As everyone knows, buying (or borrowing) books and reading books are two different interests. It’s absolutely fine and natural that the first might outstrip the second in volume. The same can be said for notebooks, too.
It will come as no surprise, then, that piles of books are a natural source of clutter in my own home. I’m often reading something dictated by my book club, a fiction book for fun, something to grow my brain and something about nature all at once.
I’m also often taking courses and using different notebooks for each of them, to keep things organised. Except when they begin to pile up in different spots around my home, that is.
By the bed, next to the sofa, on top of the book case - even in the kitchen. They show a migratory path as I wander round thinking or learning, and sometimes leaving a mess in my wake.
However. They are not truly clutter - because they have a home. A place they should be, a place they usually are. Clutter is stuff that does not have a home.
Their home might be on a shelf, back at the library or in a desk drawer. Right now, they’re on holiday. Something might be blocking their home of course - for example, a vase has taken up residence on the shelf where the book usually lives. In which case, there’s a decision to be made. When I notice these piles getting out-of-hand, a sense of unease as the space or its energy starts to feel cramped, I set myself a 60 second goal.
Over the next few days, I’ll spend 60 seconds per day working on it until everything is sorted. Books back in their spots, ready to return or free to a good home.
Other things that can easily start to pile up away from their usual home include mail, shoes, spices… You can also start to pile up other people’s things, if you don’t want to let go of their memory or don’t want to face the responsibility of their belongings.
Clutter comes in the form of haphazardness and in blindingly strong emotional ties. Disorganisation can come from having too much or not enough of the right stuff. Life can get messy in all kinds of ways.
Where does clutter collect in your home? What are you hotspots, and what can you do about them? Are they truly clutter, or is it just a bit of a mess building up?
Remember, you’re never the only one. But the only thing that matters is making sure how your space works for you. Keep that in mind whenever you decide to make a change, and know that every second and every action counts.
If you have a space or place that needs decluttering, whether it's in Nottingham or further afield, drop me a line to chat about your needs.