Charities Won't Take My Sh*t (Decluttering during this special time!)
If you were first enchanted by the Kon Mari method of discarding ‘that which does not spark joy’, you may find that right about now, during the perfect time of ‘decluttering’, you are at a total loss.
Why? Two reasons.
The method seems totally at odds with the little pressing issue called ‘sustainability’ and the future of our planet! Everything that is trashed will likely end up in landfill, even if it is sent to be recycled and reused, not everything makes the cut. Can you even in good conscience lovingly say goodbye to that which doesn’t spark joy and send it to the graveyard of items that don’t make aspirational millionaire feel abundant? Research shows that even the repurposing that happens at places that recycle can be its own strain on resources. This makes me think twice before sending off the clothing that I will probably miss in a couple of years’ time.
Right now, places aren’t accepting donated, preloved items. That would be the c-word’s doing. Understandably so. I peeped into our local clothing bin and had several stuffed bags nearly fall ontop of me. In good conscience, I called the 1800 number on the bin, with no reply. Business is looking very different for places like this.
That’s not to say that you can’t set aside all that you are willing to give away, repurpose or discard if you wish. It might be sitting in your garage for months (especially if driving it to the nearest charity never hit the top of your to-do list!).
But how to approach the mentality of all this decluttering in this new world?
We know that decluttering is amazing for:
Clearing out the old to make way for the new, energetically speaking.
Preparing for serious upgrades by creating physical and often mental space.
Helping to get creative juices flowing for those who need the destroy/create dichotomy.
Cultivating a mindset of wealth and abundance; holding on to things out of fear and desperation is not the energy you want to live into. Letting go asserts that you trust you will be provided for (by you, the universe, Santa Claus) and will be ok.
Symbolically calling in and settling into a new phase.
So how do we think about it now that we know it is all the above AND possibly not the best thing ever for environment?
Whether you end up permanently relocating the clutter or not, use the process as:
1. Stocktake: a reminder of all you own in physical assets and energetic dollars (not just spent $$- most is worth something, however fractional)
2. A lesson in the abundance you already have. If you have enough teacups to have the Von Trapp family and their spouses over for coffee and cake, then you have a beautiful reminder that you are probably more privileged than most of the population. It might not be teacups that make you think ‘whoa’, but maybe it’s your many journal sets or old DVD/book collection. Yes, we can feel that abundance right now.
3. A call to be discerning. Once you have everything out on the table and you’ve perused every room to note and appreciate all that is there (future giveaways or not), then you can make calls about how to spend your future income. You can say, hand on heart, that you need not buy another pair of socks again or that you will only buy cushions that you will love forever and ever and ever. This isn’t to promote frugality, but rather to help you direct your money more consciously into that which might stand the test of time. I used to wonder what I might be missing out on with all I spend on music production, but after this last decluttering phase, I stand by my choices!
The result? Speaking for myself, I’ve found this clearing out has created:
Less fear, more confidence moving forward. Literally surrounded by money and proof that it has come easily.
Less focus on material possession (ironically) and feeling grounded to do more of what I love (not just what I have to do ‘in case’)
Deeper gratitude and engagement with all I have. I can slow down and use luxurious products or repurpose old ceramics into vases and elegant bathroom décor.
An endless capacity to give and in-turn, receive. I could (and likely will) give away so much to the most sustainability-driven companies AND family, friends and neighbours who will love my old treasures. But the giving is more than that. I can also give time and energy equally and feel restored by the abundance that already exists.
A stronger focus on design and functionality. Ironing out the clunks as I’ve spoken about before. It has provided a fresh opportunity to consider what works and where it you be smoother or more pleasant.
Sure, there are bags and boxes in the garage that are yet to find their new home and ‘future me’ items stored in drawers I never open, but overall the spaciousness and abundance prevails. With this new space I can make better choices about how to best dispose of that which no longer brings joy and how to use my money in the future. It certainly won’t be to impress other people! And it will never be because I failed to recognise how much I already have.
Have you recently decluttered? What new feelings does decluttering bring up for you in this new era? What has been your most satisfying decluttering experience to date? And how are you going to direct all that new beautiful energy, itching to enter the world?
And, if you are brimming with energy and don’t know what to do with it, allow me to help you. My signature program, the 3-Month Metamorphosis, will guide you to make the biggest shifts and upgrades in your life, one insight at a time. Whatever you feel and learn during declutter time can be applied to your whole world- you may not see how just yet, but that is where 90 days of transformational conversations will have you directing your energy into what you love, but have been too scared to do. Take the first steps towards joining by learning about who I work with.
Happy upgrading!
PS. Now you appreciate the declutter, read this short article on using a double declutter to manifest what you want!