As spring approaches, we enter a great time of year to do some cleaning. Not many people realize how profoundly clutter can impact our lives. Rid yourself of clutter and you allow room for new things and opportunities to come into your life. Clutter in your home clutters your mind, body, and spirit.

People hold onto possessions for many reasons. An object can have sentimental value; the item was a gift; we feel we may need the object in the future; it is a collectible; someone in the family may have use for it in another lifetime, etc. Some people think that the more possessions we have, the more secure we will feel. Many people hold onto things for fear of not being able to acquire these items in the future. The mind is very powerful and can create a need for the item once thrown away if the person really believes this to be true. We have to trust that the Universe will provide for us in the future.

People with lots of clutter tend to be overweight. Our homes are mirror images of our lives. As we clear the clutter, we feel lighter. People with an overabundance of clutter tend to be sluggish, lack motivation, and may not take very good care of their body. Remember, your home is a reflection of who you are.

Basements represent the past. If cluttered, a basement may reveal unresolved past issues. Similarly, attics filled with clutter may result in worrying more about the future since these things are "hanging over" one's head. Garages, closets, attics and basements are just as important as any other room in the house. There is no place to hide anything. You may be the only one who sees a chaotic closet or attic, but you are the one who is constantly affected. Clutter and chaos drains and stagnates your energy. Clear out the mess and bring creativity, vitality, and vigor back into your life. Every place counts!

People often hold onto clothes that are too small or too big. In this way, we clutter our closets with an array of different size clothing. Buy clothes that make you feel good at the weight you are now. Clear away clothes that no longer fit. Love yourself for who you are now and you will lose the weight faster.

Hoarding paper and books is a very common problem. Holding onto old books doesn't allow room for new ideas to enter your life. Donate those books to the library or sell them to used bookstores. Only hold onto books that represent your thoughts today. Thanks to Internet access, saving newspaper and magazine clippings is no longer necessary, for having a computer is like having your own library at home.

One of the Feng Shui principles is to surround yourself with things you love. Don't feel obliged to keep a gift you dislike. If you don't feel comfortable telling the giver you can't use it, think of a creative way to recycle it. You can donate items to charity, have a garage sale, give them to friends, or just toss them away.

We are all constantly growing and changing. Our tastes change as we do. Therefore, don't feel you have to hold onto the same possessions for a lifetime. Permit yourself to discard possessions you no longer love or need.

Clear Away Questions:

Clearing clutter is very difficult for the majority of people. You may feel overwhelmed. If this is the case, do it gradually. Consider which rooms frustrate you the most. Then prioritize. Clear one room each month. Every cleared drawer, closet and room gives you an opportunity to take control of your life. Your physical closet impacts your mental closet.

In clearing clutter, you may experience a variety of emotions. While these must be dealt with, the rewards of clearing clutter are far greater. Bear in mind that everything you own is on loan. Even your physical body. When you pass on, you take nothing with you other than your soul. Store your memories in your heart and soul rather than your home. Simplifying your life will guarantee you the harmony and joy you were searching for.