Quick Tip: Declutter When You're Frustrated

by Mandi on February 22, 2011

Quick Tip: Declutter When You're Frustrated

source: vauvau

As I’ve been focused on the book project for the past month, I’ve been in “survival mode” at home. The basics are getting done, but we’ve lowered our standards and I’m starting to see clutter build up around our home — a pile here, a messy closet there.

But I’ve noticed a funny thing — while I can ignore the clutter when I need to for the most part, after a while it starts to grate on me.

And when it starts to grate on me, I get an itch (kind of like the itch I get when pregnant and nesting) to declutter.

When I can’t resist it anymore and I start decluttering, I find that it’s a lot easier to let go of things. I use a more critical eye, and I’m ruthless in my decluttering. And the end result is an uncluttered space!

So today’s quick tip…declutter when your frustrated. Don’t put it off. Grab a trash bag and a giveaway box and go through that closet or drawer or cabinet right away. It’s much easier when you’re motivated, especially if you’re motivated by frustration!

Do you declutter when you’re frustrated, or do you wait until the “perfect” time when you really have time to go through everything carefully?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Karen-Williams-Elvert/500822407 Karen Williams Elvert

    We have eliminated all of these from our diet and don’t miss them one bit. I am so glad the food industry is coming around and offering products without these things. I know their bottom line was hurting but I am happy to find more and more products without hfcs and dyes. We eat probably 85-90% whole foods diet but we do buy some processed foods. It has become easier.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Karen-Williams-Elvert/500822407 Karen Williams Elvert

    We have eliminated all of these from our diet and don’t miss them one bit. I am so glad the food industry is coming around and offering products without these things. I know their bottom line was hurting but I am happy to find more and more products without hfcs and dyes. We eat probably 85-90% whole foods diet but we do buy some processed foods. It has become easier.

    • Anonymous

      Thanks so much for chiming in Karen! It sounds like we have similar
      approaches, and I hope to be able to say the same thing in a few months.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Karen-Williams-Elvert/500822407 Karen Williams Elvert

    We have eliminated all of these from our diet and don’t miss them one bit. I am so glad the food industry is coming around and offering products without these things. I know their bottom line was hurting but I am happy to find more and more products without hfcs and dyes. We eat probably 85-90% whole foods diet but we do buy some processed foods. It has become easier.

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      Thanks so much for chiming in Karen! It sounds like we have similar
      approaches, and I hope to be able to say the same thing in a few months.

  • Kristy

    I found a natural alternative I really love. It’s called Stevia Cane. It’s just pure stevia with pure sugar and brings down the calories in a serving to 5. In my coffee, I can barely tell the difference. It’s really good. The other stevia stuff all has additives that didn’t seem right either. Why add chemicals to something natural? Duh! Also, LOVE agave. It’s still got the calories but it doesn’t cause the insulin spike that sugar does. :-)

    • Anonymous

      To be honest, the sugar alternatives post has been on my list to do forever
      and trying to sort through all the options and information is one thing
      that’s kept me from making too many changes myself or posting it, so I
      appreciate hearing from “real” people about what they use or don’t use –
      thanks so much for chiming in!

  • Kristy

    I found a natural alternative I really love. It’s called Stevia Cane. It’s just pure stevia with pure sugar and brings down the calories in a serving to 5. In my coffee, I can barely tell the difference. It’s really good. The other stevia stuff all has additives that didn’t seem right either. Why add chemicals to something natural? Duh! Also, LOVE agave. It’s still got the calories but it doesn’t cause the insulin spike that sugar does. :-)

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      To be honest, the sugar alternatives post has been on my list to do forever
      and trying to sort through all the options and information is one thing
      that’s kept me from making too many changes myself or posting it, so I
      appreciate hearing from “real” people about what they use or don’t use –
      thanks so much for chiming in!

