Rid Your Life of the Clutter!

We all have it...that space in our home that stashes everything from art projects to luggage. How did it get this way and how can it be fixed?

How it got that way is the easy part. Family, jobs, and the craziness of life usually takes precedence over organizing. What people don't realize is the clutter is actually adding to your stress. Sometimes it takes years of "Where is that..." before a foot gets put down to finally tackle the daunting space. When that time comes, you must be prepared.

During my consultations, I always ask my clients, "What has prevented you from getting organized?" The most frequent responses I get are, "I just don't know where to start" or "I'm overwhelmed." My first advice is get out your calendar and make a specific date and time to declutter. If it's a date in the planner, it's a date! Don't break it.

As that special date grows near, revert back to this blog and jot down these helpful tips.

-Just do it! Getting started is the hardest part. No more excuses. You deserve for your home to be a warm welcoming space.

-Take a 'before' picture. You will be so proud of yourself when you have an 'after'.

-One room at a time. Don't unnecessarily stress yourself. Take it one room, or one drawer at a time.

-Remove everything! I mean it. Everything. Make that space bare as bones. As your removing sort... What is trash, recycle, donate, or keep? Make designated spots and post signs. You would hate to mix up the piles.

-Approach the keep pile. Now get serious. Ask these questions for every single item: When was the last time I used it? It is easily replaceaple? What is the worst possible thing that could happen if I got rid of it? This should cut your keep pile in half.

-Sort the remaining keep items putting like things together - the first rule of organizing. Use rubber containers, baskets, and labels and neatly bring everything back into the room.

Guess what? Your done! Take that after picture now! Congratulations!

If you are still feeling overwhelmed or simply don't want to do it...CALL ME! I love to organize!