Life Kit Podcast Episode Summary: "Clear Out Your Clutter"
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Host: Marielle Segarra
Guest: Starr Hansen, Certified Professional Organizer
Introduction: The Struggle with Clutter
In the episode titled "Clear Out Your Clutter," NPR’s Life Kit host Marielle Segarra opens up about her personal battle with clutter. She describes the overflowing hooks by her front door, struggling to accommodate her assortment of coats, bags, and accessories. This relatable scenario sets the stage for an in-depth conversation with Starr Hansen, a professional organizer known as the "Clutter Whisperer," who delves into the psychological and practical aspects of clutter.
Understanding Clutter: A Reflection of Ourselves
Starr Hansen emphasizes that clutter isn’t just physical but also represents the internal chaos we experience.
"[Clutter] is talking to us because we are talking to ourselves through our clutter. And so what becomes clutter and where your clutter accumulates is a lot about what's going on with you."
— Starr Hansen [01:07]
Hansen explains that clutter can manifest in various forms, such as busy schedules, excessive digital queues, or even emotional baggage, highlighting that it reflects our mental and emotional states.
The Emotional Toll of Cluttering
Clutter often becomes a visible sign of deeper issues like stress, overcommitment, or personal challenges. Hansen points out that addressing the root causes of clutter makes it easier to manage:
"The more that people address that deeper root of the clutter, the easier it is to release the clutter."
— Starr Hansen [01:54]
She advises approaching decluttering with curiosity instead of shame, making the process more about self-discovery and less about judgment.
Decluttering in Shared Spaces: Navigating Different Clutter Personalities
When living with others, differing attitudes toward clutter can create tension. Hansen advises establishing "safe spaces" where each person can maintain their preferred level of organization:
"Every person should be able to behave with their stuff the way that they naturally need to and want to."
— Starr Hansen [07:18]
For example, a neurodivergent individual might thrive in a seemingly chaotic environment, while a partner with OCD may require strict organization. Hansen suggests creating designated areas that respect each person’s needs, fostering harmony within shared living spaces.
Practical Tips for Decluttering: Step-by-Step Strategies
Hansen provides actionable steps for effective decluttering:
-
Start Small: Begin with the easiest areas to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
"You do really want to start in the easiest place first. I don't recommend starting with the most emotional things or paperwork."
— Starr Hansen [10:06] -
Set Intentions: Define the purpose and desired feel of each space.
"Set an intention for a space. Think about what you want to do in the room, how you want it to feel, and what you want it to look like."
— Starr Hansen [11:19] -
Categorize Items: Group similar items together to make decisions easier.
"Put them into categories in a clear, neutral space. Then go through each pile and make a decision: stay or go."
— Starr Hansen [12:00] -
Remove Immediately: Dispose of items you’ve decided to let go of right away to prevent procrastination.
"Get it out of the space immediately to give yourself the freedom to think."
— Starr Hansen [12:00] -
Personalize and Beautify: Add personal touches to maintain an organized and inviting space.
"Make it beautiful by adding elements that make you feel happy and peaceful."
— Starr Hansen [13:45]
Maintaining an Organized Space: Long-Term Strategies
Maintaining organization requires ongoing effort and adaptable systems. Hansen recommends:
-
Create Maintenance Plans: Develop routines that accommodate busy or unpredictable days.
"Make your maintenance systems for your laziest day. Ensure your system works even when you’re not feeling your best."
— Starr Hansen [14:54] -
Consistency Over Perfection: Regular, small steps are more effective than occasional, large efforts.
"People who stay organized are the ones who stay consistent and keep moving through a step at a time."
— Starr Hansen [20:34]
Overcoming the Cost Barrier: Functional Solutions Without Breaking the Bank
Hansen dispels the myth that decluttering requires expensive tools or professional services:
"You do not need to buy new boxes or containers. Look for functional items you already own."
— Starr Hansen [15:19]
She advises repurposing household items for organization and prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. This approach not only saves money but also ensures that organizational systems are sustainable and tailored to individual needs.
Preventing Overwhelm: Managing Big Projects with Ease
Tackling significant decluttering projects can be daunting, but Hansen offers strategies to stay on track:
-
Time-Limited Sessions: Allocate a specific amount of time to work on decluttering without the pressure of completion.
"I am choosing to take X amount of time to devote to clearing this clutter."
— Starr Hansen [18:46] -
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Celebrate small victories and incremental progress.
"Accomplishing something very big in small, manageable steps is enough."
— Starr Hansen [20:34]
By breaking down tasks and maintaining a flexible mindset, individuals can prevent feeling overwhelmed and sustain their organizational efforts over time.
Conclusion: Embracing a Clutter-Free Life
Marielle Segarra and Starr Hansen conclude the episode by reinforcing the idea that decluttering is a personal journey. It’s about creating spaces that reflect one’s values and needs, fostering a sense of peace and control. Hansen encourages listeners to approach clutter with compassion and practicality, transforming their living environments into organized, harmonious spaces.
Notable Quotes:
- "Clutter is talking to us because we are talking to ourselves through our clutter." — Starr Hansen [01:07]
- "It's okay to have your clutter. It's okay to have a layer of chaos and disorganization in your life." — Starr Hansen [09:08]
- "Clutter is not something you're going to just eliminate. You're not going to suddenly become a minimalist." — Starr Hansen [07:07]
- "There is something in your house that you can use for organizing, even if it's like a box from your iPhone that you're not using anymore." — Starr Hansen [16:19]
Additional Resources:
For more episodes on organization and productivity, visit npr.org/lifekit and subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for updates and tips.