Pages

Showing posts with label Decluttering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Decluttering. Show all posts

Sunday, February 25, 2024

It's Time to Declutter Your Bathroom

Decluttering - room by room...

When was the last time that you declcuttered your bathroom

How old is that makeup?

How many creams and lotions do you really need?

A place that is seldom decluttered and organized is the bathroom. And it usually has a lot of "stuff" crammed into the drawers and cabinets.

Makeup and lotions expire - beleive it or not! It is a good idea to put a date on your makeup and lotions so that you know how long you have had them. 

Start with one drawer at a time and take everything out. Wipe out the drawer - it usually will have a lot of make-up dust in it. If you have dividers in the drawer - wipe those out also. Then take out each item and ask yourself when you actually used it last. Is it empty? Is it almost empty? Do you really like the item?

A lot of people buy makeup in a variety of colors - and then decide they really don't like the shade - but it never leaves the drawer! If you don't like it or are not using it - get rid of it!

If it's old - get rid of it. You don't want to take a chance of getting an infection by using make up that is old or has been contaminated.

If you don't have drawer dividers in your drawers - get some! They are really helpful in separating your makeup, lotions, brushes, hair clips....  It's much easier to find things when they are all together in one group. Also - you will probably use the items more if you can actually find them in the drawer - instead of  having to dig through a pile of "stuff".

Medicines expire - check all of the medicines - including such things as cough and cold  medicines, antacids,  pain relievers, sun screen, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic cream, laxatives.....  and anything else in your medicine cabinet - for expiration dates. If it's expired - throw it out! 

Make it a habit to declutter your bathroom at least a couple of times a year. It's much easier to maintain a space then to constantly have to take everything out and start from the beginning.

Happy Decluttering!


Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Friday, February 16, 2024

Declutter Your Kitchen

Decluttering and Organizing is not a "one and done" process. It's a "continuing process".  As we age - so do our "things". 

Each room of your home should be decluttered and organized on a regular basis. 

Today we'll talk about the kitchen.

We all know that there is a drawer in your kitchen that has tupperware without lids. Not sure where those lids disappeared to - but they are gone! You probably have tupperware that is cracked and badly stained (and doesn't look good). It's time to purge those old, beat up, lidless containers! 

What about old chipped glasses or dishes? They should probably be thrown out (they are not safe to use).

Then there are those old pots and pans with the non-stick surface that is all scratched up and coming off. These can release toxic compounds into your food - so into the garbage they go!

We are making progress - so keep on going!

Let's look in your cupboards - are there any small appliances that you never or rarely use? Yes - you probably had good intentions when you bought them - but if you aren't using them (making fancy drinks or chopping things into cute designs....) give them away - donate them - purge them. They are taking up valuable real estate in your kitchen.

Next, check out your spices. Are they old and expired? If so, toss them. 

Next - the freezer and refrigerator......   you probably have food (or a science experiment - because you have no idea what it actually is - because you didn't label and date it) that is expired. Toss it out!

Make it a habit to label all of your food (in containers or in the freezer) - with the contents and date.

You have just gained valuable space in your cupboards and refrigerator and freezer!

Make it a habit to go through your kitchen on a regular basis - at least a couple of times a year - to clear things that are broken, missing parts, not used or expired. 

Well - that was a good days work! Keep it up!

Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Decisions to be Made Before You Organize

When some people decide that they want to organize their home - they just start "organizing". They go out and buy some bins and baskets and put random things into these bins without having made some very important decisions.

Such as:

What am I trying to accomplish?

Do I have a specific place for this item to go?

Do I really want or need this item?

Do I have room for this item?

Is this item in good shape - or does it work or fit?

And one very important question that not a lot of people think about ---

    What is the intended use of this room?

You don't start the "organizing process" by organizing - you start the process by decluttering first!

Start by picking up any trash (wrappers or other things thrown on the floor or left out instead of in the garbage).

Next - do a quick pick up of things that don't belong in the room and remove them from the room (anything on a kitchen island or dining room table that doesn't belong there). 

Doing these two things will make a huge difference immediately.  

But - then you need to take a step back and decide what it is that you actually want to accomplish. And you also need to decide what you want each room to function as.

Do you want the living room to be a room where the family watches TV or they play games or the kids do their homework? 

Does your bedroom also need to function as your "office" (since a lot of people might still work from home)?

