Let Go Of Clutter (Downloadable Flip-book or PDF)

LET GO OF CLUTTER ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

s

!

9

FREE Bonus Worksheets and Check List Pages 37 - 4

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this report may be modi ed or altered in any form whatsoever, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without express written, dated, and signed permission from the author

DISCLAIMER and LEGAL NOTICES: The information presented herein represents the author's view as of the date of publication. Because of the rate with which conditions change, the author reserves the right to alter and update his opinion based on the new requirements. The report is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material contained in this report, neither the author nor his af liates/partners accept any liability for any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions. Any slights of people or organizations are unintentional. If advice concerning legal or related matters is needed, you should seek a fully quali ed professional's services. This report is not intended for use as a source of legal or accounting advice. You should be aware of any laws which govern business transactions or other business practices in your country and state. Any reference to any person or business whether living or dead is purely coincidental.

Written by Cliff Moore v2.0 for The Brand of M Personal Branding and Development cliff.moore@thebrandofme.bi

Copyright © Cliff Moore v2.0 2021

fi

.

e

z

fi

:

fi

2 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Let Go of Clutter: Organize to Reclaim Your Inner and Outer Lif Introductio Clutter: What and Why De ning the Proble Why is Clutter a Challenge for You Start the Decluttering Proces

1 1

Where is the Clutter

1

What is the Clutter

1

Who Causes the Clutter

1

Develop a Strateg

1

Get Prepare

1

Get Everyone on Boar

1

Kid

2

Should I Sell It

2

Choose a Day and Recruit Hel

2

Prioritiz

2

How To Eat an Elephan

2

Where to Begi

2

Deciding What to Kee

2

Family Treasure

2

Now What

3

Staying the Cours

3

Things to Remembe

3

Worksheet

3

e

2

6

5

1

5

7

5

8

0

3

4

5

7

9

2

3

4

7

8

0

9

1

9

?

s

p

t

?

?

d

p

r

?

m

y

e

?

?

s

n

n

d

s

?

e

fi

s

3 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Key Points about Clutter and Disorganizatio

3

What is the Problem Workshee

4

A. Where is the Clutter? Be speci c

4

B. What is the Challenge

4

Identify your issue - it may be one or all of these

4

C. Who Causes the Challenge

4

Priorities Workshee

4

Where to Begin

4

Decision Making Checklis

4

Does it Stay or Go

45

3

3

5

8

0

0

1

1

2

:

n

.

fi

t

?

t

?

t

?

:

4 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

INTRODUCTIO Many professionals say that our outer life re ects our inner self. If that is true, hundreds of thousands of us have a psyche that is out of control The de nition of clutter is a lot of disorganized stuff in one place A pile of clothes mixed with toys, photos and books is an example of clutter.

Research from Princeton University found that clutter decreases productivity as the neural circuits in the brain has multiple stimuli competing for attention. The more ‘stuff' on your desk (or in your home), the harder it is for your brain to concentrate on the task at hand.

Does clutter affect your life? If so, be honest and gentle with yourself - adding shame to the problem only makes it more challenging

“Clutter is the physical manifestation of unmade decisions fueled by procrastination.”

—Christina Scalise, “Organize Your Life and More

N

.

“

.

fi

.

fl

5 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

1.

Personal health - stress and sometimes illness or injur

2.

Mental health - mood, overstimulation and hyperarousal, stress, shame, and self-defeating thoughts or behavior

3.

Time management issues - wasted time looking for things and decreased productivit

4.

Relationships - strained relationships, including spouse or partner, housemates, and children, as well as social relationship

5.

Career - decreased productivity, increased stress, lack of attention to detail, and time management issues

6.

Finances - buying multiples, buying things you don't need, paying people to help you get and stay organized

7.

The list continues

1.

.

s

.

y

s

…

6 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

y

Disorganization and clutter cause many challenges, including:

Also remember that most things exist on a continuum (mild, moderate, severe). You don’t have to be on the extreme end of the spectrum to have a challenge with clutter.

Nor do you have to experience clutter in every area of your life Clutter may not be negatively affecting your social life, but it may still be a challenge if it affects your career, adds stress to your life, or causes strife with your family members.

