Coleman Life Laundry: Decluttering for a Better Life
In our ever-busy world’s, it’s easy to accumulate physical and mental clutter. This build-up can lead to stress, confusion, and a sense of feeling overwhelmed. To combat this problem, I have the ‘Coleman Life Laundry’ - a process of decluttering and reorganising to achieve a simpler, more fulfilling life. The practice, popularised by various lifestyle gurus and organisational experts, is about more than just cleaning up your space; it’s about creating an environment that supports mental clarity and emotional well-being with an added twist of Coleman knowledge and experience thrown in.
The Concept of a ‘Life Laundry’
A ‘Life Laundry’ involves systematically evaluating and removing unnecessary items from your life, both physical and mental. The term itself combines the routine nature of laundry with the transformative effect of decluttering. Just as doing laundry cleans and refreshes your clothes, life laundry cleanses and revitalises your emotions.
The Benefits of Decluttering
Physical Space
One of the most immediate benefits of a ‘Life Laundry’ is the transformation of physical spaces. Cluttered environments can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. According to research, unorganised spaces can negatively affect our ability to focus and process information. By decluttering, we create a more organised, efficient, and visually appealing living or working environment. I always ask people what the interior of their car looks like - if it’s a farmyard, it speaks volumes.
Mental Clarity
A ‘Life Laundry’ also extends to mental decluttering. Our minds can become cluttered with unnecessary thoughts, worries, and mental to-do lists. By organising our thoughts and prioritising tasks, we can achieve far more. Techniques such as mindfulness, walking and meditation are often incorporated into ‘Life Laundry’ practices to help clear the mind.
Emotional Well-being
Letting go of things that no longer serve us can have a profound emotional impact. Sentimental clutter, in particular, can weigh heavily on our emotions. By addressing and releasing these items, we can process and move on emotional baggage free.
Steps to Life Laundry
Step 1: Assess and Plan
The first step in life laundry is assessment. Take a thorough look at your possessions and identify areas of clutter. This includes physical spaces like your home and office, as well as digital spaces like your computer and smartphone. Planning is crucial; set realistic goals and create a schedule to tackle different areas one-by-one.
Step 2: Sort and Categorise
Once you’ve assessed your spaces, begin sorting items into categories: keep, donate, recycle, and discard. This step can be challenging, especially when dealing with sentimental items. A helpful strategy is to ask whether an item is useful or brings joy. If it doesn’t, discard - simple.
Step 3: Organise and Store
After sorting, organise the items you’ve decided to keep. Invest in storage solutions that work for your space and lifestyle. Clear containers, labels, and shelving can help maintain order. The goal is to create a system where everything has a designated place, making it easier to find and return items when they’ve been used.
Step 4: Digital Declutter
Digital spaces are often overlooked in the decluttering process. Start by organising your computer files, emails, and smartphone apps. Unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists, delete unused apps, and back up important files. A streamlined digital space can significantly reduce stress and increase productivity.
Step 5: Maintain
The final step in life laundry is maintenance. Regularly review and declutter your spaces to prevent the accumulation of new clutter. Establish routines that incorporate tidying and organising into your daily or weekly schedule. This ongoing process ensures that your environment remains supportive and conducive your new positive lifestyle.
‘Life Laundry’ Beyond Physical Spaces
Time Management
A ‘Life Laundry’ also involves decluttering how we manage time. Evaluate your commitments and activities to identify what’s truly important. Learn to say no to obligations that don’t align with your goals and values. Prioritise tasks that contribute to your well-being and personal growth.
Relationships
Our relationships can benefit from a ‘Life Laundry’ approach. Reflect on the people in your life. Do you really love/like them? Do they love/like you? Or is your relationship and love-life boring or even worse non-existent? Do you wish you were with someone else?
Hold on to relationships that are supportive and fulfilling and distance yourself from ‘Energy Vampires’ and ‘Mood Hoovers’.
Financial Decluttering
Financial ‘Life Laundry’ involves organising and simplifying your finances. Review your expenses, create a budget, and eliminate unnecessary spending. Simplify your financial accounts and cash up daily knowing exactly what you are worth to the penny. I have done so for years now, and it’s amazing how year-on-year you can see growth and financial stability. A clear picture of what you have in the bank and invested can reduce stress and help you feel more positive about the future. Debt isn’t a bad thing if it’s reducing you’ll find. Cash up daily and it will disappear far quicker.
The Psychological Impact
The psychological impact of a ‘Life Laundry’ can be profound. By creating order in our physical and mental spaces, we can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. The process of letting go can also be empowering, helping us to build resilience and adaptability.
Stress Reduction
Clutter is often associated with increased stress levels. A study by the University of California found that women with cluttered homes had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Decluttering can create a sense of control and calm, leading to reduced stress.
Improved Focus and Productivity
An organised environment can enhance focus and productivity. When our spaces are clutter-free, we can concentrate better on tasks and projects. This can lead to improved performance and a greater sense of accomplishment.
Enhanced Creativity
A clean, organised space can also boost creativity. Without the distraction of clutter, our minds are free to explore new ideas and solutions. Many artists and writers advocate for a tidier workspace to assist with creative thinking.
A Cleaner Future
‘Life Laundry’ is more than just a trend; it’s a holistic approach to living a simpler, more intentional life. By decluttering our physical, digital, and emotional spaces, we can create an environment that supports our well-being and personal growth. The process of a ‘Life Laundry’ encourages us to evaluate what’s truly important, let go of what no longer serves us, and make room for the things that bring us joy and fulfilment.
Incorporating a ‘Life Laundry’ into our routine can lead to significant improvements in our quality of life. Whether it’s reducing stress, increasing productivity, or enhancing our emotional well-being, the benefits are plain to see. Try embracing the principles of a ‘Coleman Life Laundry’, and together we can cultivate a lifestyle that is not only organised and efficient but also rich and meaningful. Just send me an email rory@colemancoaching.co.uk and we can wash away your past together and make the rest of your life DAZzle.
1,192 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Life
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