Decluttering Your Life: Lessons from Gardening

If We Decluttered Like We Gardened, It Might Just Be a Little More Productive and Fun!

Getting Rid of Obvious Weeds

Pesky weeds are eyesores for me. They are ugly and suffocate the plants I want to enjoy. It's satisfying to pull them out! I almost do it automatically whenever I'm strolling around the garden.

In our homes, the weeds are the obvious trash items. Just like pulling weeds, getting rid of trash is a quick win! Go through your space, even just one room, and toss out anything that’s broken, expired, or simply taking up valuable space. You’ll feel lighter, and your space will instantly look better!

Creating Space in Between Plants

I'm a frugal gardener, so I like to divide and duplicate my plants. Often, I have extra plants that my small garden simply cannot contain. Overcrowding prevents them from thriving because plants need air circulation and space to grow well. Even these good plants need to go. But they don't have to be trashed. Instead, I can recycle them into compost or gift them to a neighbor or friend.

The same goes for our homes. If you have too much stuff crammed into one area, it can feel overwhelming. Let go of even good items that no longer fit your current lifestyle or needs. You can find new homes for your belongings, ensuring they are appreciated rather than merely occupying space or becoming trash.

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Tending the Garden Often

Gardening is not a one-time effort; it requires regular attention and care. To be healthy and look its best, it needs to be watered, fertilized, and pruned regularly. (And those Japanese Beetles— I can't even!)

Similarly, decluttering our homes is an ongoing process. Make it a habit to regularly assess what you have—maybe once per season? Where is it overcrowded? Do you need more space that's being hijacked by items you no longer need? This practice can give you a sense of control as you take charge of your stuff rather than letting it be in charge of you!

Let the Garden Canvas Evolve

One of the joys of gardening for me is the ability to rearrange and improve it. If a plant isn’t thriving in one spot, I can move it to a better location. To make the landscape more interesting, I've been known to add garden beds here and there, too!

The same principle applies to our homes. Like a garden canvas, if something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it up. Whether it’s rearranging furniture, redecorating, or simply changing how you store items, your home can grow and adapt just like a garden.

Enjoy the Garden's Beauty

I often pause to enjoy the beauty of my garden—the result of my hard work. I breathe it in, appreciate the colors and textures, and soak up the tranquility.

Our homes can give us this same sense of satisfaction and peace. You can create an environment that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Spend time in your home, celebrate it, and relish it. This can inspire you to continue the cycle of care and attention it needs.

After all, a well-tended garden—whether of plants or possessions—can be a true source of joy!

If you'd like help tending your home so it functions well and looks beautiful, my team and I are happy to "garden" with you! Just call or text 864-280-9454.

Learn more about how we help people simplify and find calm in their home by going to www.sortandsensibility.com. A "Declutter Checklist" will pop up for you to download, too!

Until next time,

Dianne