This report focuses on: ✓ Identifying the many issues related to clutte ✓ Strategies to correct and manage clutte ✓ How to get housemates and family members on boar ✓ Letting go of thing ✓ Staying and correcting the cours

e

s

d

.

r

r

7 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

CLUTTER: WHAT AND WHY “You’ll never get organized if you don’t have a vision for your life.”

—Linda L. Eubanks, Professional Organize and Life Coach at Black Label Living Spaces

r

?

8 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

De ning the Problem Clutter is subjective. If my house is messy but clean, I may not consider it cluttered - just lived in. If you're a minimalist and have only the necessities, you probably think my house is cluttered.

For our purposes, let's assume the de nition of clutter speci c to the previously mentioned challenges.

How Many of these do you experience: ● It causes stress in your life ● It creates strife with your housemates ● It takes up more time than most people spend on their things ● Results in limiting your social interactions ● It costs more money than most people spend on similar things ● It affects your work or productivity on tasks

One or two (mild), three (moderate) four or more (severe) clutter issue.

fi

.

.

.

.

fi

.

.

fi

9 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Why is Clutter a Challenge for You You may not think it matters why you have a challenge with clutter - x it already! But in many ways, it's important because it helps you understand how to address it.

For example, if you live in a small, cramped space, you may not have enough storage for even the most essential things. The solution to that challenge is very different from other causes of clutter.

Perhaps you've inherited many things when a relative died or have been the recipient of things passed down through the family.

Heaven forbid that you're on every mailing list possible and buried under catalogs and newspapers.

Maybe you kept all your college textbooks, research papers, and supporting articles from undergrad and graduate school - just in case you need an obscure reference that didn't make it onto the internet somehow Another scenario - you're a bargain shopper and have stocked up on everything imaginable.

Or, you plan to recycle things that you've held onto for years.

?

.

fi

10 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

It's possible that you learned to hang onto things when you were growing up. Many people who grew up during the depression or had parents who grew up then stockpile things on sale True hoarders feel compelled to preserve items for nostalgic reasons or ll a vacuum left by material or emotional deprivation. It is severe and outside the scope of what we're talking about right no The more signi cant the problem, the more likely you will need outside help to get organized. That could mean family or friends to help haul things away or a therapist to address deeper issues.

Sorting through the piles and choosing what to keep, what to donate, and what to toss can be a lengthy, painful, exhausting, and overwhelming process.

So - think about why you have more stuff than you need. It will help you develop a plan of attack Remember - everything is on a continuum.

Your situation may be relatively mild compared to others but still considered a signi cant problem for you

fi

fi

.

fi

w

.

.

11 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

START THE DECLUTTERING PROCES “Tidying is the act of confronting yourself.

—Marie Kondo, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up“

”

S

12 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Where is the Clutter •

Is the clutter con ned to one or two rooms?

•

The garage?

•

The basement?

•

Extra bedroom?

•

The attic

•

Is the clutter on every surface in the house?

•

All rooms and in stacks on the oor

•

Every room ceiling to oor?

•

Maybe storage shed or two

•

In drawers

•

The closets

?

fl

?

?

fl

fi

.

?

?

?

13 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Taking stock of the job that lies ahead seems to be the starting point for most people. Let’s get started ..

For some, the problem may be a surface-level mess and for others a literal pile of stuff hiding more stuff. For hoarders, it’s even more complicated and may require professional assistance Identify your challenge - it may be one or all of these •

Things on surfaces need to be trashed, led, shredded, passed on, or handled (mail

•

Stacks need to be trashed, led, shredded, passed on, or handle

•

Stockpiles of 'stuff I may need' or extra reserves need to be put away, given away, or trashe

•

Family treasures need to be sorted, passed on, donated, thrown away, or put away.

•

Piles of things that may be useful/ recycled need to be sorted, trashed, donated, or passed along

•

Items you haven’t needed or used in years need to be trashed, passed on, or donated

d

fi

?

d

:

.

