Do you struggle with clutter? Clutter has been something that I’ve struggled with for most of my life. I feel I’m “perennially cluttered.” It’s partly because I want to feel a sense of freedom. I’m used to things being that way – cluttered. I can work with clutter. But, it is also because I have not disciplined myself to put things away right away. I have a habit of sloth and that’s not something I’m proud of.
I’m always desiring to improve my life. I’ve noticed a pattern. Every time I’d like to make a change for the better in my life, I really do make a concerted effort to declutter my life. I do realize that having a clean and clear area helps me think more clearly. I can find my things more easily when my things are organized.
The times that I’ve done major decluttering was when I moved from my parents’ home to a condominium. Then, when I got a new job and then again before I got married. It is definitely better to declutter when you’re making a move. Decluttering prepares you for your move. When you get rid of what you don’t need, that clears the way for something new to come into your life.
I’ve taken a few courses on organizing and read a few books and I just wanted to share some tips that stand out for me.
It’s ok to hire someone to help you get organized. I’ve done that a couple of times. I’ve hired someone who I found on the NAPO.net site and I’ve had friends help me with organizing. NAPO stands for the National Association of Productivity and Organization.
For me, getting organized takes a lot of time. Hiring other people to help me motivated me and that helped me make decisions about what to keep and what not to keep. Sometimes, you need a neutral person to help you let go of things that don’t serve you anymore.
If you have a lot of clutter and you know that it’s keeping you stuck or stagnating, I highly suggest thinking of visiting the NAPO.net website or hiring a friend for pay or barter. On the website of NAPO.net, there’s a directory of organizers in 20 states. There’s even a virtual chapter. The website even talks about the process of becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, a CPO. Have you heard of a CPO?
2. Have a launching pad for things that you bring with you when you go out. That’s the area where you put the things that’ll “launch” your day if you work outside the home. You put things there such as your car keys, your purse, glasses, sweater or jacket, and cell phone. I don’t remember where I learned this technique. I really like this idea.
3. Have a place for everything and everything in its place. When I have a specific spot for my things AND I put the items back to their homes that makes it easier for me to find things later on. I have so many times “lost” my keys or watch or whatever else because I didn’t follow this tip. Of course, you do have to take the time to find a home for your things.
4. Take time for regular maintenance by writing it in your calendar or giving yourself a reminder on your phone. I can have the best of intentions to not have clutter, but if I don’t put it on my calendar or set myself a reminder, then I won’t declutter.
Let me know what you think of those ideas. Have you heard of them? What is a top decluttering tip for you? I’d love to hear your tips. You can share them with me at celeste@celestialnook.com. I’ll share more tips later.
