I’ve had this quote from Barbara Hemphill taped to my computer for a few years:

Clutter is postponed decisions.

It helps me understand why sometimes our house can be messy and lived in and it doesn’t bother me and other times it feels super stressful. ⁣

The difference is the amount of decisions I have to make in order to clear the mess. When we have good systems in place—meaning every item has a home—then clearing the mess just requires a little time but not a lot of brain power. I can pop in my earbuds, pick a podcast, and get to work. ⁣

There are several zones in our house that have become magnets for clutter this fall which tells me it’s time not just to tidy up but rethink the systems to reduce the decisions to be made on a daily basis. Over the next several weeks you’ll see me rethink and rework storage and organization in:⁣

• the pantry⁣

• two bathrooms⁣

• Miss T’s bedroom and closet⁣

• the toy zone⁣

• the garage (pray for us)⁣

But this is not just about getting organized. Cultivating Sanctuary is about paying attention to the intersections of our physical spaces, ourselves/our spiritual lives, and our relationships and how they impact one another—and consequently the ways we are able to engage in the world. When there is something in one of those areas that causes us to feel disregulated, noticing it and tending to it becomes a way of creating space for renewal.⁣

It’s important to also say this is not about having a picture perfect home. It’s about having spaces set up in service of how you want to live life and creating spaces that allow you and your loved ones to flourish.⁣

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For now, I want to hear from you:⁣

What areas of your home or life are magnets for clutter?⁣

What ideas or tips have helped you keep clutter at bay? ⁣