14 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

)

fi

What is the Clutter

Who Causes the Clutter It’s important to recognize what you can and can’t control. If you live with someone who keeps everything ‘just in case’ or ‘to be recycled someday’ or ‘in case of the apocalypse’ or ‘it was on sale and we need it,’ it can be difficult to convince them to change their ways.

They’ll need to be willing to make the changes and work through these questions to identify why and how to change the behavior. As you likely know, it can be complicated.

Many couples and families spend a significant amount of time trying to clean up the clutter of others who aren’t ready, willing, or able to let it go and/or stop it. It can cause much family strife If the clutterer is you, you'll have to be committed to getting control of the current situation and ways to prevent it from happening again This requires changes in thinking and behavior

.

?

.

.

15 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

DEVELOP A STRATEG “Strategic Thinking is about uncovering all the options and thinking long term.” ― Pearl Zhu

Y

16 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Get Prepare It helps to get everything you need before you begin the active process of decluttering.

Otherwise, you may have to stop to get supplies, and it can be hard to start again ● Trash bags and/or boxes ● Markers and label ● Clear, stackable storage bins ● Various sizes of zip bag ● Shredde ● Small trash can for every roo ● Organizers for magazines and file ● File cabinet (if needed ● Shelving units for garage, basement, atti ● Bookshelves or bookcase ● Canister ● Over-the-door hooks for towels, coats, or whateve

.

s

m

s

s

)

s

d

r

r

s

c

17 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

● Mail organize ● Drawer and shelf organizer ● Caddies for shower and cleaning product ● If you’ll be cleaning as you go (recommended), buy all cleaning products and supplie ● Label or set up bags or boxes for: Donate - Trash - Recycle - Pass On Handl ● Order a dumpster if needed. Be sure to check with your town if a permit is required ● Call a scrap company for metal.

Perhaps you can make a few dollars ● Donate to a local charity or clothing donation bin

Get anything else you need to organize what you keep - but not to keep things that you don’t need

.

s

s

!

r

.

.

s

e

18 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Get Everyone on Boar Why we have clutter in the rst place? There are a plethora of reasons why we have clutter.

Uncontrollable consumer impulses, emotional sentiments, memories, dread of a future need, guilt or obligation, and hope for a future change are only a few of the most common If your spouse, partner, or other housemate is part of the problem, you’ll need to get them to support your efforts. This likely won’t work long-term without their buy-in.

Many people who disagree on what is and is not ‘junk’ learn the art of negotiation. They compromise on things that are important to them and let go of the small stuff.

Some people allow their kids to have a playroom for their toys to keep them out of the other areas. Periodically, it’s a good idea to go through the toys and either trash or donate any broken or not being used Another good rule for kids and toys or adults and tools/books/knick-knacks is to give away one thing before buying another. That helps us think more about what is important to us and prevents adding to the clutter.

.

fi

d

.

19 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Johnny and Hazel were at odds about some of the things Johnny wanted to keep in their home.

Instead of having deer heads in the living room and tools all over the place, they carved out a ‘man cave’ for his things and agreed he would only have tools and such in the garage or mudroom To reinforce this arrangement, they agreed that any tools left inside the house overnight went into the ‘donate’ box to be dropped off at Goodwill each week Hazel had the same arrangement with the kids and their toys. If it’s not in the toybox before bed, it goes in the Goodwill box To retrieve something from the donate box, the offending party has to do something good for someone within 72 hours.

Most recently, Johnny used the wrench he retrieved from the donate box to fix the leaky faucet in the kid’s bathroom.

.

.

l

.

20 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Johnny and Haze

Kid Involve your kids in the process before the big day or weekend. Start by talking to them about why you’re decluttering. Help them understand the difference between needs and wants.

There’s a lot of pressure for kids to have the most and the best. The sooner you help them learn to resist and change that way of thinking (even if they knew it from you), the better. Be prepared for pushback but stay on track.

Speaking of toys, you may want to ask your kids to choose 3 (or whatever number) toys to keep and give away or trash those unused or broken. Help them understand how giving to others who have fewer bene ts both you and them Kids who are accustomed to having everything at all times may oppose and attempt to ruin your efforts. It is a time to grow up and make decisions based on what is best for everyone.