Do you want your kitchen to also be the place that the kids do their homework or that you use as your "office"?

Is your entryway closet going to be used as a coat closet or as a toy cabinet? It's your home - you get to decide how each room and each space will be used. 

Once you decide how each room and each space will be used - then you need to start the planning process. Unfotunately, this is the step that most people skip over. Take your time and come up with a list of things that you migth need to make your project a success. This will save you time so that you aren't constantly running to the store or to different rooms to get something that you need. Get everything in place before you start.

Then you need to step back and really think decide if the way you set up the room (or space) is really working for you. If not - you need to figure out why. Move things to other areas or drawers. Consolidate all like items in one place. Whatever it takes to make it function better for you.

Start the organizing process by making these decisions before you start doing any organizing! 

Good Luck and Happy Organizing!


Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Will You Be Contributing to Clutter this Holiday Season?

It's that time of year where everyone is busily shopping for holiday presents. There are sales everywhere. The stores are trying to entice you with lots of new gadgets and lots of shiny things. We just have to have the lastest and greatest. We have to keep up!

We have been inundated with ads. Sometimes multiple times a day by some companies.

Will you be able to resist or will you succumb to the holiday pressure to buy as much possible. Because we all know that the more presents you buy someone - the more you love them!  

And after everyone unwraps all the presents and the wrapping paper is thrown away - their interests in the item is short-lived. 

Don't get me wrong. I like to receive presents (sometimes). If it's something that is meaningful to me - and not only the gift giver. A lot of people tend to buy gifts that they think are nice (or would want themselves) - instead of giving a gift that is really meaningful to the person who would be receiving the gift. 

Some people don't know their friends as well as they think they do! 

So take a step back and really ask yourself a couple of questions before buying that gift:

Have you seen the person use or ask for (insert gift idea)?

Will this be something that the person has to display in their home and is there room for it?

Will you be offended if the person doesn't display the gift you thought would "fit in perfectly"?

Will you be offended if the person doesn't wear the gift you bought them (because it's really not their style)?

Are you buying a gift - any old gift - just to have something to give them - even though you don't know what to get them and don't want to go empty handed?

Gift giving is an art! You want to show people that you care about them - but forcing them to wear something or display something that does not fit into their own style - is setting them up to feel bad because they don't want to hurt your feelings.

Take a step back and really listen to their likes, wants and dreams. It's not how much you give or the size of the gift that matters. It's that you really paid attention to them.

Don't clutter up someone else's house with your ideas of "the perfect (insert item)". 

So what are some ideas that might not clutter up someone else's home?

An invitiation to lunch or dinner to catch up on their life

An invitation to a play that they've wanted to see

A gift certificate to the spa for a massage (my favorite!) or getting their nails done (if they do this)

A donation in their name to a charity that they support

A gift certificate to a class that they have been talking about

A gift basket of things that they like but would not buy for themselves (spa items, fruit or chocolate ...)

A gift certificate for a car wash (a great gift to get the dirt & snow off their car)

A gift certificate to the movies (with popcorn of course)

A gift certificate for free babysitting so that they can go out and do whatever they want

There are a lot of ideas that don't leave clutter in your home. I'm sure that you can come up with some more!

Happy Holidays!

Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   



Sunday, October 15, 2023

Decluttering Mistakes That Clients Make

Decluttering is hard! If it was easy - everyone would be doing it - all the time! It takes being in the right mindset and setting aside enough time to actually get anything done.

People make the mistake of thinking that it will be easy and will only take an hour. Even if you are in the right frame of mind - or think you are - you will come across something that has a "story" - something that you will be emotionally attached to. And then time stands still. And you start going down memory lane.

Before you start your decluttering project - have a list of questions that you can ask yourself - about what you will and won't get rid of. That way, when you run across an object that you might have a question about - you already have the answer.

So what are some mistakes that clients make when it comes to decluttering?

1) Hiding the clutter. You know who you are! You are having company come over any minute and you haven't finished cleaning up - so you just shove everything into a closet. And then you forget about it and it never comes out and gets put away.

2) Decluttering other peoples stuff. Don't! It's a big mistake. Only declutter stuff that is actually yours - or ask the other person (whose stuff it is...) if they are willing to get rid of it. Never throw out someone else's stuff. World War III could erupt!

