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Helen Sanderson, The Clutter Therapist

How does the Temple of Apollo have relevance to your year ahead? Read on to find out.

Published 7 months ago • 1 min read

Hello Reader,

As the year begins, you may be thinking about what you want this next chapter to look like.

Some people choose a word for the year. Others set goals or themes. And some quietly resist the whole idea. There is no right way in, but I want to offer you one simple question.

What do you want more of this year, and what do you want less of?

I’ve been thinking about travel recently, and Greece keeps calling to me. In particular, Delphi. At the ancient Temple of Apollo, three short inscriptions were carved into stone. They were not instructions for worship, but guidance for living. What struck me is how relevant they still feel, especially when it comes to our homes and our clutter.

The first is: Nothing in excess.

This is not about deprivation or extreme clear outs. It is about balance. Not too much. Not too little. Just enough. In your home, this might mean moving away from self blame or all or nothing decluttering, and instead choosing a calmer, more thoughtful pace.

The second is: Know thyself.

In decluttering terms, this means understanding what actually gets in your way. Is it fear of waste? Emotional attachment. Exhaustion. Unrealistic expectations. When you understand your patterns, you can work with them rather than fighting yourself at every turn.

The third is: Surety brings ruin.

This is a warning against overconfidence. Clearing the whole house in a weekend or promising yourself a perfect system overnight often leads to burnout and disappointment. Smaller, kinder goals tend to create lasting change.

Together, these three ideas offer a gentle framework for the year ahead.

Moderation. Self understanding. Realistic ambition.

I’ve written more about this, and how these ancient ideas can support a calmer, wiser approach to decluttering, in a new article.

​You can read the full piece here​

If it resonates, I’d love to hear what landed for you. And if you would like support understanding your relationship with clutter and creating a home that supports the life you are building, you are very welcome to get in touch.

Here’s to a reflective and productive year ahead!

Helen

Working with clients in London and all over the UK.

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Helen Sanderson, The Clutter Therapist

Supporting you to create a beautifully organised, clutter-free home and live a more mindful life

Author of The Secret Life of Clutter, psychotherapist, designer and one of the UK’s most well-respected clutter experts, Helen works with her clients holistically to uncover what their homes reveal about their psyches and what is blocking them. And then, with compassion, take positive action to clear those obstacles. This leads to life-changing shifts, which leave people with a new-found clarity and homes that support them to live their best lives

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