The reasons why people accumulate clutter are varied, but most of the origins come from a psychological and emotional struggle. Of course, there are those who are highly intelligent, whose attention and motivation is with other tasks. Keeping tidy and organized may just be very low on their list of priorities.

I have written elsewhere about the reasons why someone has clutter and tips for what they can do to tackle the problem. The title of this article may even allude to another tip, where a person can combine an unpleasant task (decluttering) with something enjoyable (like listening to your favorite music).  But that is actually not the point of this article.

Instead, I want to put forth the idea that for some, clutter results out of sheer lack of time.  And when one organizes their time better, it can free-up the person to actually have some time left over each day, to make progress in dealing with the clutter.  In fact, I would be willing to bet that people who suffer from physical clutter, likely have time management struggles as well.  When you literally have no time to declutter, the lack of solutions will feel overwhelming and be a self-fulfilling cycle for not being able to do anything about it.

I happen to be on the opposite end of the spectrum, where valuing my time has always been a priority and I have almost treated my daily and weekly schedules like a game, to see just how much I can accomplish in finite time frames.  I’ve also had my own frustration in how to incorporate more time for exercise when it seems like each day is already broken down into 30-minute increments with tasks for my personal life and health, pets, business, upkeep of my property, other duties and family obligations.

When I was younger, I almost felt like I needed to be constantly productive in order to justify my existence. I couldn’t let myself sit idle while watching TV. I’d prepare things to do while watching a show, like ironing or folding laundry.  I also questioned my penchant for multi-tasking; is it a virtue or some neurotic component to my psyche? And if I suggest multi-tasking as a solution for creating more free time, am I encouraging Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in others?

Recently, I was perplexed in how I could possibly fit in more projects, wanting to both read more and exercise more. I’ve now established the near daily practice of reading while exercising on my stationary bike.

I have many other multi-tasking activities firmly entrenched into my routine and if I am ever put on hold when trying to handle something over the phone, you can bet I pull out the Windex and start dusting furniture or deleting old emails.  I don’t ever just sit and twiddle my thumbs while others try to waste my time.

If I can impart this type of work-ethic to those struggling with clutter, this may be a way to free up more time for your organizational needs. There is a great sense of fulfillment in getting a lot accomplished each day and you can certainly combine some mindless tasks.   For instance, I have become a News junkie, but I’m not going to dedicate any time at all to just listening to the News and nothing else.  While cooking, cleaning, and driving I can satisfy my News quota.

Early in my career, when I wanted to legitimately use my car and all its expenses as a tax deduction, I would not even stop for an errand unless it was literally on my way to or from traveling to see a client. This also saves gas and drive time.

In the morning, I scan my emails and only prioritize the ones which come from clients with real urgency. Everything else can wait. Later in the day, those other distracting emails lose their importance and this helps cut down on excessive time spent on social media.

Now, if you research the effects of multi-tasking on the brain, you will find mostly negative commentary and warnings that multi-tasking can cause brain fog, stress, and even lower one’s IQ!  Keep in mind, I am not suggesting that someone try to do their taxes while acting as an Air Traffic Controller.  I am only suggesting you group certain mindless or boring tasks when the opportunity presents itself.

Further, for those who suffer from chronic clutter, the stress and “brain fog” which the cluttered surroundings can produce is much more serious and harmful to your physical and mental health.  Anything one can do to resolve the clutter is time well-spent.

Author: Kartar Diamond

Company: Feng Shui Solutions ®

From the Tao of Organizing Blog Series