3) Decluttering - but the stuff never leaves the house! I encourage my clients to keep a continuous "donate" box in their home - if they are able to leave the stuff in the box and when it's full, actually take it out of the house and drop it off at the donation site. But - if you leave the box by the door and you (and other family members) go through the box and take things back out - then it hasn't served any purpose. Once the box is full (or even before if you can't stop yourself from taking things back) - put it in your car - and immediately drive it to the donation site.

4) Second guessing yourself. This is where making a list of questions to ask yourself comes in handy. For some people - when they touch an item - even though they have not used the item in years - all of a sudden they "need it" or "want it" or "can use it". "Be strong!".  You haven't used the item in a while and maybe you didn't even realize you still had it - so let it go. If you really do "need" the item later down the road - you can probably buy it again. But really, what is the chance of that?

5) Not having a regular decluttering routine. Decluttering is not a "once and done" process. As your life changes (age or interests change....) - the things that you used to use (or wear or do...) just don't fit into your "current" life. And that's the key word "current". Having a set decluttering routine - whether it's once a season or once a year - is crucial in maintaing a clutter free and stress free home.

6) But it's worth money! Really? To whom? Probably only to you. Let's get serious. We all think that our "stuff" is valuable. It's probably not. Sorry! And once you have bought the item - you are not going to recoup your cost. So holding on to an item that you don't use isn't saving money or stopping you from losing money - you already spent the money. And thinking that you are going to sell it and make a lot of money - isn't realistic. Think about the time you have to spend taking pictures and posting it online - or setting up and having a garage sale. How valuable is your time - versus making $20 or $50 - if you have to sit at a garage sale for the entire day? Donate the item and you are usually much better off.

Decluttering is an ongoing process - that will keep your home clutter free - so that you can live the life you have now!

Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life


Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Simplify Your Life

How Living Simply Can Improve Your Life

 

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace and complexity of modern life? Maybe it's time to embrace a simpler lifestyle. Adopting a minimalist approach offers numerous benefits for your mental and emotional wellbeing and your overall life satisfaction.

 

Studies show that simplifying your life is the key to leading a more content and fulfilled lifestyle. Living simply allows you to cultivate mindfulness. It also reduces distractions, provides mental clarity, and puts you back in touch with your authentic self without the clutter of external influences.

 

Let’s explore several compelling reasons why living simply can truly improve your life.

 

Boost Your Mental Clarity

 

When you declutter your living space and reduce the number of possessions you own, you also clear your mind. Less clutter in your surroundings leads to less chaos in your thoughts, allowing you to think more clearly and make better decisions.

 

Save Time and Energy

 

Simplifying your life means eliminating unnecessary tasks and focusing on what truly matters. By prioritizing your time and energy, you create more space for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. This leads to a more efficient and satisfying daily routine.

 

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

 

A life full of clutter, commitments, and distractions is a breeding ground for stress and anxiety. Streamlining your life and focusing on what's essential reduces the sources of stress and anxiety, allowing you to find inner peace and tranquility.

 

Improve Your Financial Health

 

Embracing a simpler lifestyle often means cutting down on excessive spending and consumerism. With fewer material possessions to maintain and a focus on frugal living, you can save money, pay off debts, and create a more secure financial future.

 

Enhance Your Relationships

 

When you prioritize simplicity, you'll naturally have more time and energy to dedicate to the people you love. Focusing on meaningful connections instead of material possessions strengthens your relationships and creates lasting memories with your loved ones.

 

Promote Environmental Sustainability

 

Living simply goes hand in hand with being more eco-conscious. When you consume less, reusing and repurposing items while embracing a minimalist mindset, it significantly reduces your environmental footprint and contributes to a healthier planet.

 

Foster Personal Growth

 

Simplicity invites introspection and self-discovery. As you let go of unnecessary distractions, you create space for personal growth and self-improvement. As a result, you'll develop new skills, explore new passions, and evolve as an individual.

 

Now that you know the remarkable benefits of embracing a simpler lifestyle, why not give it a try? Will you take the first step towards transforming your life and experience the profound impact that living simply has on your wellbeing, relationships, and happiness?

 

Remember, the journey to simplicity starts with a single decision – prioritizing what truly matters in your life based on your principles, morals, values, and goals. So, what are you waiting for? Your journey begins now. To get started on the road to simplifying your life, ask yourself: “What can I do without?”