  • Selenamoffitt

    Way to go Mandi! A great start to helping you and your familly (blog and otherwise) feel better and live better. It becomes really fascinating when you start to look into all the amazing foods that are out there! Thanks for the post

    • Anonymous

      Thanks, Selena — you’re always such an encouragement!

  • Selenamoffitt

    Way to go Mandi! A great start to helping you and your familly (blog and otherwise) feel better and live better. It becomes really fascinating when you start to look into all the amazing foods that are out there! Thanks for the post

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      Thanks, Selena — you’re always such an encouragement!

  • http://www.feedourfamiliesblog.com/ Gina

    Good for you, Mandi! We took all of thees – plus dairy for my son’s sensitivity – out of our family’s diet about two years ago and have not once considered giving in. The positive changes we’ve felt, and seen in their behavior and sleep, is SO worth it!

    Thanks for the shout out to my food dye article at Feed Our Families. Let me know if you need any help along the way with removing these ingredients!

    • Anonymous

      Our youngest daughter is actually being tested for various allergies right
      now (they’ve started with a RAST test rather than putting her through the
      pin pricks to start) to try to figure out what’s going on with her. Dairy is
      definitely one of her triggers; we just haven’t figured out if it’s actually
      an allergy yet. All of that to say that we may be following in your
      footsteps, and I may just take you up on your offer!

  • http://www.feedourfamiliesblog.com/ Gina Rau

    Good for you, Mandi! We took all of thees – plus dairy for my son’s sensitivity – out of our family’s diet about two years ago and have not once considered giving in. The positive changes we’ve felt, and seen in their behavior and sleep, is SO worth it!

    Thanks for the shout out to my food dye article at Feed Our Families. Let me know if you need any help along the way with removing these ingredients!

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      Our youngest daughter is actually being tested for various allergies right
      now (they’ve started with a RAST test rather than putting her through the
      pin pricks to start) to try to figure out what’s going on with her. Dairy is
      definitely one of her triggers; we just haven’t figured out if it’s actually
      an allergy yet. All of that to say that we may be following in your
      footsteps, and I may just take you up on your offer!

  • http://www.facebook.com/mom2mykiddos Karen Kelly Sunderland

    A few years ago, we began eliminating HFCS. Back then, it was in EVERYTHING! Now, I saw in Rachel Ray’s magazine, 35% of shoppers avoid products containing HFCS. That would explain why it’s become much easier to find everything from (still-terrible-for-you) soda to (no-better-for-you) pancake syrup without it!

    Avoiding trans-fat has been a by product of cleaning up our diet also. Our next undertaking is whole wheat flour. We really just do NOT like whole wheat tortillas or pancakes! So, it’s baby steps here….

    • Anonymous

      I still find myself getting excited when I pick up a product and it doesn’t
      have HFCS in it just because for so long it seemed like everything did!

      We do our pancakes with half whole wheat and half white — have you tried
      that?

  • http://www.facebook.com/mom2mykiddos Karen Kelly Sunderland

    A few years ago, we began eliminating HFCS. Back then, it was in EVERYTHING! Now, I saw in Rachel Ray’s magazine, 35% of shoppers avoid products containing HFCS. That would explain why it’s become much easier to find everything from (still-terrible-for-you) soda to (no-better-for-you) pancake syrup without it!

    Avoiding trans-fat has been a by product of cleaning up our diet also. Our next undertaking is whole wheat flour. We really just do NOT like whole wheat tortillas or pancakes! So, it’s baby steps here….

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      I still find myself getting excited when I pick up a product and it doesn’t
      have HFCS in it just because for so long it seemed like everything did!

      We do our pancakes with half whole wheat and half white — have you tried
      that?

