Are there things that are cluttering up your home that you want to get rid of but you're afraid you may need them in the future?
As a professional organizer, the top two questions I get asked are:
"How do I decide what I can get rid of?"
"How do I know I won't need that item again?"
The secret will be revealed in this article: knowing where to get started, what to get rid of, and what to keep.
What to Get Rid Of: If it's not meaningful or useful, get rid of it. How will you know you won't need it in the future? You don't! You only know that you don't need it right now. Here is what you must believe: you will be able to get that item again just as you were able to get it in the first place. You have to trust the market place. It is as ready as you are to swap things. If you find that you do need it in the future, you will be able to simply find a substitute on Craigslist, eBay, or another of the online free markets in the US.
Let's just say you sell an unused bookcase on Craigslist for $40 and that one year later you decide you need a bookcase. You will be able to find one within a week or two. Usually you can find one that even better suits your needs. In addition, you have had $40 in your pocket for the past year.
What to Keep: Keep only the things that are useful or meaningful. If you are the type of person that cannot let memorabilia go, give this simple three-step process a try.
1. Pick out the top 10 items you truly value and that mean the most to you.
2. Display your items to honor your memories. Frame a special t-shirt, hang unique items on the wall, or create a shadow box of meaningful jewelry, news clippings, etc.
3. Get a single, large rubber bin (less than 15 gallon) for each household member. Pick out favorites and fill the bins. Bless someone else by donating or selling all of the remaining items.
Where to Get Started: Make a list of areas that you want organized. Choose the area you use the most. In one area:
Clear out things that are obviously recycling or garbage. It will be easy to get distracted, but stay focused on garbage and recycling only; everything else shouldn't be touched. A good way to stay focused is this: play a favorite song and have all garbage cleared before the end of the song.
Next, set out three large bins. Set out one bin for items to be donated, one for items to be sold, and one for items that belong in a different area. Get more bins if necessary. After sorting, move the bins out of the area.
After all items have been sorted you can begin organizing. Organize only the items you are keeping. Re-evaluate the area. What specific purpose should it serve? How can you make the most of the space? Is there a way to use the walls to display items and keep them off the floor? Let the answers to these questions direct the organizational process.
If you get stuck on one of these steps, or if you need help maximizing your space, consider hiring a professional organizer. Check with the National Association of Professional Organizers (napo.net) to find a qualified organizer in your area. - 16890
As a professional organizer, the top two questions I get asked are:
"How do I decide what I can get rid of?"
"How do I know I won't need that item again?"
The secret will be revealed in this article: knowing where to get started, what to get rid of, and what to keep.
What to Get Rid Of: If it's not meaningful or useful, get rid of it. How will you know you won't need it in the future? You don't! You only know that you don't need it right now. Here is what you must believe: you will be able to get that item again just as you were able to get it in the first place. You have to trust the market place. It is as ready as you are to swap things. If you find that you do need it in the future, you will be able to simply find a substitute on Craigslist, eBay, or another of the online free markets in the US.
Let's just say you sell an unused bookcase on Craigslist for $40 and that one year later you decide you need a bookcase. You will be able to find one within a week or two. Usually you can find one that even better suits your needs. In addition, you have had $40 in your pocket for the past year.
What to Keep: Keep only the things that are useful or meaningful. If you are the type of person that cannot let memorabilia go, give this simple three-step process a try.
1. Pick out the top 10 items you truly value and that mean the most to you.
2. Display your items to honor your memories. Frame a special t-shirt, hang unique items on the wall, or create a shadow box of meaningful jewelry, news clippings, etc.
3. Get a single, large rubber bin (less than 15 gallon) for each household member. Pick out favorites and fill the bins. Bless someone else by donating or selling all of the remaining items.
Where to Get Started: Make a list of areas that you want organized. Choose the area you use the most. In one area:
Clear out things that are obviously recycling or garbage. It will be easy to get distracted, but stay focused on garbage and recycling only; everything else shouldn't be touched. A good way to stay focused is this: play a favorite song and have all garbage cleared before the end of the song.
Next, set out three large bins. Set out one bin for items to be donated, one for items to be sold, and one for items that belong in a different area. Get more bins if necessary. After sorting, move the bins out of the area.
After all items have been sorted you can begin organizing. Organize only the items you are keeping. Re-evaluate the area. What specific purpose should it serve? How can you make the most of the space? Is there a way to use the walls to display items and keep them off the floor? Let the answers to these questions direct the organizational process.
If you get stuck on one of these steps, or if you need help maximizing your space, consider hiring a professional organizer. Check with the National Association of Professional Organizers (napo.net) to find a qualified organizer in your area. - 16890
About the Author:
Heidi DeCoux is publisher of Life Made Simple e-Magazine, a professional organizer and creator of the Fast-Filing Method home office filing system. Heidi energizes her readers' by simplifying their homes ... schedules. For more info, free tips, and to receive her FREE Report: The Fast ... Easy Way to Get Organized and Stay Organized Forever, visit ClearSimpleLiving.com
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