Decluttering has all kinds of benefits. I think one of it's best benefits is that it is one of the kindest things you can do. Kindest? Yes, you read that right.
There are specifically 7 ways in which I think decluttering is an act of kindness from you to those you love:
Space: Decluttering your stuff gives those you live with more space (and peace). Those you live with might not complain about your stuff, especially if you are the head of the household. Or maybe they do complain, either way, you can give them an amazing gift simply by decluttering what is yours.
Hospitality: Decluttering makes you feel good about your home so you invite more people over. This is huge. Many people never invite family or friends over to eat, hang out, or spend the night because they are ashamed of their mess. But if you declutter, you can be proud of your space. Then you will more often share your space, roof, food, and time with those in your life who need it.
Easing grief: Decluttering makes sorting easier for your beneficiaries after you die. If you've ever heard of Swedish Death Cleaning, this is exactly what it is for. If you haven't, you can check out the book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnussonit. Swedish Death Cleaning is basically another way to say decluttering. However it has a particular focus on what you will leave behind after you die. If you've ever had a grandparent or relative die and had to go through ALL their belongings and decide what to trash, sell, and keep, and then who to give all the keeps to, you know how NOT nice it is. Imagine if they had already decluttered most of the junk before they died? Wouldn't that have been kind? Be kind to your future children and family by decluttering your life today (don't wait until you're old, that might be too late).
Sharing: Decluttering gives you the mentality of sharing your stuff. I have noticed that since I am more intentional with what I keep, that I consider giving items away or letting someone borrow something more often than I used to. It's hard to think about sharing when you are trying to own everything for yourself. Minimalists don't have all the items others do, so sometimes they have to ask to borrow something, and this helps them consider sharing what they have with others as well. Also as you go through declutter process for the first time, you will (hopefully) start to give some things to people you know, rather than just throwing them away or sending them to the thrift store. Of course, don't give your family all your junk, but consider if you know someone who would really get use out of an item before chucking it.
Generosity: Decluttering saves you money so you give more money away. If you are always buying more stuff, breaking things, or repurchasing things because you lost them, you won't have the resources to give financially. Once you declutter your stuff (and maybe your bills too), you can use that extra money you save to support a favorite charity or a family you know that could use some support.
Service: Decluttering frees up your mind and time, allowing you to serve generously. Of course not all minimalists are out there serving others, but it does give you the space to do so if you choose. However, if you are drowning in clutter, it's hard to feel enough at peace to give of your time to others.
Value: Decluttering helps you realize that possessions are not more important than people. I think this is the most important way decluttering is kind. You start prioritizing experiences with other people over what you buy and have. If you spend all your time on something, that means it's important to you. So what are you going to spend your time on? Buying, sorting, organizing, storing, and cleaning your stuff? Or are you going to spend it with those you love?
So, for goodness sake... start decluttering!
Which act of kindness are you going to focus on this week?
You can start being more kind in most of these areas before you declutter a single thing.
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