  • http://twitter.com/groovygreenlivi Lori Popkewitz Alper

    Congrats! What a great approach to a healthy diet. The 9 ingredients that you listed are prevalent in so many processed foods. We don’t have a lot in our house-but we do indulge from time to time. Keep us posted on how you do!

    http://groovygreenlivin.com/

  • http://twitter.com/groovygreenlivi Lori Popkewitz Alper

    Congrats! What a great approach to a healthy diet. The 9 ingredients that you listed are prevalent in so many processed foods. We don’t have a lot in our house-but we do indulge from time to time. Keep us posted on how you do!

    http://groovygreenlivin.com/

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      Thanks, Lori — looking forward to checking out your site!

  • Kate

    We ♥ agave syrup. I’ll even use it on pancake or french toast in place of syrup. I recently also found a healthier version of log cabin syrup. It use brown rice syrup and maple syrup instead of HFCS. I find the winter months are harder to stay all natural b/c there is less local produce.

    • Anonymous

      It took me a while to be willing to give up my Log Cabin syrup (although I
      was happy when I found the HFCS-free version). Now I love maple syrup,
      though. I’ve even started using it in recipes (like homemade whipped
      cream…mmm!), and it’s such an easy alternative. I actually have a bottle
      of agave syrup in my baking drawer that I’ve never opened. Pathetic! I may
      have to pick your brain on Friday!

  • Kate

    We ♥ agave syrup. I’ll even use it on pancake or french toast in place of syrup. I recently also found a healthier version of log cabin syrup. It use brown rice syrup and maple syrup instead of HFCS. I find the winter months are harder to stay all natural b/c there is less local produce.

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      It took me a while to be willing to give up my Log Cabin syrup (although I
      was happy when I found the HFCS-free version). Now I love maple syrup,
      though. I’ve even started using it in recipes (like homemade whipped
      cream…mmm!), and it’s such an easy alternative. I actually have a bottle
      of agave syrup in my baking drawer that I’ve never opened. Pathetic! I may
      have to pick your brain on Friday!

  • http://talesofamommymonster.blogspot.com/ Sheena

    Thank you for this post. So many real food posts make you feel guilty if you haven’t quit everything cold turkey. It’s nice to hear that I’m not the only one easing my way into healthier shopping. :D

    • Anonymous

      Thanks for chiming in, Shaina — I’ll admit I was a little nervous throwing
      that out there, so I really appreciate your comment!

  • http://talesofamommymonster.blogspot.com/ Sheena

    Thank you for this post. So many real food posts make you feel guilty if you haven’t quit everything cold turkey. It’s nice to hear that I’m not the only one easing my way into healthier shopping. :D

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      Thanks for chiming in, Shaina — I’ll admit I was a little nervous throwing
      that out there, so I really appreciate your comment!

  • http://oldnewlegacy.wordpress.com/ Becky

    Most of the time I’m convinced that I have a sensitivity to MSG. Sometimes I’m a bit dizzy and look at the ingredient list on the can, bag or TV dinner (I don’t eat or cook with those much anymore since I’m a SAHM), and there’s MSG. Other times I’m absolutely fine even with MSG in the food. So not sure if it’s psychological or not.
    Also love pastry wheat flour (Bob’s Red Mill) for baking!!

    • Anonymous

      It’s hard to say, but I think with so many people reporting symptoms,
      something’s not right, you know?

      I haven’t tried pastry wheat flour, but I’m intrigued — thanks so much for
      mentioning it!

  • http://oldnewlegacy.wordpress.com/ Becky

    Most of the time I’m convinced that I have a sensitivity to MSG. Sometimes I’m a bit dizzy and look at the ingredient list on the can, bag or TV dinner (I don’t eat or cook with those much anymore since I’m a SAHM), and there’s MSG. Other times I’m absolutely fine even with MSG in the food. So not sure if it’s psychological or not.
    Also love pastry wheat flour (Bob’s Red Mill) for baking!!

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      It’s hard to say, but I think with so many people reporting symptoms,
      something’s not right, you know?

      I haven’t tried pastry wheat flour, but I’m intrigued — thanks so much for
      mentioning it!

  • Anonymous

    Thanks, Lori — looking forward to checking out your site!

