Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes from 20 percent of what we own. That means that 80 percent of the things in our homes are rarely or never used. Follow these tips to de-clutter your life.
Start the process of de-cluttering. Divide a room into sections. Pick one section (like one drawer or cupboard) and begin de-cluttering. Ask if you consider each item beautiful, useful, or loved. If not, you can probably get rid of it! If you're still not sure if you should get rid of an item, ask yourself, "What's the worst thing that could happen if I toss this?" The answer may help give you the power to discard the clutter. Also be aware of the size of your space, as smaller spaces obviously hold less stuff.
Work with a buddy. If you're having a hard time letting go of the clutter, enlist the help of a friend or professional organizer to offer an objective viewpoint. She can offer support and ask the tough questions like, "Are you really going to use that?" and "When will you ever wear that again?"
Try to touch things only once while going through this process. Quickly make a decision to keep or toss. It will be helpful to have large, dark-colored garbage bags, plus two large boxes on hand: one for items to donate or give to friends, one for items that need to go to another room in your home. The bags are for items that need to go the dump. (The dark garbage bag will keep you from seeing the contents and having "tosser's regret.")
Find an appropriate home for the items you want to keep. Once you've removed all the items that are not beautiful, useful, or loved, you are left with a room full of things you'll use and appreciate frequently. Assign a space (a "home") for each item and make sure to return it there after each use. Remember, if you don't return each item to its home after use, it turns back into clutter and disorganization will occur.
Give yourself a reward. At the end of a de-cluttering session, give yourself a pat on the back and a little treat, such as a bubble bath, a cup of tea, or a professional massage. Also take some time to relish the calm and tidy space you've created.
Copyright 2005 Time to Organize. All rights reserved.
Sara Pedersen, veteran professional organizer, is the author of the FREE e-newsletter "Organzing Dreams." Sign up today at http://www.time2organize.net to receive your FREE quarterly subscription. Then, make YOUR organizing dreams come true by visiting http://www.time2organize.net where you'll find dozens of organizing tips, before and after photos, an interactive quiz and much more.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareYou can get a pretty good idea of the benefits... Read More
Many people have a huge challenge coping with the incoming... Read More
Winter is starting to retreat, and hints of Spring are... Read More
Take time to declutter this summer...Writing can certainly consume the... Read More
"Do something every day that you don't want to-do; this... Read More
To make room for new things to come into you... Read More
'A well-ordered life is like climbing a tower; the view... Read More
Spring is here and its time to sweep away the... Read More
I recently read an article that had some interesting but... Read More
I know I have a problem when I have to... Read More
Dennis is working as a factory worker during the day... Read More
1. All or nothing thinking/taking on too much." I'm going... Read More
The store reminded me of a well-worn slipper ? tattered... Read More
Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to... Read More
Decluttering is a simple-to-learn process, once you break it down... Read More
Have you ever heard that having a cluttered home can... Read More
What does "time" have to do with getting organized? Everything!... Read More
Coping with clutter is rarely easy. There's more involved than... Read More
One of the most basic ways to find papers when... Read More
Do you like storing your papers on top of your... Read More
1. Sink to their level. Get on your knees in... Read More
Home organization isn't just for neat-nicks or those drawn toward... Read More
We previously noted that papers must be sorted before they... Read More
Obviously, productivity involves producing. Producing widgets, events, reports, sales. The... Read More
What do your storage spaces look like? Do you know... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Clutter is a big problem for many people. At a... Read More
I talk about the mail a lot in my newsletter,... Read More
A daily journal will save you time, reduce stress and... Read More
1. A calendar is an essential organizing tool ? start... Read More
Today you have almost as many choices of spice racks... Read More
Buried under mountains of paperwork from your company? Do the... Read More
Do you feel like you are running around in circles,... Read More
Whether you are in your own business or an employee... Read More
Have nothing in your houses that you do not know... Read More
What's in a Name?Everything.What do you do with all the... Read More
I'm cheap and proud of it.I use and re-use things... Read More
Do you like storing your papers on top of your... Read More
Dennis is working as a factory worker during the day... Read More
I recently read an article that had some interesting but... Read More
De-Cluttering our lives can be an extremely liberating exercise. There... Read More
Laundry. You sort, you wash, you fold, you blink ?... Read More
You arrived on earth without clutter. Your parents and doting... Read More
From time to time I hear this question from an... Read More
Does Your Present Internet Filing System Work?Do You Really Know... Read More
Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes... Read More
How many of us have enough time to do everything... Read More
Obviously, productivity involves producing. Producing widgets, events, reports, sales. The... Read More
Do you feel like you just get too much e-mail?... Read More
After more than 20 years as an entrepreneur and a... Read More
In your quest to get 'up and running' so to... Read More
Get Organized - Organization |