 

Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life


Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Magazines, books, games.....oh my!

Clearing your clutter of stuff that you no longer want, need or "serves your purpose" is a great way to make your home look better and your spirit feel lighter. It makes people feel like they have accomplished an impossible task (for some it is) and it gives them the motivation to do things they never thought they could.

And then comes the question - "what to do with the stuff..."?

There are a lot of donation centers and resale shops in most cities. For some people, giving their donated items to the "right" organization - one they feel aligns with their values - is very important. For others, they just want it out of their home and the nearest donation center will do just fine. 

A question that came up in one of my classes was "what can I do with magazines, besides recycling them"? And then we expanded it to "books and board games".

So we made a list:

  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Assisted living centers
  • Nursing homes
  • Senior centers
  • Retirement homes
  • Libraries
  • YMCA
  • Coffee shops
  • Breweries
  • Homeless shelters
  • Churches
They could all use the magazines, books and board games - to keep people entertained and to have a reason to socialize. Bring out a board game and people will come together. Magazines and books will keep people from getting bored when you're waiting in the hospital. Being able to read magazines that you didn't have to pay for - priceless! 

So pass on the magazines, books and games - and let someone else enjoy them!

It's a win for everyone!

Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life


Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Things to Declutter Right Now!

Decluttering isn't always about getting rid of "big items". Most of us have a lot of small items, items with missing parts, items without their pair, items that we longer use, items that are expired or past their prime. Item that we haven't used in a long time or that we even knew we had.

Take a look at this list to see if you have any of these items that you can get rid of now. Turn it into a game with your family - "whomever finds the most items that they can get rid of - wins a prize".

Make clutter disappear! It's easy! Do you really want to keep old candy or broken dishes or cat toys when you no longer have a cat???

Join us in this clutter challenge - and make your clutter disappear! 

Things to Declutter Right Now

Appliances that are rarely or never used

Batteries that are deal

Books that you will never read or won't read again

Boxes - stuff in them that you never open

Calendars - Old

Candy that is old

Cards - get rid of them after a few weeks

Cat litter - no cat

Cat toys

Cleaning supplies that you never use

Clothes - from kids

Clothes that are stained or worn out or never worn

Coffee mugs - how many do you really need

Containers that are empty

Cookbooks that you never use

Costumes - halloween

Coupons that are expired

Craft projects that you will never finish

Crayons that are bits and pieces

Dishes - old

Earrings without a partner

Electronics that are broken

Fabric Softener

Flowers - dead

Food containers without lids

Food that is expired

Fruit - moldy

Games or puzzles that are missing pieces

Garden hoses - old

Gifts that you will never use

Glasses - old prescription

Gloves without a partner

Holiday decorations that are in excess

Jewelry that you will never wear

Junk Mail

Legos

Linens that are worn out

Magazines/newspapers - Old

Mail - old

Makeup - Old

Maps - to places you will never go

Medicine that is expxired

Menus - old or takeout

Nail polish - dried out

Notesbooks - college or old

Paint - old or that you will never use

Paperwork that should be recycled

Pencils shorter than 3 inches

Pens that no longer work

Perfume

Plants that are dead

Plastic bags

Receipts that are old for things you don't have

Receipts that are old for things you don't need for taxes

Snacks that are old

Socks with holes or missing a partner

Spices or seasonings you never use

Sunblock that is expired

Tags from clothing that you have cut off

Takeout sauces or packets

Textbooks - old college

Toothbrushes - older than 4 months

Towels that are torn or worn out

Toys that your kids have outgrown

T-shirts - old

TV cabinet - old

Underwear - with holes or stretecher out elastic

Unidentifiable  anything

Vases

Washer / Dryer - old or broken

Wok - electric

 Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

 

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Why Is Decluttering Hard?


Decluttering should be easy. Shouldn't it? But for a lot of people - it's really hard. Hard to get started. Hard to figure out what to get rid of. 

Below is a list of reasons why it's so hard:

1)  You haven't found your "why". Why do you want to declutter?

2)  You haven't established an "end goal". 
  • What is your goal and when are you going to put it into action.
  • What items are you getting rid of?
3)  You have "no time" to declutter. It takes time!

4)  You don't understand what clutter means to you. How did the clutter happen?

5)  You don't know what to keep.

6)  You feel unsupported in your goal.

7)  You are struggling to let go.

