Dealing with clutter?
So, what's the solution to dealing with clutter - at least the
accumulated kind of "stuff" that takes up too much space? First, start
with one small area (such as the place where bills and other papers
collect in the kitchen). Next, set a timer for 15 minutes to start
with, and see how much you can tackle in such a short time. Then follow
the rules of SPACE, a common organizing acronym that I've adapted as
follows:
Sort... your clutter into boxes or stacks of similar stuff (e.g. newspapers in one stack; bills in another.)
Purge...
the clutter you no longer need into containers for trash, recycling,
shredding, donating, or giving away (to friends or family).
Arrange...similar
items in a logical place, such as moving magazines to the bedroom where
they're more likely to be read and keeping pens, stamps,and
return-address labels together but in their own space will make bill
paying easier.
Containerize...find
correctly-sized containers to hold items, such as an out box for all
bills and other outgoing mail, a cup for pens and folder of "read
later" articles or flyers.
Edit...maintain
your system by updating your space on a daily, weekly or monthly basis
to ensure clutter doesn't return to your reformed SPACE!
A major obstacle to getting organized is often the quest for
perfection. We can and should strive to do our best, but we are human
after all, and there is no "perfect" human on the planet. If anything,
seeking perfection creates an "all or nothing" mindset that paralyzes
our efforts or allows us to give up too quickly on what can't be done
"just right."
As an alternative, it's best that we
work with the 80/20 rule: instead of getting 100% of a space (such as
the kitchen) re-organized in a day, tackle a section at a time (paper,
then recipes and cookbooks, then storage containers). Then you can
celebrate each success as you make a big difference in a small space!
About the Author
Diana Allard is a Home Organizing Consultant and owner of Efficient Spaces Organizing Services, LLC based in Wayzata, Minnesota. As a wife, mother and business owner she helps clients just like herself who want to maximize space in their homes while minimizing the stress that disorganization can bring. In addition, Diana offers weekly tips, organizing resources and product ideas on her web site: www.EfficientSpaces.com.
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