  • Tracy

    You might enjoy this website. It has a lot of information about food additives. http://cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm

  • Tracy

    You might enjoy this website. It has a lot of information about food additives. http://cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      Thanks so much, Tracy — that looks like a great resource!

  • http://www.tangreen.net Tan @ Tan/Green

    Rather than focus on each ingredient – which I found to be overwhelming – I try to shop the outside of the grocery – produce, meat, dairy, bakery items (from the actual bakery though – not mass produced). This isn’t fool proof and I still dash into the aisles for cereal, pasta and Annie’s mac and cheese (can’t go cold turkey on it all!) and some other items…but overall I am happy with what I bring home to eat and think it is a good deal healthier than when I diligently wen up and down each aisle.

    • Anonymous

      That’s a great strategy, Tan — thanks for sharing!

  • http://www.tangreen.net Tan @ Tan/Green

    Rather than focus on each ingredient – which I found to be overwhelming – I try to shop the outside of the grocery – produce, meat, dairy, bakery items (from the actual bakery though – not mass produced). This isn’t fool proof and I still dash into the aisles for cereal, pasta and Annie’s mac and cheese (can’t go cold turkey on it all!) and some other items…but overall I am happy with what I bring home to eat and think it is a good deal healthier than when I diligently wen up and down each aisle.

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      That’s a great strategy, Tan — thanks for sharing!

  • http://www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com Mike Lieberman

    I do a decent job of avoiding these at home. Any tips for doing so when eating out? That I’ve found to be a challenge.

    • Anonymous

      No, I’m afraid I’m not at a point where I’m ready to take that on yet, but
      I’m guessing for now the best bet is to avoid chain restaurants and dine at
      smaller, local restaurants where you can get to know the chef!

  • http://www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com Mike Lieberman

    I do a decent job of avoiding these at home. Any tips for doing so when eating out? That I’ve found to be a challenge.

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      No, I’m afraid I’m not at a point where I’m ready to take that on yet, but
      I’m guessing for now the best bet is to avoid chain restaurants and dine at
      smaller, local restaurants where you can get to know the chef!

  • Anonymous

    Thanks so much, Tracy — that looks like a great resource!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Victoria-Harju/1685706149 Victoria Harju

    Yeah! I’m working on this list too and we are also very salt conscious. Love the Whole Wheat Pastry Flour – makes a very neat swap for all-purpose flour in recipes. Also really like the LaTortilla Factory brand whole wheat tortillas. I’m not sold on Agave Nectar though – they say it’s just as refined as HFCS. http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/

    • Anonymous

      Okay, two votes for whole wheat pastry flour; it’s on my list! I think that
      I actually read something similar about agave nectar right after I bought my
      bottle, and that’s why I haven’t worked too hard to use it! I definitely
      want to research it more.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Victoria-Harju/1685706149 Victoria Harju

    Yeah! I’m working on this list too and we are also very salt conscious. Love the Whole Wheat Pastry Flour – makes a very neat swap for all-purpose flour in recipes. Also really like the LaTortilla Factory brand whole wheat tortillas. I’m not sold on Agave Nectar though – they say it’s just as refined as HFCS. http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      Okay, two votes for whole wheat pastry flour; it’s on my list! I think that
      I actually read something similar about agave nectar right after I bought my
      bottle, and that’s why I haven’t worked too hard to use it! I definitely
      want to research it more.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  • Renee Wildtree

    I have also done this recently…as an avid coupon shopper, I started noticing all of the chemicals & additives in my prepackaged foods. At the same time I was looking for a part-time job (I’m a stay-at-home homeschooling mom ;-) ). I found Wildtree & fell in love with it…& became a rep. This company was started by a lady named Leslie Montie who had two children who were suffering w/ various ailments. As a pharmacist she began looking at their foods…& hence, developed a food product that has No MSGs, No dyes, No preservatives, No HFCS, No hydrogenated oils…basically there are no artificial additives (also no peanut products for those that have allergies). Although I have not made the switch 100% (I strive for 80/20…lol). I can tell such a big difference when I eat all-naturally vs. a boxed meal. Keep up the good work…the more consumers become aware, the more the companies will have to change. Check out my website: http://www.reneesmall.mywildtree.com

