CLUTTER CULPRIT:
CLUTTER FREE IS THE WAY TO BE
Help!
Why can't we keep on top of our clutter? Maybe there's something going on in our heads that allows us to continue tripping over the same old stuff and that explains why we can't seem to make ourselves hunker down and straighten up our homes.
Sometimes that clutter can get downright scary and you're unable to maintain a reasonably organized home. A few organizing tips won't be enought to help you.
If that's your problem, look at some of the many terrific organizing books that help you analyze the underlying reasons why people have trouble conquering clutter and that also offer plans for dealing with those problems and getting yourself and your home back on track.
After you've had your "Aha" moment and start figuring out that you can make some changes then you can turn to a how-to type of book like mine,Help, I'm knee-deep in clutter!. When you're ready to jump in and really get organized, it's the type of book that can make organizing a little easier by walking you through the process one step at a time.
This month's column will take a brief look at the negative effects of clutter, the damaging mind-sets that we hang on to, and the rainbow at the end of the road - why it's worth it to get organized. Can you do something about it? Yes, the doctor is in. You just need a plan.
The first part of the plan is SCHEDULE IT.
You're ready to dig deep and figure out what's keeping you from clearing out all this clutter. Check your calendar and set aside some time to take the first steps:
- Decide that this is the week you'll head out to the library or bookstore or to go online. Look at the contents in the organizing books and pick a couple that analyze why we have clutter.
- Set aside some time this month to read them and to do some serious thinking about what's going on and how you can make some positive changes.
The next part of the plan is ORGANIZE IT.
Follow these three steps to help you get organized.
- If you're unorganized, you can miss appointments or special social engagements.
- You're frequently at odds with your family or roommate because your clutter makes life more difficult for them.
- You may be in a battle with your spouse about who's getting stuck with the most housework. As a consequence, you each do as little as possible.
- You may become more isolated because you're embarrassed or ashamed to invite people into your home.
- You experience a lot more inconvenience and annoyance when you can't find a receipt, coupon, or invitation and when you don't have anything clean to wear because you can never seem to do the laundry.
- You might find yourself feeling nervous, worried, depressed, overwhelmed, out of control, distracted, or unable to concentrate or focus or have a full night's sleep.
- In other words, you're continually frazzled. You feel like you're in a constant struggle that you can never win.
- You lose track of bills and important papers and often end up paying late fees.
- You frequently buy a replacement item only to discover that you already had one and end up with an extra that you don't need.
- You often buy on impulse then never use the item or wear it.
- Bad organizing habits have affected your work skills and jeopardized your job.
- It's hard to feel calm and peaceful when you're surrounded by clutter and chaos.
- It's difficult to focus on the important things in your life, such as quality time with your family and friends, when the mess in your home is always hanging over your head.
- You can't get rid of things because you're convinced that someday you'll need them. The problem is that all that stuff turns into clutter and chances are when you actually need it, you won't be able to find it. Also, half the time there are new, more efficient items currently available.
- You're positive that you just couldn't fit in time every day to get organized and to straighten up the house. Unfortunately, you're just feeding into the problem because the less you do each day the more your dishes, clothes, and papers will pile up and turn into huge problems that will be even more difficult for you to tackle.
- You're convinced that if you don't leave out papers and projects in piles than you won't be able to find them when you need them. Where do the piles stop? When you just keep piling up more and more things then you're faced with so much stuff it's a huge headache to start sorting and organizing.
- You use major life events, such as a new baby, new house, new job, or big home repair, to justify a chronically out-of-control house. Let's face it. When aren't we in the middle of some big project or event? If you always use that as an excuse then your house will always look awful and your stress level will double.
- You keep rooms full of things for sentimental reasons or because you feel guilty about giving away items that belonged to a deceased relative. This is difficult, but take a minute to think about all the space these items are taking up and the fact that most are not even being used.
- Your home becomes a refuge. What a relief to come home to a clean, pleasant, and orderly environment.
