This time of year, it's important to clear out the clutter and start the year with a fresh approach.

I completely detoxed my own office over the break and couldn't believe how much stuff I had accumulated that I didn't need. I do my regular mini-clean-ups weekly and the major ones around 4 times a year.

If you walk into my office it's orderly and I can easily find what I need, it was more the folders, books and stationery that had mounted up and was stored in my cupboards.  What annoyed me was finding 2 sets of refill cartridges for my colour printer sitting in a box...and I had just ordered another complete set!  So I now have enough to last me for most of the year.

You see I got lazy.  The area I store my stationary was a bit untidy and I couldn't easily see the refills so I automatically thought I didn't have any.

How often is that the case for you?  You cannot easily find or see what you have amongst the clutter so you buy extra, only to find out later you already had the items in stock?

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The Downsides of Clutter...
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1.  Takes up space...
You may have to move or buy more stuff to store your clutter

2.  Wastes time...
You're constantly looking for things

3.  Clouds your mind... 
You're unable to focus

4.  Poor image ... 
You look out of control and unprofessional.  You can lose business.

5.  Costs money... 
You buy things you already have but can't find.

Your time is worth money and it is wasted when you're searching through the clutter.

6.  Affects your health...
Clutter is depressing and overwhelming which impacts on your well-being. Your stress increases and your motivation to work decreases.

7.  Distracts you ...
With so much to look at, it's easy to wander off track and find other things to do. This is a real trap for entrepreneurs.

Mental clutter also bogs you down just like physical clutter. You cannot see clearly and can often run off course and not achieve what you want.  You are more decisive and make better decisions when you are less cluttered.

The challenge for most people who are surrounded by clutter is that they are overwhelmed and don't know where to start first.

GETTING STARTED

Best thing to do is plan time to clean out as soon as possible and just do it.  Start with your office and stay in there until you've finished. Commence with the floor, bookcases/cupboards, desk, filing cabinets, walls and then anywhere else.

Ensure you start your year off on a positive footing. Don't let another day go by where you are drowning in clutter.  Take action today to rid yourself of the mess so you can make way for more success.

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