Conquering Clutter: A Path to Productivity
Kerry Thomas guest of the minute mastery podcast episode 046In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kerry Thomas, the owner of Conquer the Chaos, to discuss how to conquer clutter, both physical and mental. And how we can reclaim control over our time and spaces.
Kerry, with a background in special education and years of experience helping entrepreneurs, especially those with ADD, shared her insights on overcoming overwhelm and organizing life in a way that actually works for real people.
What is Clutter and Why Does it Matter?
Kerry defines clutter in two simple ways:
- Clutter is Postponed Decisions. Whether it is a pile of papers, clothes, or dishes, clutter builds up because we did not make decisions about what to do with things.
- Clutter is Anything That Keeps You From Navigating Life With Ease. Clutter is not just about the stuff we see; it is about anything that blocks our flow or disrupts our focus.
This broader definition of clutter resonated with me because, as a time management coach, I often see how mental and emotional clutter can drain energy just as much as physical mess. Kerry emphasizes that clutter is not one-size-fits-all; it affects each of us differently. For some, a few disorganized papers won’t bother them, but for others, even a small mess can make it hard to focus.
The 4 Types of Clutter You Need to Know About
While many people only think about physical clutter, Kerry shares four major types of clutter that can affect your life:
- Physical Clutter: This is the stuff we see, papers, clothing, food containers, and other physical items that pile up in our homes and offices.
- Digital Clutter: Our inboxes and files are a huge source of mental overload. Kerry shares her personal method of tackling digital clutter, including focusing on recent emails rather than diving into old ones.
- Internal Clutter: Mental clutter is often the hardest to manage. It is the constant stream of thoughts, worries, and distractions that make it difficult to focus and make decisions.
- Emotional Clutter: This type of clutter happens when we are not expressing our emotions or handling life’s ups and downs. Kerry also highlights how emotional clutter can lead to physical and mental disarray.
How Clutter Affects Productivity
Clutter does not just fill your space, it fills your mind. Kerry explains that when we tackle clutter in one area of life, it creates momentum that helps us in other areas. For example, cleaning your kitchen or clearing your inbox can ease mental clutter, making it easier to focus on bigger goals.
If you are struggling with clutter, the first step is simply to start. As Kerry advises, “There is no wrong way to begin.” Whether you start by tackling your desk, kitchen, or even your email inbox, making progress in one area will begin to positively impact the rest of your life.
Overcoming Digital Clutter
As a time management coach, I know that digital clutter is one of the biggest culprits in today’s busy world. Kerry suggests starting with the most recent items, whether it is emails or documents, and processing them intentionally. Rather than scrolling through endless lists, decide if an email can be deleted, acted upon, or filed away.
She also recommends using tools like MailStrom to sort emails by sender, topic, or date to delete massive amounts quickly and efficiently.
How to Conquer Clutter: Building a Productive Workspace
Whether you work from home, an office, or even the kitchen table, Kerry outlines seven essential elements of a productive workspace:
- Trash Can: Keep one nearby to avoid piles of unwanted paper or items.
- Inbox: A designated space for incoming papers or mail.
- Action and Reference Files: Keep files organized into two categories, things you need to act on and things you don’t need to access regularly.
- Calendar: Use a system that works for you, whether it’s digital or paper.
- CRM or Contact Management: Keep all contact details in one place for easy access.
- Outbox: A designated spot for items that need to leave your space, like papers that need to be mailed or handed off.
- Consistent To-Do System: Whether it’s a planner or task management app, having a consistent method for handling your to-dos is key to staying organized.
By focusing on these elements, you can create a space that helps you stay on track and avoid distractions.
Start Today: A Simple Action Plan
Kerry leaves us with this final piece of advice: Pick one area in your life to become a “clutter-free zone.” It could be your desk, your kitchen counter, or even your entryway. This small victory will help you feel more in control and motivated to tackle other areas.
Connect with Kerry
If you are ready to tackle clutter and create systems that actually work for you, connect with Kerry Thomas through her website at Conquer the Chaos or join her active Less Clutter, More Peace Facebook group. You can also check out her other site, Clutter to Clarity Steps, for simple strategies to get started.
Links Mentioned On This Episode
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