Over the last couple of years, decluttering has taught me many indispensable life lessons. It’s even changed my life in ways that I never could have imagined. Today I’m reflecting on my journey and sharing with you 5 reasons why we should declutter and create space.

Create space to figure out who you are.

There was a time in my life, where the only thing I was confident about was the fact that I didn’t know who I was. Minimalism changed that by creating an opportunity for me to think.

It’s hard to be clear about what you want or need if you never have the opportunity to sit still. What many people don’t realize is that every time we allow something into our lives it steals our power.

Each time you purchase a new item, not only does it take your money but it also demands that you use it, clean it, fix it, move it, replace it and store it. It’s no wonder that so many people feel like they never have the time or the energy to sit, think and plan – all their stuff has robbed them of it. The same applies to people, thoughts, habits, and even our hobbies. Each one requires an investment of our time, money and attention to survive.

When we choose to let go, we take back ownership of our own life. With that power, we finally have the opportunity to decide how we’d prefer to use our time, money and attention to become our best selves.

Create space to do what you need and love to do.

Prior to decluttering my home I always felt like I didn’t have the time to accomplish my goals or complete my to-do’s. Do you have a list of things you want to do, but never seem to find the time? Try decluttering.

After I decluttered my home and took back control, I found myself with lots of time on my hands. Hours and hours that had been dedicated to television watching, drinking with friends, sleeping, eating unnecessarily and other unproductive activities were suddenly available to me. With that newfound time, I began working on my goals. I also became comfortable with choosing me and what I want. In the beginning, my goals list included stuff other people wanted me to do, stuff I needed to do for work, stuff society said I should be doing, and stuff I needed to do for myself. By choosing to let go of what doesn’t serve me, I accelerated my ability to check goals off the list.

Within 2 years, I started a company, created a conference, lost 35 pounds, got a new job, and moved to a new city. Each time I create more space, I find the opportunity to check more and more off the list.

Create space for new habits and patterns.

De-cluttering my home and examining my stuff taught me a lot about my habits. Sometimes, as I learned, I would pat myself on the back, other times I felt embarrassed.

As you declutter your life, you will inevitably find time for self-reflection. If used wisely, this time will allow you to nurture the habits and patterns that you love and begin working on those that you’d like to change. Through this process, I’ve become more confident in my natural abilities and talents and increasingly aware of patterns of perfectionism, anxiousness, and procrastination that have hindered me in the past.

Create space for the people who will support you.

This may seem cliché, but it needs to be said even if it’s just for my own good.  Sometimes people grow apart and everyone won’t continue with you on your journey.

With this realization, we can be empowered to choose how we spend our time and who we spend it with. Look at the relationships in your life – which ones are assisting you on the way to a life you love? Which are draining you and holding you back? Give priority to and make space for the relationships that provide benefit to your life.

Create space to finance your dreams.

Decluttering your life will assist you in clarifying what is truly a necessity. If you take heed, you will find that a significant portion of your finances will be freed up. Money typically spent shopping, eating, drinking and paying for subscriptions you don’t use can be utilized for trips, classes, events, and leisurely activities instead.

With the money I saved for cutting monthly subscriptions and spending less, I paid off my credit card debt and saved up enough money to create and fund my very own conference.

Which of these are you most excited to create space for?