Hello Reader,

I talk a lot about the vital role of clarity when it comes to tackling the clutter in our lives. The other key ingredient is acting from that place of clarity and following through to completion.

As I always say: clutter is decisions that haven't been made, and actions that haven't been taken.

Here's an example. My partner recently inherited a number of things from a deceased relative, among them was a box of crockery. First, he needed to decide whether to keep, sell or donate it. He chose to sell them. Great, the decision has been made, but if he doesn't complete the process with action, the box just sits there in the corner taking up space. At that point, it's still clutter. And not just physically, the thought or task ‘I must sell these’ becomes a new bit of mental clutter.

I reminded him of one of my favourite maxims: complete, complete, complete.

I say it three times to really emphasise the importance of following through on what you’ve started, and also because there may be more than one action to complete.

When you're working on a task, it's important to be clear about what the next action is and, when you've done it, the next action after that.

Back to that crockery my partner decided to sell.

• His first action is to photograph everything.
• Then he needs to get an idea of their value and decide on a price.
• Next, he needs to list them on eBay or another platform.
• Then, if they sell, he needs to pack them up carefully and send them to the buyer.

If he fails to complete, complete, complete any of these stages, that box remains clutter.

Bonus tip. When you are selling things it really helps to have a Plan B and a deadline when it kicks in. Something like: ‘If after four weeks they don't sell, I’ll re-list at a lower price or take to a charity shop’.

Complete, complete, complete refers to your overall decluttering project, as well as individual tasks within it. If a lot of clutter has built up over many years, I know it can feel like quite a mountain to climb. Don't give up. Stay focused on a clear vision of what ‘complete’ looks like, and keep putting one foot in front of the other and moving up to the next level.

How to get to complete

Events such as my five-day challenge, which started today, can be a great way to get started on your journey. But to get to fully complete, many people need to make a bigger commitment and may need extra support.

That's where my Clutter Shift programme comes in, a full month focused on completing a major area of decluttering and learning how to overcome any psychological obstacles that keep you stuck. The next one starts on 19th October, and you can learn more about how it works here. I’d love to welcome you on board.

Whatever you are doing to deal with your clutter this week, try to remember to ‘complete, complete, complete’, it can be a real game changer.

Best wishes

Helen