  • Renee Wildtree

    I have also done this recently…as an avid coupon shopper, I started noticing all of the chemicals & additives in my prepackaged foods. At the same time I was looking for a part-time job (I’m a stay-at-home homeschooling mom ;-) ). I found Wildtree & fell in love with it…& became a rep. This company was started by a lady named Leslie Montie who had two children who were suffering w/ various ailments. As a pharmacist she began looking at their foods…& hence, developed a food product that has No MSGs, No dyes, No preservatives, No HFCS, No hydrogenated oils…basically there are no artificial additives (also no peanut products for those that have allergies). Although I have not made the switch 100% (I strive for 80/20…lol). I can tell such a big difference when I eat all-naturally vs. a boxed meal. Keep up the good work…the more consumers become aware, the more the companies will have to change. Check out my website: http://www.reneesmall.mywildtree.com

  • Renaysue

    I am sentimental and perfectionistic. I do declutter when frustrated but I always regret something I trashed because I just wanted it out of the way.

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      You are one of the most sentimental people I know (and I love it about you
      because I think it is the part of your heart that truly cares for people in
      a special way), so I can see this happening for you. Me, not so much. LOL!

  • Renaysue

    I am sentimental and perfectionistic. I do declutter when frustrated but I always regret something I trashed because I just wanted it out of the way.

  • Renaysue

    I am sentimental and perfectionistic. I do declutter when frustrated but I always regret something I trashed because I just wanted it out of the way.

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      You are one of the most sentimental people I know (and I love it about you
      because I think it is the part of your heart that truly cares for people in
      a special way), so I can see this happening for you. Me, not so much. LOL!

  • Anonymous

    I think this might work well for areas that are in a mama’s control but will not work for areas where other people, spouses and children, have a stake. Unfortunately, this applies to most every area of my house! You cannot de-clutter out of frustration in children’s rooms. Tried it, all it leads to is tears and stress.

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      When I get frustrated and declutter the children’s areas out of frustration,
      I just involved them. We need to share x number of toys with other children
      because they’re overflowing out of the cabinet (the space we have for toys),
      or we need to choose 3 special pictures to keep, 3 to mail to grandpa and
      grandma and the ones that aren’t special to throw away. By involving them –
      and because I’ve done it from a young age — there’s no tears or
      frustration!

      • Anonymous

        I must be thinking of frustration in a different sense. Because when I’m frustrated I’m not peaceful, or calm. And this affects the kids. I need to be in a very “zen” space when we declutter kids rooms. Glad you have a system that works for you and you can use your frustration creatively and constructively.

  • http://fimby.tougas.net Renee @ FIMBY

    I think this might work well for areas that are in a mama’s control but will not work for areas where other people, spouses and children, have a stake. Unfortunately, this applies to most every area of my house! You cannot de-clutter out of frustration in children’s rooms. Tried it, all it leads to is tears and stress.

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      When I get frustrated and declutter the children’s areas out of frustration,
      I just involved them. We need to share x number of toys with other children
      because they’re overflowing out of the cabinet (the space we have for toys),
      or we need to choose 3 special pictures to keep, 3 to mail to grandpa and
      grandma and the ones that aren’t special to throw away. By involving them –
      and because I’ve done it from a young age — there’s no tears or
      frustration!

      • http://fimby.tougas.net Renee @ FIMBY

        I must be thinking of frustration in a different sense. Because when I’m frustrated I’m not peaceful, or calm. And this affects the kids. I need to be in a very “zen” space when we declutter kids rooms. Glad you have a system that works for you and you can use your frustration creatively and constructively.

