Clearing Out Your Closets for Year End

As we head into the last couple of months of the year - it's time to start thinking about clearing out your closets of things that no longer serve you or your family. The holidays are coming and the kids will be getting new toys and maybe some new clothes. Your holiday shopping may have already started and you only have so much room in your home. 

When purging kids toys it's important to make them a part of the process. Kids (and teenagers) outgrow their toys and games. Let them help you declutter. It gives them ownership and power over their decisions. Frame it as "they are giving toys to kids that might not have toys or wish they could have a certain toy but can't afford it". Start teaching your kids about decluttering early in their life. Make donating a part of your decluttering and purging process. 

Go through your own closets and get rid of anything that no longer fits or you no longer like (or wear). 

Go through the drawers in your bathroom and clear out old makeup and lotions (yes - do they expire!).

Go through your kitchen cabinets and look at your spices and make sure they are still good. Since the holidays are coming up you want to make sure that you have fresh spices for all of the wonderful things you will be making for the holidays!

Go through your files and clear out any old papers or documents that you no longer need.

By doing a little bit at a time from now until the end of the year - you will have purged your entire home of things that no longer serve you - and that just take up valuable space.

Start clearing your clutter now and be ready to start the new year on a clutter free note!

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

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Scheduling and Consistency

Most people have good intentions when they say that they are going to declutter and organize their home. Unfortunately, a lot of people just don't follow through. 

The key to their success lies in scheduling their intentions to declutter or organize. Just saying that "you are going to do it this week..." doesn't work. You have to actually schedule it - on your calendar (paper or phone).  Writing things down has a real affect on making things a reality. By running your home like a business - scheduling regular cleaning days or laundry days or paying your bills on certain days - makes your home run more smoothly. You know exactly when things are going to happen and things won't fall through the cracks.

Flexibility should be added into the mix - because we don't want anyone to be stressed out - but by knowing when things are going to get done - there is a better chance that it will actually happen.

The other part of the equation is consistency. Decluttering or organizing is not a one-and-done deal. It is something that should happen on a regular basis. That doesn't mean that you have to declutter/purge or organize something every single day - but you should have some type of a system in place where you might do a big declutter of (for example) your closets once or twice a year. 

If you are working on a big project - you might want to work on it 30 or 60 minutes a day - a couple of times a week. Even with only 15 minutes a day you will accomplish something. If you only work on a decluttering project (like purging/organizing a drawer) for 15 minutes - but do it at least 4x a week - that's 1 hour of decluttering/organizing! It all adds up!

Start small by establishing some consistent habits - such as taking anything out of the living room that doesn't belong there when you are getting ready to go to bed. Take your snack dishes or cups to the kitchen and put them into the dishwasher. Put the magazines back into the magazine rack. Your room will automatically look better. 

By putting things back where they go (after you have established their homes) - the amount of time that you will have to spend cleaning is greatly reduced.

Organization doesn't have to be stressful if you have a system in place. Just take it one step at a time.

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

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Pass It On - NOT !

Parents (especially Mom's) have a tendency to hold onto things to "pass on" to their children. They are the "keeper of the memories" - the "keeper of the heirlooms". And they want to "pass it on" to the next generation.

Unfortunately, most of todays children don't want their parents "stuff". They don't want to be burdened with furniture or dishes or knick-knacks. They have their own stuff and their own style.

Yet - they don't kow how to say "no" - "no thank you!".  They don't want to hurt your feelings. So for some of them - they have a basement or attic or garage full of stuff they don't want, won't use and yet won't throw away.

Children expect us to keep all of their drawings and things they made for us - when they were childen. But when they are older - most of them don't even remember making it and they wonder why we even kept it!

Some very brave children have told their parents that they don't want their stuff and that they will get rid of it (toss it in the dumpster) when they die. Hear that gasp of horror???? Their parents are stunned and hurt that their kids don't appreciate their "stuff" which is sooooo special. But it's not special to the children. They have their own stuff, their own taste, their own lives. They don't have room for more.

We should not expect (or in some cases, demand) that our children will take (and cherish) our stuff.

So, if you have family heirlooms or keepsakes or things that you think your childen (or family members) will want after you pass on - ASK THEM!!! If they say "no - don't like it - don't need it - don't have room for it...." - RESPECT their wishes. Let it go to another family member or friend that will appreciate it. But ask them also.

