Hi Reader!

As we step into April, we’re embracing a fresh start and a rejuvenating focus on decluttering our physical spaces. April is “Tackle Your Clutter Month,” and we want to take this time of the year to reflect on the impact of our surroundings on our mental well-being.

Research in psychology has started to uncover how cluttered living and workspaces can cause stress and anxiety, affecting our mental health and productivity. According to the American Psychological Association, clutter can trigger emotions like anxiety and depression and also lead to other mood disorders. It’s also been found that people surrounded by an excess amount of clutter often have lower self-esteem and feel less satisfied with life. So, how can we tackle clutter and ease the mental burden it creates in our environment?

We’re thrilled to collaborate with our partners at Tartan Organizing to bring you insights into the power of decluttering!
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The Professional Organizer’s Perspective​
Natalie Broyhill and Kari Kuhn, owners of Tartan Organizing, emphasize that our physical environments directly influence our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Here are some key takeaways from their experience with clients:
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Less is More: Simplifying our surroundings means less to clean, care for, and manage, leading to a lighter mental load.

Organized Spaces, Calm Minds: Cluttered homes often harbor issues like constant loss of items, pest problems, and cleaning difficulties, which can increase stress and anxiety.

Strategies for ADHD: For individuals with ADHD, organizing strategies that rely on physical cues rather than memory can be immensely helpful. Simple tactics like labeling bins can make a significant difference in maintaining an organized space.

Embracing Imperfection: The goal of organizing isn’t perfection but rather creating functional systems that reduce overwhelm and make tidying easier. Establishing regular organizing routines can provide a sense of control and calm.

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Tartan’s Practical Tips for Decluttering​
​Feeling inspired to embark on your decluttering journey? The Tartan team offers these actionable tips for a “fresh” start!
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​Start Small: To avoid feeling overwhelmed, begin with manageable tasks. Set a timer for 30 minutes and focus on clearing surfaces and floors in one room at a time.

Digital Decluttering: Don’t forget about digital clutter! Spend some time deleting unnecessary photos and files to free up mental space.

Donation Drive: Keep a donation box by your door and add items you no longer need as you come across them. Plan a donation drop-off as a rewarding “friend date.”
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Real Client Experiences​
Here are some powerful testimonials from individuals who have experienced the transformative effects of organization with Tartan Organizing:

“I feel so much lighter inside knowing that items I no longer use are either donated or discarded, and I can easily find the things I do use!”

“I can now open any door in my house and instead of a feeling of dread, I get a breath of fresh air.”

“My office had become an overwhelming mess to the point where I avoided it at all costs. I didn’t know where to begin, and I questioned how someone else could tackle it without knowing the nuances of my work. I finally bit the bullet and reached out to Tartan, and I am so glad I did. They swooped in and were hard-working organizing magicians all day long. Not only are they incredibly professional, but they are thoughtful, kind, and great at what they do. I sincerely enjoyed having them here and felt like I’d gained friends by the time they left. They turned my office into something I could’ve never imagined in a million years. It feels three times bigger, and every single thing has its place. When they revealed it to me at the end of the day, I cried happy tears.”

Let’s embrace the opportunity this month to declutter our physical spaces and nurture our mental well-being. Remember, small steps toward organization can lead to significant improvements in our overall quality of life.

Wishing you clarity, peace, and a clutter-free April ahead!