We’re a month into 2017 and now is a great time to have a personal check-up with your goals. Rather than make a healthy list and only review it once per year, go back over your goals and make adjustments to really end the year on top.

One of my areas of focus lately has been to bring more order and clear the clutter. I’ve always taken time around the Christmas holiday to end the year with as much order as possible, and this year was no different. From my garage to storage rooms, to traditional closets—I can’t tell you how free it made me feel to drop off bags of paper to be shredded. I had stuff from years back that I asked myself, why was this still existing in my life? It’s the best feeling and it got me thinking, what does decluttering really do to eliminate stress? How does clutter really impact us mentally?

Well here’s a few facts about clutter from a leading magazine:

Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli, causing our senses to work overtime on things that aren't necessary or even important
Clutter distracts us away from what we should be focused on
Clutter signals to our brains that our work is never done
Clutter makes us anxious because we're not sure what it will take to get to the bottom of the pile
Clutter inhibits creativity and productivity by invading the open spaces that allow most people to think, brain storm, and problem solve

I’m sure after that you’re saying “Wow”! I know just reading that can be overwhelming, but here’s a few tips I’ve found when it comes to tackling clutter:

Simply GET STARTED! No matter how small the step you make, just know it’s a step and believe it or not, one small step can make a huge difference in your motivation and self-confidence.
Write out a story of what life feels like after decluttering, then imagine how much less stress you feel as a result of this new lifestyle. I like to write this type of information in my Success Journal by Stacia Pierce. It’s a great way to chronicle and script your goals and keep yourself motivated.
Make it easy by starting with one drawer per day or three cabinets per week. Whatever makes sense with your schedule, just get started on a routine and execute.
Get your kids and family involved – don’t feel you need to take this on all by yourself.
Purchase great organizational tools—check out The Container Store or Amazon.
Create a routine to always pickup your home every night before bed. That way you wake up feeling better about your surroundings.
Go through your mail everyday—don’t let this pile up!
It’s not about perfection, it’s about a plan! There’s always going to be something to organize, clean, clear and improve.
Seek professional help or trade services with a friend.
Just throw it away! If it’s been in a box for over a year, chances are you don't need it—so unless its buried treasure, just toss it!