8)  You have a lot of stuff. The more stuff you have - the longer it takes.

9)  The clutter keeps coming back. 

10) You feel guilty and wasteful for getting rid of stuff.


So - we have established that understanding how the clutter got there - is hard. Making decisions - is hard. Letting things go - is hard. Why - because of your attachment to "stuff". 

Once you bought/acquired your "stuff" - the money was spent. You can't get it back by keeping your stuff. If you have outgrown it or it no longer serves a purpose - it's time to let go. 

Give someone else the opportunity to use and enjoy your "stuff". They might need it more than you do.

Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life


Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 


Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Are You Living Your Life of Today


People change. As we grow older our lives change.  Our families change. Our likes and dislikes change. Our hobbies change. So, the question is “are you living the life of today?”. Does your home reflect that life?

If your kids are grown and out of the house – do you really need a big house with four bedrooms? Do you really want to maintain that house. Or do you want the freedom to do something else? Maybe it is time to think about downsizing so that your time is freed up to do other things.

If you no longer have the time or desire to knit, crochet, quilt, paint or any other hobby – maybe it’s time to give away all of your yarn or fabric or paint. There are probably a lot of people that would really appreciate all of those things.

Just because you had a hobby once doesn’t mean that you have to continue it forever. Your tastes change. Your availability to do these things might change. Maybe you are not physically capable of doing these activities anymore.

If you do not ski anymore or roller skate or ride your bike – pass the equipment onto someone that will enjoy it.

Let it go. Without guilt. Clear the stuff out of your home. Make room for new hobbies. You do not have to hang onto things just because you were once interested in them.

Enjoy the life that you are living now.

But remember that you collected all of these things over time, and it will take some time to go through it all and declutter your home. Plan short decluttering sessions interspersed with a fun or relaxing activity. By doing this you will not wear yourself out and you will be more likely to continue the decluttering process.

Once an area is cleared of clutter – then you can start the organizing process. But’s that's another article!

 

 Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....

 

Monday, March 7, 2022

What is Your Decluttering Goal?

With so many people still working from home the trend to declutter their home is still strong. Clutter causes stress. And stress causes people to say and do things they normally wouldn't say or do.

So - take a deep breathe before you yell at your family for the mess. Take a timeout before you decide to throw out everything that you own.

What is your decluttering goal?

You do have one - right?

Do you want your home to function better? A great goal - but break it down further.

Do you want to be able to find things? A great goal - but do you have a plan?

Do you want to downsize? A great goal - but by how much? What is your vision?

You need to start with a SMART Goal. 

*   Specific

*   Measurable

*   Achievable

*   Relevant

*   Time-bound

Coming up with a goal - a vision - for what you want your home to look like is the first step. The problem that most people have - is that they skip this step and just start purging. Knowing how you want your home and your space to look and function is crucial to your success.

What is your time-line for achieving your goal? Is it really achievable? If you can't physically accomplish your task by yourself - get help. If the time frame is not reasonable - change it. Decluttering is not supposed to stress you out - it is supposed to make you freer. 

Clearing your clutter helps to get rid of the "overwhelm" a lot of people experience when there is too much clutter. For a lot of people - it's very therapeutic and cathartic.

Is your goal going to accomplish what you really want out of your home and life? 

Don't rush into decluttering until you really know what your purpose is. 

Having an end goal - knowing why you have a goal - and having a realistic plan for getting there - will lead to your success!


Happy Decluttering!


Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....

Monday, May 31, 2021

Clutter is "Stuff"

People wonder what "clutter" really is. Well - it's just "STUFF". 

It could be "good stuff" - but that doesn't mean that it's "good for you". 

A lot of time people keep "stuff" just because they haven't gotten around to clearing it out- not because it means something to them. 

Letting go of "stuff" - especially when it's memorabilia is really hard. It's emotional. And therein lies the complexities of purging. It you have an attachment to things - it's hard to let go.

In order to "let go" of clutter - you have to change your mentality about the stuff. Don't keep things that have bad memories or things that make you feel sad - or things that your family member gave you that you have no use for. Only keep things if you really like it or if it makes you happy.

Don't bring things into your home that you got "for free" if you don't really need it.

Don't feel the need to keep things that have outlived their usefulness.

Don't bring things into your home that take up room that you don't have.

