Another Attack On Clutter

Take Pen to Paper: Edition 141

Jun 05, 2025

Welcome, my dear readers,

The school calendar forever marks my years, so summer always means taking on projects that I would only do in the summer if I were working.

I’ve written about tackling clutter before (Take Pen to Paper, Edition 77). Honestly, the only way to control it is to make it a daily habit.

If only I could.

I am leading a cluttered life these days… Clutter is what silts up exactly like silt in a flowing stream when the current, the free flow of the mind, is held up by an obstruction. - May Sarton

In this newsletter:

The clutter that hides.
The clutter we see and ignore.
Grand visions of minimalism.

If I Can’t See It, It’s Not There

Twice this week, I was reminded that I needed to tackle my clutter problem.

First, it was writer May Sarton’s journal entry quoted above. She was referencing the clutter in our minds, of having our days filled with tasks that must be done. We all have that clutter. A certain amount of mental clutter never goes away. Sarton makes clutter sound poetic.

Second, I discovered clutter hidden in the bathroom linen closet that I had to empty so that plumbing work could be completed. Do I need those extra pillow cases and unmatched sheets (even though I haven’t yet), and why do I have curtains that I haven’t used in our last three houses? Out of sight, out of mind.

I have a lot of physical clutter. As fast as I get rid of some, more clutter comes in to take its place. It doesn’t help that I can easily find places to put things so they are not visible. I’m a big part of the problem.

When I see it, I usually think I will tackle it later, but I don’t.

Clutter Becomes Our Normal

The worst clutter is that we can see and we just ignore.

I’ve written about my desk. It maintains a certain amount of clutter, which is normal for me, but I often let it exceed a reasonable amount. I can always find what I need, and most of it I use throughout the week. However, much is waiting for its time and could be put away until its time arrives.

Honestly, it looks normal to me. That’s the problem.

This story is repeated throughout the house. Just the other day, I took out the spice grinder and washed it after using it. I wanted it to dry around the blades, so I left it out on the counter before putting it back together. I intended to put it up the following day. After a day or two, it was invisible. It looked normal sitting on the counter.

And then there are the many items I think I will use but never do. That’s classic elementary school teacher/crafter mindset.

A Change of Mindset

I’ve decided I need to adopt a minimalist mindset.

I need to wake up every morning and journal, “I am a minimalist.” I can act on that mantra every day.

I’ve already started with the linen closet in the bathroom. Now it’s sorted and roomy. Two queen-size beds require no more than three sets of queen-size sheets. No more saving for ‘maybe’.

Next up is the dining room/craft room. In a few weeks, I will move my desk and art/crafting materials upstairs to the attic space we are finishing off.

Yes, this means I will have to clean off my desk! I can do some decluttering when I do. I’ve already started working on organizing art projects in portfolios, and purchased an antique card catalog (be still my reader’s heart) to organize small supplies.

Can I create and maintain an uncluttered space?

I will. I know this because I am a minimalist.

My catalog, waiting for its new home. Photo by S.G.S. Abel

7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good:

It’s a good thing to repurpose items when you can. My card catalog needs a little TLC, but when I saw it, I had visions of my granddaughters opening drawers for pipe cleaners, straws, and other crafting supplies. ✂️🖍️
Here is a brief history of the card catalog.
I shouldn’t be surprised that Gretchen Rubin coined the phrase “the one-minute rule”. If a task can be completed in one minute or less, do it immediately. ⏱️
It’s a good thing to let go of material goods when they no longer serve you. Bless someone who needs them. 🎁
I enjoy reading these 10 steps to becoming a minimalist. I was already doing some, maybe you are too!
It’s a good thing to challenge yourself to do hard things, like becoming a minimalist when you don’t have the natural inclination to do so. Challenges help us grow. 🌱
I am grateful for what I have and knowing when it’s time to pass it on.

Thank you for reading. Where do you fall on the minimalist to maximist scale?

Until next time,

💚

Susan

What’s your favorite method of cleaning out? Leave a comment and let me know. I would love to hear about it.

Take Pen to Paper