By Samantha Georgson | Illustration by Holly Tyler
After a few years in a new home, we collect an overwhelming number of things. Professional organizer Nicole Gruter says that the key to turning your personal space into a positive space is to organize, de-clutter and most importantly, downsize. Gruter offers advice for creating a space that truly serves you.
FOCUS ON “WHY” NOT “HOW”
After embarking on the mindful journey of de-cluttering her own home, Gruter became fascinated with the relationships people have with their objects. First, consider which belongings deserve to stay. We can do this by thinking about “why we feel connected to certain material objects,” says Gruter, versus focusing on “how we’re going to get rid of others.”
CREATE A SPACE THAT SERVES YOU
“The biggest thing is owning less,” says Gruter. While it’s great to have organizational systems, we could always do with fewer things. Create a space in which your environment is serving your needs. “Keep what’s giving you energy, and get rid of the things that aren’t.”
BE WILLING TO ACCEPT HELP
It can be difficult to part with our material objects, and sometimes it takes a third party to get us to that stage. “Some people just need a cheerleader,” someone to support them as they go, “others need a coach.” Whatever the case, Gruter encourages people to consciously take control of their physical spaces so their surroundings don’t hold them back.
Visit Gruter’s website positivespace.life for more information.