  • Suzanna

    I always would clean my room as a kid when I was sobbing over decisions my parents made that I was sure were completely unjust. :) Now, when I feel upset or my mind is in turmoil I head strait for my closet and make a goodwill pile. It’s a healing thing to me.

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Me too, Suzanna! That sums it up perfectly!

  • SimplySuzanna

    I always would clean my room as a kid when I was sobbing over decisions my parents made that I was sure were completely unjust. :) Now, when I feel upset or my mind is in turmoil I head strait for my closet and make a goodwill pile. It’s a healing thing to me.

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      Me too, Suzanna! That sums it up perfectly!

  • Anonymous

    This is so true! I’m much better about purging when I’m frustrated, too, since I have less patience to deal with storing something unnecessarily!

  • http://blog.ashleypichea.com Ashley Pichea

    This is so true! I’m much better about purging when I’m frustrated, too, since I have less patience to deal with storing something unnecessarily!

  • http://www.blessyourhearteh.blogspot.com Christy

    I do clean and declutter when upset. In fact, it’s not advisable to be in my way when this happens! I do agree that kid’s rooms require quiet, mommy zen though. :)

  • http://www.blessyourhearteh.blogspot.com Christy

    I do clean and declutter when upset. In fact, it’s not advisable to be in my way when this happens! I do agree that kid’s rooms require quiet, mommy zen though. :)

  • http://www.athankfullheart.blogspot.com Miranda

    Whenever I’m stressed it always has a lot to do with the clutter! It’s funny how sometimes I just look at the clutter and am stressed instead of releasing the stress and start cleaning!

  • http://www.athankfullheart.blogspot.com/ Miranda @ A ThankFULL Heart

    Whenever I’m stressed it always has a lot to do with the clutter! It’s funny how sometimes I just look at the clutter and am stressed instead of releasing the stress and start cleaning!

  • Mandi S.

    I do too. And once I get going, I’m practically unstoppable, and I know that I should try to purge as much as I can when I am in that mood. It’s really quite effective.

  • Mandi S.

    I do too. And once I get going, I’m practically unstoppable, and I know that I should try to purge as much as I can when I am in that mood. It’s really quite effective.

  • http://www.se7en.org.za Se7en

    I totally and absolutely agree… I need a little crankiness to really get rid of stuff, no regrets, I always just need a little push to get started!!! Nick nacks …my worst to have, get rid of, receive… When I am cranky they just fly out of the house!!! We are decluttering books this week…in a major way and seriously it is just the frustration of keeping them all in order that is sending them out. As I sit amongst heaps of books with each kid…”Do you love it or not?” and it goes onto the shelf or in the box… Last week we did papers: “Do you love it or not…” File or recycle…repeat, repeat, repeat… I tell you after a school year after watching things build up in the name of getting school done I am frustrated with the mountains of build up!!! I need to figure a way to do this more often and yet not spend all our midterm breaks decluttering…

  • http://www.se7en.org.za Se7en

    I totally and absolutely agree… I need a little crankiness to really get rid of stuff, no regrets, I always just need a little push to get started!!! Nick nacks …my worst to have, get rid of, receive… When I am cranky they just fly out of the house!!! We are decluttering books this week…in a major way and seriously it is just the frustration of keeping them all in order that is sending them out. As I sit amongst heaps of books with each kid…”Do you love it or not?” and it goes onto the shelf or in the box… Last week we did papers: “Do you love it or not…” File or recycle…repeat, repeat, repeat… I tell you after a school year after watching things build up in the name of getting school done I am frustrated with the mountains of build up!!! I need to figure a way to do this more often and yet not spend all our midterm breaks decluttering…