You deserve to live in a home that is calming and peaceful. Before you buy anything (or get it for free) - ask yourself:

       Do I really need it?

       Will I actually use it (within 6 months)?

       Do I have room for it? (Where - exactly - will I put it)?

       Can I afford it?

       Will it enhance my life?

If you can't answer these questions - DON'T bring it into your home.

So - say "NO" to Clutter!  And live a life with less stress!

Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

 

Monday, March 29, 2021

Too Many Books - When is it Time to Let Go

People collect all kinds of stuff. From clothes to craft items to books. 

So - when is a "collection" a "collection" and when is it a "hoard"?

Another question is - "when is enough - enough" and "when is it time to let go"?

There is no "one size fits all answer". 

If you have the room in your home and there is no safety issue - and let's throw in - that you know what you actually have and can find it and actually use it - then it might be o.k. to have a bunch of "stuff".

But - if you never use it - what good is it? It just takes up room. And you spent money on something that you are not getting use and enjoyment out of.

So let's take books for example. How many books can you have? How many books should you have? It all depends on the above answers.

If you have hundreds of books - have you actually read them all? Or can you / will you - actually read them all? How long will it take you? Is it realistic to have hundreds or thousands of books that you will never read? Even with "good intentions". 

Books are wonderful. They can teach you so many things. They an transport you to another world and brighten your day. But if they are "just there" and you never really use them - what good are they?

And the next question is - who is going to be responsible when you are gone? Is the next person going to care about them as much as you do? How will you feel if they just throw them all out? Those are questions that most people won't ask themselves - because they don't really want to know the answers.

So - take charge of your own life - and books - and make some decisions.

For some interesting reading about book collecting and book hoarding - read these articles:

                  Are you a book hoarder? There’s a word for that. 

                  There’s A Japanese Word For People Who Buy More Books Than They Can Actually Read

 

Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

 

Monday, December 14, 2020

Year End Clear Out - Donate & Write-Offs

 

As we get closer to Christmas and Year End - you should start to think about "clearing your clutter" and "donating" your "stuff"!

We all know that there will probably be presents underneath your tree - but most people don't think about where they will put all of their new "stuff". 

If you have kids - start clearing out their old toys (that they have outgrown). But - let them make the choices. Get the kids involved when they are young. Explain to them that they have outgrown some of their toys and how great it would be if other children could get the same joy out of playing with them. It gives them a sense of purpose. Letting them be in control will make them feel more grown up and you will have accomplished your goal of making room for other things.

Now - do the same thing with your stuff! Go throw your closets and be honest with yourself. If you haven't used something in the last year, if you don't like it anymore, if you have lost interest in some of your crafts, if your clothes don't fit or your are tired of them - let it make someone else happy! Let it go to a good home!

And don't forget to get your donation receipt for your taxes!

By starting early - you can go through one room a day or one closet a day. Don't try to do it all at once and stress yourself out. It's still the holiday season and you should also take time for self-care.

You want to start the new year with an uncluttered home - where your new items have a place to belong.


Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

 

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Clearing Your Clutter During This Pandemic

The last few months have been very stressful for everyone. But it's also given people a lot of time to work on clearing their clutter.

Then again, there's the problem of what to do with the clutter if the donation centers are closed or they won't pick up.

Clearing you clutter should be an ongoing project. I always have a donation bin going at all times. When the donation bin gets filled - it's time to take it to the donation center. So what goes into the donation bin? Anything and everything. If you have kids and they outgrow their clothes - put it in the bin. If they outgrow their toys - put it in the bin. It will fill up quickly!

You can go through your rooms - one by one - and take a good look at everything in the room. First start with anything that you don't really like anymore. Your tastes change - so let someone else enjoy the item! If your room looks too crowded - move some things out. It will open up the room and make it look bigger.

Go through your kitchen. What gadgets haven't you used in the last 6 months or a year? If you haven't used them - ask yourself "will I ever use it?"  Be honest! If you aren't using them (but will during holidays or only once a month....) - put them somewhere out of the way - instead of on the kitchen counter or in a prime location.

Go through your garage and basement - and clear out things that you rarely ever - or never use. If you "might need it someday" - you can always borrow it or buy it again (which can be cheaper than storing it).

A lot of people have tons of books - that they have already read (numerous times) or never read at all. Maybe it's time to let them go.