- You can save time if you don't have to do a project a second time because you've lost a bill or insurance form or can't find the photos you've copied.
- You're not wasting time searching for such everyday things as the scissors or paper towels and you can find clothes and gardening supplies faster.
- It won't take too long to pick up a little before guests arrive. Now you have a home that you can be proud of.
- You'll be able to enjoy spending more time with your family and friends and actually be able to squeeze in some downtime for yourself.
- When you have a neat and orderly home, you can rest your mind, relax, see things more clearly, focus on important projects, think creatively, and refresh your spirit.
- Make a point of spending some fun time each day with your children and spouse and set aside a few minutes just for yourself. Dusting and dishes can wait a little.
- Use organizing books to help you set up some routines for cutting down on daily clutter. The trick is to do a little bit of sorting and straightening each eay.
- Each week automataically do a basic housecleaning. It's just a couple of hours of your time.
- Plan on making your local Kiwanis, Purple Heart, Salvation Army, and thrift shop very happy with donations. Each month clear out a little more of your clutter and pass it on to become someone else's clutter!
- One of the main goals of organization is a place for everything and everything in its place. Life is a lot easier when you set up specific spots for sports equipment, stationery and postage supplies, gardening tools, bills to be paid, and past income tax statements.
- Recognize that you may be experiencing extra stress at certain times. Try to continue to follow your daily and weekly routines so you won't lose control and add to your stress with a messy home.
- Store mementos in separate boxes in the basement. Be realistic. You don't have to save all your mother's treasured dishes or your dad's favorite tools. Keep some that you particularly like, offer the rest to family members, and then donate what's left.
1ST STEP: HOW DOES CLUTTER CAUSE STRESS?
We don't always see how excessive clutter can fan out and mess up so many different
aspects of our lives. Stop and give it a thought.
On a Personal Level
On a Psychological Level
On a Financial Level
On a Spiritual Level
2ND STEP: DAMAGING MIND-SETS
Why can't we just make ourselves get busy and do something about all that clutter? Many people are caught in mind-sets that prevent them from taking meaningful steps to finally get themselves organized.
Mind-Sets
3RD STEP: WHY IS IT WORTH IT TO GET ORGANIZED
All these mind-sets just ensure that clutter will keep piling up making it increasingly difficult to jump in, get organized, and then keep organized. At the same time, the level of uneasiness and frustration also continues to build. In each of the above cases, once you've identified the mind-set, you usually can rethink the problem and come up with a few solutions. It will be well worth the effort to get yourself back on track. Check out the following examples.
Clutter Be Gone
What's the FINAL STEP?
OK. You get the idea. Clutter causes chaos and crankiness and can drive you crazy. Organization helps you get back in control, stay cool, and keep calm. How can you get into that calming groove and stay there? Now it’s time to SET UP A ROUTINE TO CONTROL CLUTTER AND CHAOS.
DAILY AND WEEKLY ROUTINES
CLUTTER WRAP-UP
Why is it so hard to make the move from crazy to calm? Sometimes we need to be convinced that organizing will make a difference.
Picture a community or college bulletin board with a hundred different items posted in a mixed-up mess. How much time do you waste searching for information? How frustrating is it trying to find the one bit of information you need?
Now picture an organized bulletin board with the same items posted by categories. A quick glance tells you where to find information about Rooms to Rent, Piano Lessons, Babysitting, Rides Needed, and Items for Sale.
What a difference! Unfortunately, it isn't always this clear exactly how much extra work and chaos that clutter can cause in our lives. We say, "Oh yes, I'm so stressed out - I really need to do something about it," but we don't break it down and realize exactly how harmful that stress is and how much of that stress could have been avoided.
So yes, it's definitely worth it for all of us to do a little self-analysis and figure out what we can do to make some positive changes in our lives. With less confusion, hassle, and clutter, you'll be happier and healthier because you'll feel more peaceful and satisfied with your home and everyday living.
Have an enjoyable summer! Stop by again on August 1. Let's get organized and get the kids back to school.
Best wishes,
Joyce