  • http://joyceandnorm.wordpress.com/ Joyce

    I do a little of both, but I get rid of more clutter when I’m frustrated. =p

  • http://joyceandnorm.wordpress.com/ Joyce

    I do a little of both, but I get rid of more clutter when I’m frustrated. =p

  • http://joyceandnorm.wordpress.com Joyce and Norm

    I do a little of both, but I get rid of more clutter when I’m frustrated. =p

  • http://delightinginthedays.com Stacy

    This is me right now. In fact, I clicked over here with the hopes of finding some new organizational post to ponder while I went about the house throwing things out. I’m frustrated! And it’s the perfect time to declutter :)

  • http://delightinginthedays.com Stacy

    This is me right now. In fact, I clicked over here with the hopes of finding some new organizational post to ponder while I went about the house throwing things out. I’m frustrated! And it’s the perfect time to declutter :)

  • http://softthistle.net Marylin

    Yep, I’ve noticed I do the same thing! :)

  • http://softthistle.net Marylin

    Yep, I’ve noticed I do the same thing! :)

  • http://organizingforeveryone.blogspot.com/ Elise

    Definitely! And I also declutter when I’m stressed out. Organizing and clearing out clutter calms me.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sharon-D-Martin/1175704246 Sharon D Martin

      That’s great fro you Elise!

  • http://organizingforeveryone.blogspot.com/ Elise

    Definitely! And I also declutter when I’m stressed out. Organizing and clearing out clutter calms me.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sharon-D-Martin/1175704246 Sharon D Martin

      That’s great fro you Elise!

  • Anonymous

    I can see how this would be productive, however I might need to be a little careful. If I am frustrated, I might get rid of stuff and I might regret it later, lol! I envision myself just emptying drawers into the garbage!
    Good luck on the book, you are in the stretch, of this phase anyway!
    Bernice
    Are we there yet?

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sharon-D-Martin/1175704246 Sharon D Martin

      I agree, I think it’s always best to declutter when your mind is clear and free. However, I can see the poing of decluttering when frustrated as well.

      • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

        Hi Sharon! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Do you think it’s best to
        declutter when your mind is clear and free because of the same thing Bernice
        said — that you don’t want to have regrets? Or do you think there are other
        benefits to waiting until you’re not frustrated?

        I’ve never once regretted something I’ve gotten rid of (or at least not
        regretted it enough that I can think of it now), but I’m a fairly
        unsentimental person, so I’m sure that’s part of it!

  • http://livingthebalancedlife.com Bernice Wood

    I can see how this would be productive, however I might need to be a little careful. If I am frustrated, I might get rid of stuff and I might regret it later, lol! I envision myself just emptying drawers into the garbage!
    Good luck on the book, you are in the stretch, of this phase anyway!
    Bernice
    Are we there yet?

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sharon-D-Martin/1175704246 Sharon D Martin

      I agree, I think it’s always best to declutter when your mind is clear and free. However, I can see the poing of decluttering when frustrated as well.

      • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

        Hi Sharon! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Do you think it’s best to
        declutter when your mind is clear and free because of the same thing Bernice
        said — that you don’t want to have regrets? Or do you think there are other
        benefits to waiting until you’re not frustrated?

        I’ve never once regretted something I’ve gotten rid of (or at least not
        regretted it enough that I can think of it now), but I’m a fairly
        unsentimental person, so I’m sure that’s part of it!

  • Pingback: Tweets that mention Quick Tip: Declutter When You’re Frustrated -- Topsy.com

  • http://www.facebook.com/StacksAndStacks Clutter Control-Freak

    I tend to be that way too. That’s why I keep the “toss” box in the garage for a couple of weeks before letting it go permanently. That way, if I truly regret tossing something, I have time to retrieve it. But ONLY if I must have it. :)

    • http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life Your Way

      Yep, great tip!

  • http://www.facebook.com/StacksAndStacks Clutter Control-Freak

    I tend to be that way too. That’s why I keep the “toss” box in the garage for a couple of weeks before letting it go permanently. That way, if I truly regret tossing something, I have time to retrieve it. But ONLY if I must have it. :)

    • http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

      Yep, great tip!

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