Too much stuff that isn’t in the right place. It’s called clutter. If you can’t put your hands on it when you need it, it’s clutter. Need help knowing what stays and what goes? Keep things that you actually use or refer to. That’s it! All the rest is cluttering your space and your mind.
Figuring out what you need is, of course, the hardest part. And paper like books, magazines, newspapers and catalogs are the worst culprits. This is the time to be brutal. If there’s an article or an ad you want to keep, okay. But tear it out and toss the rest of the paper. And remember that many books that you have are available at your local library.
When there’s so much stuff that is hidden in the most unusual places, it’s time to get organized. Being messy can be an excuse for laziness or it’s simply how your brain works or you simply lack the necessary space. Whatever your reason, isn’t it time to get it together?
There’s usually a lot more space to store stuff than most people realize. Think about all your wasted wall space. How about under the bed space or in closets between the top shelf and the ceiling?
The key is creating systems to put things away before the clutter starts to accumulate. And they’ve got to be comfortable for you personally or you won’t do it.
A couple of simple things:
• Get a file cabinet for all your papers. If it’s important enough to keep it’s important enough to file so you can find it.
• Get rid of extra wire hangers in your closet. Give your clothes some breathing room. And move longer clothes to the side so you can store things on the floor more comfortably. Consider adding a second hanging bar for shorter clothes too.
• In garages, basements and attics, mark all storage containers or boxes clearly and legibly.
• Clear, plastic containers are best if you can afford them.
• Don’t forget that one of the keys to de-cluttering is to put similar things together in places that make sense to you. It doesn’t matter if it makes sense to anyone else. You’ve got to be the one who can find it quickly and easily so whatever works for you is what matters.
Bob Farkas is The Clutter Wizard providing home and office organizing services in the Santa Clarita Valley. His website www.theclutterwizard.com has many more great organizing hints and tips. For more information, please call him at 661-298-9100 or email theclutterwiz@yahoo.com .