 What exactly is clutter? Clutter is anything unnecessary and extraneous. It can be more than the physical clutter most of us think of. Getting organized means clearing out the clutter in your mind, heart, and life. As for the physical clutter, ask yourself the following three questions about each item in your home. If you can’t answer yes to at least one, it’s probably clutter!
1. Is it beautiful? A stunning piece of artwork enriches your life because it brings joy each time you see it. A gorgeous vase full of fresh flowers reduces stress and energizes your spirit. 2. Is it useful? You use your 12-cup coffee maker every day. You couldn’t make it through the week without it. (Don’t confuse this question with, “Will it be useful someday?”) 3. Is it loved? The antique pocket watch from your grandfather is a precious reminder of him. Your favorite cashmere sweater makes you feel fabulous. You’ll find that as you inventory your possessions, you may be able to answer “yes” to two or even three of the questions above. Those are the things that are most valuable to you. Remember, the goal of decluttering is not to get rid of everything. It’s simply to keep only things that you truly appreciate and use. To stop clutter, prevent it from accumulating in the first place. Don't give clutter a chance to form. As you've probably experienced, once clutter occupies a space, it has a way of multiplying. Always remember to place your emphasis on quality over quantity. In other words, it's not important to have a lot of things, many of which you never use. It's more beneficial to have fewer things, all of which you use and/or enjoy. Think before you buy. Try to look beyond the initial “thrill of the purchase” and see what provides deeper moments of meaning. Before you buy, think about the time you’ll spend in cleaning, storing, and maintaining that item after you bring it home. If you must buy, establish a “new item in, old item out” system where some purging takes place before shopping. Once you rid yourself of clutter and make space only for what's special, you'll find it's easier to get — and stay — organized! You’ll soon reap the benefits of a clutter-free life: more energy, happier relationships, a well-organized home or office, new opportunities, and a better outlook on life. © 2017 Articles on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  According to Harris Interactive, 23% of adults say they pay bills late (and thus incur fees) because they lose them. Ouch! If you're one of these folks, you need a new system to organize, contain, and pay bills on time.
You might consider the "twice a month" payment system. Set aside two 6x9 envelopes. Label one "Due Second Half of the Month: Pay on the 10th" and, as you receive them, place inside all bills due between the 16th and last day of the month. Label one "Due First Half of the Month: Pay on the 25th" and, as you receive them, place inside all bills due between the 1st and 15th day of the month. As soon as a bill arrives, immediately open the envelope, and toss it out (along with any other sales literature that accompanies it). Next, circle the due date. Tuck the bill into the return-mail envelope and stick them into the appropriate 6x9 envelope. For example, if you receive a bill that is due June 20th, you'd put it in the "Due Second Half of the Month: Pay on the 10th" envelope. Then, on the 10th and 25th of each month, take out the 6x9 envelope, and pay your bills. To make this process a little easier, fill a small plastic supply box (or use an empty checkbook box) with office essentials such as pens, checkbook, stamps, stickie notes, envelopes, address labels, mini-stapler, and tape. You’ll never again have an excuse to pay late. After you pay your bills, give thoughtful consideration to the paperwork you decide to keep. If your expenses are business-related, file statements in a “paid bills” folder. If they are non-work related, you can probably get rid of much of your paperwork. Be realistic and ask yourself why you would need to keep them in the first place. (Remember, most statements are available online if you need them later.) If you really want to keep the statements, file them in a “paid bills” folder and empty it out (shred sensitive material) at year’s end, keeping only the past 12 months’ worth of paperwork. If you are computer savvy, you might consider paying some or all of your bills online. This eliminates paper and can save much time. Contact the companies from whom you receive bills and see if they offer online bill paying. You'll receive your statement via email, and payment can be deducted directly from your checking or savings account or charged to your credit card with your approval. You can access your past statements online at any time via your computer, keeping your home clear of paper clutter. © 2017 Articles on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Q: Do you have a number of miscellaneous, small items that need a "home" in your garage or shed?
A: Tension rods placed in-between your garage studs create easily accessible, vertical storage for all of your small tools, gardening and recreational supplies. Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  "A simple life is a beautiful life."
"Simplicity is complexity resolved." "No matter how hard you can always begin again." "Go easy on yourself. What you do today, let it be enough." "Begin each day with optimism and end each day with forgiveness. Happiness in life begins and ends with your heart." Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com |
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