with transparent containers wherever possible. "When you go into a shop to buy your beauty, skincare and cosmetic products they are always arranged in neat rows to make them clearly visible. So why do we hide them away inside a drawer or throw them into cupboards to be forgotten for months?" Clear containers allow you to see contents at a glance, preventing forgotten items and unnecessary duplicates. Labeling is another crucial element of effective storage. Even when contents are visible, labels clarify where items belong, making it easier for everyone in the household to maintain the system. This is particularly important in shared spaces like linen closets and children's areas. As Nicola notes, "If you want the rest of your family on board with maintaining your new organised space, you'll need to make it easy for them." Vertical space often goes underutilized but offers significant storage potential. Hanging items in garages and sheds frees floor space. Floating shelves in bathrooms and kitchens create storage without consuming valuable counter area. Even underutilized wall space in hallways can accommodate hooks for coats and bags, keeping floor areas clear. Remember that the best storage solutions reflect your unique needs rather than generic ideals. "The best storage solutions are those that work for you and your routine," Nicola advises. Consider how you naturally use spaces and design systems that complement these patterns rather than fighting against them. A beautifully organized pantry with items stored in matching containers may look impressive on social media, but if it doesn't align with how your family accesses and uses food, it won't be maintained.

Summary

The journey toward organized living is fundamentally a journey toward mental freedom. Throughout these pages, we've explored how decluttering extends far beyond mere tidiness—it's a pathway to reduced anxiety, increased focus, and greater joy in our daily lives. The physical act of sorting, purging, and organizing our possessions becomes a metaphor for clearing our minds and prioritizing what truly matters. As Nicola powerfully reminds us, "Starting small is better than not starting at all. So take it a step at a time and celebrate the little 'wins' and positives as you go along." Your path to freedom through organized living begins with a single step—making your bed, clearing one drawer, or creating a basic packing list. Choose one area that causes you daily frustration and apply the principles you've learned: remove everything, sort thoughtfully, clean thoroughly, and organize systematically. Don't aim for perfection; aim for progress. Remember that organization isn't about adhering to someone else's aesthetic standards but about creating spaces that serve your needs and bring you peace. Your home should tell your story, house what you love, and inspire you to live your best life.

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Nicola Lewis

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