Why we do it
Why hire a professional organizer
Can you identify with any of these?
- I just don't have the time to organize
- I don't know where to start - the whole picture is too overwhelming
- I can get organized, but I can't stay organized
- I'm stuck in a rut and can't figure out how to change
As a professional organizer I can provide ideas, solutions and systems. This could help you by increasing your productivity, reducing your stress, and ultimately lead to more control over your time, space and activities.
Sweating the Small Stuff - Clearing Clutter
Clutter is the accumulation of things that we than have to organize, classify and clean. It takes energy and can be draining. Removing clutter from your mental, emotional, physical space is liberating and energizing. I can help you do this. One of the difficulties in getting started is not being able to distinguish between what you should keep and what you should let go of.
Characteristics of Clutter
- anything not used or absolutely loved
- things that are old, outdated, and not useable
- too many things in spaces too small
- things that are untidy or disorganized
- anything that is unfinished
It is easiest to clear clutter semi-annually (spring and fall) but other opportune times include when you move, get married, or move in with another person, dare I say divorce, or when the children leave home. Keep in mind getting organized is a process. Be systematic, do one thing at a time, do one job at a time and finish what you start.
10 things you may wish to keep in mind when you organize...
- Clean before you clear your clutter. Dirt is different from clutter. Cleaning away the dust and grime first lets you see the clutter clearly, and stops the clearing from being such a dusty job. Or hire someone to do this for you.
- Never attempt to clear your clutter when you're hungry, angry tired, or lonely. Strong emotions get in the way of thinking clearly. To clear clutter you need an objective eye.
- Start with a plan and do the small stuff first. This creates momentum - get past feeling overwhelmed and start with your junk drawer - we all have at least one. You'll feel great when it's done! And remembering that feeling will inspire you to move on to the bigger stuff.
- Be gentle with yourself - curious even. Beating yourself up over this will not do any good. Don't be too hard on yourself. This is an ongoing process, one that will bear repeating.
- Clear out anything that you don't use or love. It has been said that if you have not used an item in the past year, then you will not use it again. Think of someone who could use that item ( a friend, a shelter etc) and give it to them or sell it.
- Set yourself a time limit. This is a great tip for dealing with anything that's unfinished or needing repair. Set yourself a period of time - maybe six months - to get it finished. If by then it's still unfinished, it has to go!
- Don't put up with other people's clutter. When looking after other people's belongings try to specify an agreed period of time.
- Recycle stuff that is too good to throw out. It's very difficult for most of us to simply throw something away - so recycle it to friends, hospitals, schools or charities who will actually use it.
- Keep the balance - one in one out. Once you've cleared, how do you maintain that clutter free state? Make a rule that you clear space for whatever you bring into your home by clearing out something else. For example, when you buy a book, pass along another that you have. A friend, coworker or hospital would be pleased to read it.
- Get started! The moment you start, changes will occur. You'll feel lighter and empowered to continue. Other members of your household will be motivated to clear their clutter. Your home will feel the benefits and appear full of positive energy.
Key Benefits
By storing your belongings in an efficient and convenient manner which enables you to find them quickly and by learning how to effectively de-clutter your home or office and how to keep it that way, you will:
- Gain valuable time in your life to pursue the activities that you really want to engage in
- Alleviate the stress from being surrounded by an atmosphere of disarray
- Obtain a sense of control over your belongings instead of the other way around
- Minimize environmental stress, thereby becoming more productive and prosperous
- Learn how to minimize and control the endless paper flow so that it doesn't control you
- Save time, energy and therefore money by not having to look for lost or misplaced documents and supplies