Each person's home is a reflection of them - not of you. By not taking or keeping all of the stuff you give them doesn't mean that they don't love or care about you. They can still keep the memories without keeping the physical stuff.

Ask your children or family members before you unload your home into theirs. They will appreciate it!

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

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Living in the Past

Our stuff defines us. When someone walks into your home - they know what your interests are. They can tell if you are an organized or an unorganized person.

By looking at your clothes they know what your style is like. By looking at the pictures that hang on your wall they know what type of art you like or who your favorite artist is. Your furniture tells them what decorating style you like. 

Your stuff defines you.......  or does it?

Does your stuff tell us the story of the "you" of today? Or does it tell us the story of the "you" of 20 years ago? 

Does your home reflect your current interests? Or your interests of the past? 

Do you still have furniture from when you were first starting out your adult life (makeshift furniture and fixings....)? Do you still have clothes in your closet from college - and you're now 50? It doesn't matter if it still fits (we all wish!) - sometimes it's not appropriate for where you are in the world today.

Do you still have arts and craft items from things that you were interested in 10 years ago - but haven't done since?

Do you still have dozens of cookbooks thinking that you were going to make gourmet meals - but you never cook?

It's time to stop living in the past.

Your home and your life should reflect the "you" of today. Your closet should reflect the present you - not the "I still think I'm a size 2" you. 

Your decor should reflect who you are today - not stuck in the past. 

As we age - our interests change. That's OK! But we need to let go of the clutter of the past - to make room for our new interests. By purging out the clutter of the past - we might actually be able to see and use all of the wonderful things we have now.

Let go of the your past interests that no longer serve you and start living the life you have today - without any guilt.

You deserve to be living in the present.

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

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Many Benefits of a Decluttered Home

Having a decluttered home has many benefits beyond the clutter being gone. You will have gained more space and more peace of mind. 

By starting with the basics - getting rid of any garbage (empty snack bags....) and then moving on to things that don't belong in the room, things that are broken or that you no longer use or no longer like - and you will immediately have created more space. Now take a step back and see what your room really looks like!

Clearing your clutter helps to lower your stress levels. When you are constantly searching for things that you can't find because it's hidden in all of the clutter - you tend to become stressed. 

Clearing your clutter - finding things that were "missing" so that you aren't buying something again that you already had - but couldn't find - saves you money. 

By having a home for everything - so that you can find things easily - saves you time. You aren't wasting your time searching for things.

A decluttered home takes time and the willingness of everyone in the home - to take part in the decluttering and organizing process. By having buy-in from everyone - there will be less pressure on one person doing it all and it will lead to a calmer home environment.

Our homes should be a place of calm - where you can relax. Coming into a cluttered home doesn't allow you to destress and relax. By removing the clutter you are improving your mental health.

Clutter distracts you from being fully present and being able to concentrate. 

By removing the clutter - you are making your cleaning routine easier. If you have less stuff to clean around and take care of - you will have time for other things - such as spending quality time with our family.

Start the decluttering process today. Make it a fun project - decide to purge 1 thing out of each room. Tomorrow - pick 2 things to purge out of each room. And so on....

See how many things you are actually able to purge in one week! 

You can do it!

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

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The Effects of Clutter

The effects of clutter is not only about the physical stuff - the mess in our homes - but also about how it affects our mind, body and spirit.

Clutter causes stress! It cauases anxiety. It causes sleepless nights.

Clutter can take over your mind and stress you out.Clutter overwhelms a lot of my clients. It causes dissension among family members. One person wants a neat and clutter free home and another person doesn't see what all the fuss is about.

A clutter free space promotes a calm environment where you can think - you can create. 

An organized space frees up your time and your money. You aren't buying the same thing over and over again - because you didn't know that you had the item - or you can't find what you are looking for so you are buying the item over and over again!

An organized space promotes producitivity. Since you know where everything is - you spend less time having to search for things. You can access everything you need quickly - saving time. Your files are in order - your reports are done on time - your to-do list has all of the necessary tools that you need for your projects.... Your are prepared!

Having a clutter free and organized space gives you more time to spend with your family to do "fun things" - instead of complaining that the house is a mess! 

Start decluttering and organizing now - for a stress free and fun future!

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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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
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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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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
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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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

 

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....