Do You Have a Clutter Problem?
You know you do when:
- It’s hard to part with items and clothing that you don’t use
- Your closets are filled to the brim and overflowing
- Stacks of newspapers and magazines are piled sky high
- You are embarrassed or ashamed to invite people over
- Your stuff is hindering your ability to function
- Your clutter controls you
You’d like to get organized without any help but:
- You just don’t know where to begin
- Anxiety, shame, fear, procrastination are some of your road blocks
- You may not be at the stage where you are ready to let go.
If you are ready; some tips for you to get organized on your own:
- This process can be anxiety provoking, so TAKE BABY STEPS
- Select one specific area you would like to un-clutter in your home or office such as the surface of a coffee table, or the top of the file cabinet.
- Take the items off that surface and sort them into five separate piles. Categorize the piles as: recycle, throw away, give away, charity, keep.
- Label five grocery sized bags, or plastic kitchen trash bags with the titles: RECYCLE, THROW AWAY, GIVE AWAY, CHARITY, KEEP.
- Once you’ve got the items into sorted piles, go through each item and ask yourself: Do I need this? Do I love this? Will I really use this? Am I willing to recycle it, throw or give it away? As you make your decisions, put each item into the appropriate bag, and then distribute the items to their appropriate place.
- Be sure to reward yourself for taking these baby steps!
Continuing the organizing process:
- If this process was doable and not anxiety provoking, keep choosing small areas in your home or office and repeat the steps until you have cleaned up the clutter.
- If it is difficult for you to even take the first step, think about contacting a Professional Organizer in your vicinity to help you let go and get organized.
If you live in the Boston area, and would like a FREE 1/2 hour telephone consultation to discuss your clutter issues, contact me at [email protected]
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