What about memorabilia? How long are you going to keep it? Why are you keeping it? Do you have a place to display it - or is it just taking up valuable space? Take a picture of it, write a story about it and let it go.

What about things that you are keeping for your kids - who are all grown up with families of their own? How long are you going to store it? Ask your kids if they want it (they probably don't). If they do, give them a deadline to pick it up - or you will donate it. If they don't want it - donate it.

When you  are going to start a decluttering project - give yourself a time limit - so that you don't get overwhelmed. Take frequent breaks.

Now - as for the donation dilemma. If your favorite donation center is not accepting donations yet - you have two options. Either you pick another donation center that is open or you continue to store your donation bin for a time in the future (hopefully soon) that it will start accepting donations again. But, put a time limit on how long you are willing to wait. 

Clearing your clutter gives a lot of people a sense of freedom and clarity. If you don't experience that - it's o.k. At least it will give you a less cluttered home!

Happy Clearing!

Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

Sunday, April 26, 2020

7 Things You Can do to Make Your Life Better while Physically Isolated


Being isolated is hard on your emotions as well as physically. Here are some things that might help:

1) Create a Healthy, Supportive Routine

When we feel powerless or helpless (as so many of us do at the moment), one EXTREMELY easy thing to do is to create a routine or schedule.

While we're all stuck in anxiously waiting at home, it's easy to lose our sense of time. Days can begin to blend into each other. A routine can give us an anchor and greater sense of control over our lives. 

And if you have children, creating a routine is especially important to give them a sense of normality.
This routine or schedule can be as simple as:

  • 7 am - Wake-up 
  • 8 am - Breakfast
  • 10 am - Exercise
  • 11 am - Talk to friends
  • 12 pm - Lunch
  • 1 - 4 pm - Learn or a hone project
  • 5 pm - Make & eat dinner
  • 7 pm - Talk to your family
  • 8 pm - Reading or journaling
  • 10 pm - Bed
    .
    Be sure to include food preparation, social time, exercise and outdoor time and some learning or creativity so you get some benefit from this challenging time.

    It's also important to recognize weekends because it's too easy for weeks to blur together. So, make a looser schedule for your weekends. For example, you could include:
    • Sleeping in/later bedtime
    • Brunch
    • "Treats"
    • Movie night with popcorn
    • A virtual happy hour with friends or colleagues
    • A larger project, perhaps some art, craft, gardening or home redecoration.
    So, create a routine for a sense of control and mastery over your environment and life circumstances. Reclaim what power you can over your own life, because with all this uncertainty it's important for you - and especially important for children - to have predictability.

    .

    2) Build Your Physical Strength, Fitness Levels or Flexibility!

    Building your physical strength is powerful and health-boosting! Not only is physical strength and flexibility life-affirming and good for our health, but feeling more physically powerful actually helps us feel more empowered and less helpless in life too!

    Add some physical activity into your schedule - as little as 15 minutes daily. Maybe by the end of this you'll be fitter or even be able to do 10 (or 100!) press-ups!

    There are many options to boost your physical strength and health. Here are some ideas:
    • Take up a yoga practice - excellent for strength-building, flexibility - and calm! There are lots of online options. Here is one with everything from 10 minutes for beginners to an advanced practice. Sarah Beth Yoga on Youtube has more (free) yoga videos than I can count
    • Learn do a press-up or push-up. Then see if you can get to 10 (or more - depending on where you start)!
    • There are so many online fitness classes on Youtube - for beginners, experts - with equipment and also with no equipment whatsoever. PopSugar Fitness has many options to choose from.
    REMEMBER: BEing stronger = FEELING stronger and more in control! And building your PHYSICAL strength or fitness = REDUCED feelings of helplessness!

    .

    3) Explore your Life Vision:

    Rather than watching endless news streams, you can choose to focus on a bigger picture - your future. What do you want from the rest of your life? What would you be disappointed you did NOT do? Where do you envision yourself in 10 years?

    Having a clear vision of how you want your life to be is a powerful motivator. A vision helps us work towards our goals, take action and make change. Soon, we'll all be super-busy again - and a vision might be just what you need stay focused!

