A client of mine told me a story of how she had to move out of her home temporarily and live in a much smaller apartment. She only took her utmost essentials. When she was able to move back into her home, she came to the sudden realization that she was able to live happily with very little and is currently on a mission to purge the unessential from her life. I thought to myself, “That is exactly how I feel when I get back from a vacation.” Have you ever gone on vacation and realized when you came home that you had lived quite easily without all the “stuff” in your home? Would you like to recreate that feeling again (without having to move out of your house) so you are motivated to purge the clutter from your home?

Here is a short visualization exercise that can help put you in the right mindset:

1. Look at past vacation photos or go online to find a photo of a hotel room that appeals to you. (or use the one I provide here)

2. Take a tour of the room. What are words that pop into your head when you look at this room? Words that pop into my head are clear surfaces, easy to walk around, comfortable, well lit, enough storage to unpack my clothes from my suitcase, etc.

3. Close your eyes and remember (or imagine) being there. Keep them closed for a least three good breaths.

4. Now open your eyes. What do you see? I bet you see lots of stuff that makes you feel boxed in, weighed down, and at a loss of where to start.

5. Take advantage of these feelings to start purging items now. If an item doesn’t make you happy, get rid of it; just don’t toss your tax forms because you are going to need those. Start with one surface such as a night stand or a desk-top. Once that surface is cleared off, start going through the drawers.

6. At the end of your purging frenzy, post a photo of your vacation image in that clean space. Let it remind you that you have successfully begun the journey toward a clutter free, happy space.

Image provided by Porto Bay Trade on Flickr.