As a professional organizer, I hear from people who are seeking to achieve a “balance” between their “stuff” and their lifestyle. So many people have garages and homes filled with “things” they have not used for a long time (i.e. sports equipment, clothes two sizes too small, new bicycles) or need to use, but can’t get to them because of all the clutter!
According to Peter Walsh, author of It’s All Too Much, you can achieve that balance by following these steps:
First: Identify the life you want to lead. What is your life like in your wildest dreams? Create a vision of the home you live in and the way you really want to be living. This visualization will help identify what “stuff” to keep and what is “clutter.” This is the most important step in the process.
Second: Ruthlessly look at your possessions. Identify those things that fit into your “dream life.” The challenge here is the way most of us view our possessions. We think that by getting rid of “the thing” we will loose the attached memory (i.e. sports trophies from high school), or that because it was a gift, we must keep it to honor the giver. Ask yourself this question “If this “stuff” is not helping me create the life, the mood, the harmony I want, then what is it doing in my life?” Answering this question honestly will keep you on the right track.
Third: The hardest part, sorting out your attachments and eliminating the clutter, is done. Take what’s left and organize it for your dream lifestyle. Take each room and decide what activities you will be doing there. Plan out what items you’ll need in that space and where they are most convenient for use or display. If you need help there are a number of resources: websites, books, professional organizer, etc.
At some time during this process there will be a point of realization that your “dream life” is possible and that it’s the “stuff” that has been blocking you. Getting rid of the clutter will start to create that balance you desire.
Barbara Ricketts is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and member of The National Association of Professional Organizers. If you need professional assistance to get organized, contact her at MessDoctor@Mac.com or call 661-263-0124.