    Here are 5 questions to ponder or journal around to go deeper:
    • What do you desire or yearn for in your life?
    • How do you want to feel?
    • What do you really, really want to be different in your life?
    • What would have happened in 3 years time such that your life is spectacular and you feel magnificent about yourself?
    • What's your dream for this lifetime? Imagine you're 90 years old and looking back over your life; what did you do that made you proud and happy?
    TIP: Remember to think possibility not probability! Don't limit yourself and your ideas because you don't believe something is likely. Instead believe it's possible - and even if you don't get all the way there, you may get close - or even find something better along the way!

    .

    4) Start a Journal!

    If you've always wanted to journal, now is a good time to start. More than just keeping a record of your day, a journal can help you explore and sift through your feelings and experiences and learn from them. It's a great way to get to know you.
    It's great to choose a beautiful notebook, but the most important thing is to just get started. Here are some prompts to get started with:
    • Today I am feeling _________. I think this is because __________.
    • One big thing I have learned during this crisis is _________.
    • I remember the last time I was stuck in the house _________.
    • One thing that's surprised me recently is _________.
    • What matters most to me in life is _________.
    • Describe your ideal day _________.
    "A journal is expressive by nature and it contains feelings, emotions, problems, ponderings and it is more reflective on the meaning of life being lived." Lynda Monk

    You may find this How to Journal article  ( https://iajw.org/how-to-journal-complete-guide)                 from the IAJW (International Association for Journal Writing) helpful to get you started.
    .

    5) De-Clutter

    I bet you have some organizational things on your to-do list (like going through winter clothes, sorting out toys to donate or tidying the laundry closet, garage or shed) that have been on there for a while. Use this isolation period to get them done!

    Getting organized and de-cluttering allows us to exert some control over our lives - and therefore feel less helpless! Plus, it will feel amazing just to have it done.

    Organize your closets, your garage, your books, your photos, office, kitchen equipment. Whatever needs organizing. Or perhaps you need to go through your receipts or file your taxes!

    A simple 3 Step Method to go through your stuff:

          1.  If you're keeping it, be sure to DECIDE where it will "live" from now on. 

          2.  If you're not keeping it, create two piles:
                Things to GET RID Of

                Things to DONATE (and if relevant to pass on to specific people)

          3.  When you're done, put each pile into bags or boxes, and then once the crisis is over yo ucan get rid of what you no longer need.


    • TIP: You don't need to do any of this 'in one sitting', do an hour a day - you'll be surprised how much you get done if you keep it up for a week!
      *** As a special gift to you – Organizational Consulting Services is offering $ 10/hr OFF of their Virtual Organizing services now through the end of May.   
    .
    Check out our website:   www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
     .

    6) Send "Real" Snail Mail Letters or Cards

    Go old-fashioned. Who doesn't love to receive a lovely card or handwritten letter in their mailbox! Rediscover the lost art of letter-writing and make someone's day.
    Yes, you could send an email appreciating someone, and that's great. But imagine your recipient's face as they pick up that hand-written card in the mailbox.
    .
    Wondering what to say? Write from the heart! Here are some ideas to get started:
    .
    • I really appreciate having you in my life because ________.
    • I love hanging out with you when we ________.
    • I've realized that you bring ________ to my life.
    • I miss seeing you. Let’s make a plan to get together when this crisis is over. 

    .

    7) Begin a Meditation Practice

    Meditation is a practice that has been proven scientifically to calm us, help us be more creative and be happier (for starters). It's extremely beneficial.

    There is a lot to learn about meditation - and it's called a Meditation Practice for a reason. But it's also not as hard as it sounds. You can start with as little as 5 minutes a day - and it's good to build a routine, so you meditate at the same time every day. 

    Get a book on "Meditation for Beginners" or go to Youtube or Google and search for "How to Meditate". Another good place to start is "Metta" or "Loving Kindness" meditation. Again, search online and you'll have lots of options to choose from.

    It helps to have a quiet space without interruptions - which many of us don't have at the moment. And for some people, trying to meditate when anxious can be stressful. If this is the case, listen to a relaxing guided meditation instead.

    Another idea is to listen to a sleep meditation or "Body Scan Meditation" before going to sleep.
    If you are interested in a short 7 minute Guided Meditation to help you relax – send us an email with “Guided Meditation” in the subject line and we will send you a link to a relaxing Guided Meditation that will help calm and relax you.

    .

    *** If you are interested in a FREE Discovery Coaching Session to help you figure out what your next step will be – just email or fill out the contact form on our website.

    .
    Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life


    Organizational Consulting Services
    Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest