11 Things to Never Unclutter

Keep What Truly Matters: The Non-Stuff Stuff and Maybe a Little F*ck it List Too

Introduction–Clutter Comes in Many Flavors

Clutter is so much more than a jumbled closet or the junk drawer you can’t open (find a new home for that potato masher!). There are the physical items, but clutter also includes many types of emotional clutter right on over to overloaded calendars and unrealistic to-do lists.

Now, I admit, as observed by one of my organizing clients, I get a little dopamine hit whenever we would throw out something. It’s true. I would even squeal to my clients, “Another organizing angel just got her wings!”

While clearing away unnecessary belongings can bring peace, it’s just as important to hold on to the things that truly enrich and define our lives. This article will highlight eleven things we should never “unclutter”—from meaningful relationships to core values and well, read on, and in no particular order…

The Non-Stuff Stuff to Keep

1. A sense of humor. Laughter provides blessed release to Clenched Butt Syndrome (CBS). Because of the healthful, feel-good hormones released when we have a good belly laugh, laughter really is the best medicine. I can’t think of a better way to deal with the absurdities of life. Try looking on YouTube for something that tickles your funny bone.

2. Time to recharge. Most of us maintain calendars that could keep 3 people busy. We are on 24/7 and this is simply not sustainable. Unless, of course, you have time to have a nervous breakdown. So please, schedule regular time for yourself to recharge. Wander down a trail. Or get lost in the stacks at the library. Linger over a cup of coffee with a friend. Do whatever nourishes your spirit.

3. A larger perspective. At the time of this writing, we are one-week post-election. And holy smokes! It is time to pull back the lens and catcher a broader view of things beyond your immediate purvey. We tend to get myopic and overly focused on ourselves and our problems. Look, I know it’s shocking and I hate to be the bearer of such tidings, but-there are other ways of looking at things! Hold your opinions with open hands. It’ll make you a more fun dinner guest too. And this doesn’t mean having to agree with someone else’s views. But if we can learn to listen to one another better, it can only enrich everyone. Be curious, not judgmental.

4. Lip balm. Uh, well, maybe this isn’t on your list, but this is pretty darn important stuff. And yeah, I know it’s not a character quality, but I once found myself at work without a lip balm and, oh, I shudder recalling. Now I have these puppies sprinkled everywhere. Except not in the car in summer. Especially in Arizona. (Ask me why I know this is not a good idea.)

5. Gratitude. There is always, always, always, something for which you can be grateful. This, too, is good medicine. Can you draw in a breath? Have food to eat? A roof over your head to protect you from the elements? Right now, there are a shit ton of people who would trade places with you in a heartbeat. Not trying to be trite here. But it’s true.  

6. Time with your loved ones. None of us are guaranteed to wake up tomorrow. I pray it doesn’t take a serious health scare to remind you of this. Or worse, a funeral. When I was going through breast cancer treatment, I remember thinking about how nothing mattered as much being with my loved ones. Make this a priority and schedule time with your favorite people. Not to be morbid, but we never know when a goodbye might be the last goodbye.

7. Hope. Back to post-election time. Half the country is rejoicing, the other half has been grieving. And I will admit I am in the grieving camp. Not only that, I know of so many who are facing difficulties of grand scale right now. Some of my favorite lines in the Bible are, “And it came to pass…” Now, more than even, we must grab hold of hope. Please remember that whatever you’re dealing with currently, “now” doesn’t mean forever. Music helps me reconnect with hope when I lose my way. Or call an encouraging friend to cheer you on.

8. Time for exercise. Even if it’s just a walk around the block. Our bodies need to MOVE. Exercise has so many positive benefits, both physically and mentally. I have a power playlist of songs that I listen to when I exercise and when I finish, I feel like I can conquer the world. Did you know that in studies, regular exercise is shown to be as good or even more effective than prescription medication in reducing symptoms of depression? You are also investing in your health, something your aging body will appreciate.

9. Creativity. Have fun! Fingerpaint. Bake a new recipe. Read a book on a topic you know nothing about. Take an adult ed class on something that stirs curiosity. Don’t be surprised if you get a flash of insight into other matters while you’re busy firing up a different part of your brain. The need for creativity often gets overlooked because we underestimate the value it can bring to our lives. It can provide us with a fresh perspective and the ability to see new connections.

10. Love. What the world needs now… remember the song? It’s true. At our core, we humans are love. We forget who we are and lose our way as we get so battered by daily life. It is the only answer for healing a dog-eat-dog paradigm. Allowing that love to flow for self and out to others will bring the healing that is so desperately needed.

11. A F*ck-It List. This one was an impulsive last-minute addition and boy, is it a biggie! We’re talking NO MORE! No more dinner dates with the gossipy neighbor. No more trying to live up to someone else’s standards. And not that you won’t slip up occasionally, but identifying those things is the first step. Some things on my list include complaining about shit I have no control over (like the weather), spending time with toxic people, or being self-critical. (That last one is definitely a work in progress!)

Conclusion-What Matters Most

Decluttering is about more than getting rid of things. It’s about making space for the things that are important to you. Including the qualities I’ve mentioned above.

Please keep in mind, however, that one day, every single thing that is being produced will end up in a landfill one day. And this includes all the items in your home.

But a life well-lived and well-loved? That’s an eternal legacy.

What about you? What non-stuff stuff is important to you?  

Thank you for reading and sharing. Please share with anyone you know who may find this helpful. Care to support my work? You can click here. Tips are not expected but deeply appreciated!

Grab a free subscription to my Substack Newsletter, Decluttering ADHD.

Interested in working with me for life coaching or spiritual direction? I would love to hear from you! Click here.