By Lisa Green If “home clearing” sounds a little woo-woo to you, it is… and it isn’t. The concept of decluttering your home is that by getting your house in order, you’ll make space for yourself, both physically and metaphorically. It’s the topic of an upcoming workshop presented by the Hudson River Exchange, “1-Day Decluttering: Clear Your Home, Clear Your Head,” on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Hudson, New York. The Hudson River Exchange, which works with makers and collectors to advance their business, began offering workshops about two years ago. “We wanted to give people bite-sized workshops to hone up on business skills,” says Kate Moore, the Exchange’s cofounder. “You have to wear a lot of hats when you own your own business. These workshops just take a few hours. Lately, everyone has been feeling like they’re getting burnt out, and self care has been a big conversation.” Moore was fortunate to meet Sarah Coffey, former editorial director of West Elm and a former editor at Apartment Therapy, who recently moved to Hudson. Learning of Coffey’s work as a home clearer, Moore invited her to enlighten both entrepreneurs and the rest of us on self care through home care.
Photo: Will Holloway
“Home clearing is a mindful approach to organizing and cleaning,” Coffey explains. “By making your house a place you’d love to be, you’re doing something for yourself. It’s taking time to think through what you want to focus on.” The workshop, open to the public, will offer an introduction to home clearing and how to invite new energy into your life. “The process of decluttering starts with picking one small area that represents what you want to do in your life,” says Coffey. Even an object as quotidian as a purse can be symbolic of what you’re carrying around and what gives or takes energy from you every day. Coffey will also discuss “green” cleaning techniques, using essential oils to make cleaning supplies. Participants will leave with a toolkit of tips for practicing the process at home. Don’t think you have to be a minimalist to get the most out of home clearing. No matter what your level of neatness, the workshop will help you practice self compassion through decluttering, cleaning and everyday rituals. “When you feel stuck in your life, home clearing can be a good way to get some energy going,” Coffey says. 1-Day Decluttering: Clear Your Home, Clear Your Head presented by Hudson River ExchangeSaturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Place tbd (will be in Hudson) (518) 821-5283
Written by