Is it essential to have toys and clothes that haven’t been used in months or years?

Explain your reasoning to let go of some things you’ve held onto and model positive behavior and decision-making

.

.

fi

s

21 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Should I Sell It Many people decide to have a yard sale and keep things for the sale However, keep in mind that yard sales are a lot of work for little return! Most items in a yard sale are priced at a few dollars. It’s generally not a good return on investment of the time and energy it takes to make the sale. And, you end up with a lot of things that still need to be donated anyway.

If you have a few more important items that may bring a decent sum, consider selling them online or to a local used or antique goods store. It is much easier and more cost-effective than a yard sale.

Social media has created many newer opportunities to sell items quickly. You can sell directly through the platform or post the items for sale in different groups where people go to look for used items.

“Remember: you are not what you own. Storing all those books doesn’t make you any smarter; it just makes your life more cluttered.”

—Francine Jay, “The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life“

.

?

22 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Choose a Day and Recruit Hel Ask for help if you have widespread clutter involving several rooms or a garage, basement, or attic with tons of stuff—plan to work all day or all weekend if needed.

Arrange off-site child care if possible. Kids can make the process more difficult in many ways - especially if decluttering involves their toys Offer pizza and beer (or whatever is appropriate) for your friends who agree to help.

Be organized so that they feel good about making progress. If you’re tackling different rooms, put someone in charge of each room.

Have a list prepared ahead of time to save time and keep things flowing. Knowing what you want to keep and where to keep it will save a lot of time and effort

.

p

.

23 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Prioritize. Start where you need it most.

For some people, that may be an of ce (at home or work). Others may want to start with the room in the house where you need the space most - the living room, dining room, or kitchen. Or the room where you stash everything out of sight.

If you have multiple rooms, make a list of the priorities. You may want to have a separate sheet of paper for each room - for more lists! If you need to make a path to the room, do that by lling trash bags or boxes labeled: trash, recycle, donate, and pass on. Things that need to be kept and organized should go in one place. Set up a stack to be led, handled, or put away.

Avoid putting all those things in a box and leaving them for another day.

"But when we really delve into the reasons for why we can't let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future."

-- Marie Kond

fi

fi

fi

o

24 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

e

Prioritiz

HOW TO EAT AN ELEPHAN “When eating an elephant, take one bite at a time.” Clearly, no one is encouraging dining on these fantastic animals, but it’s good advice about how to tackle a huge, overwhelming project.

- Lao-Tzu says, Taoist philosopher

T

”

25 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

On the big day, set up the main rooms with your supplies and discuss how your helpers begin with.

Give them speci c instructions about what goes where, what stays and what goes. If it’s mail, it may be easy enough to identify junk mail to recycle, loan or credit card offers to shred, and bills to be handled. If they don’t know what to do, they can put it in a pile to ask you about Books and magazines are hard for a lot of people to let go of. Some of us have hundreds of books that have been boxed and unboxed and moved and stored for ages.

You may need to go through the books and magazines yourself. Just remember that most non- ction information is available online now, and most ction can be obtained from the library or purchased as an ebook.

Even most magazines and newspapers are published online - so why must we keep hard copies of everything? Something to consider.

Friends of the Library and many used bookstores accept books for credit. Also, there are many family and women’s shelters that appreciate donations of newer books and magazine

s

fi

.

fi

fi

26 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Where to Begi Some people start at the top and work their way down. Others start at the bottom and work up. Let the people who are doing the work in each room decide unless there is a reason to do it a specific way Starting at the bottom, meaning the floor, is a good plan for those with stacks and boxes on the floor. Once the floor space is cleared, it may be easier to sort through things After the apparent clutter is removed, you may have to go through knick-knacks and personal items to choose what stays and what goes.

Try not to think about it too much.

“The rst step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.”

—Joshua Becker, “The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life

.

.

“

n

fi

27 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Deciding What to Kee Ask yourself the following:

•

How long has it been since I used this?

More than 6-12 months (except clothes and shoes, appliances, or other items used infrequently, such as a working lawnmower that you use seasonally)

•

How likely am I to use it in the next 6-12 months

•

Is there a way to borrow or use one should I need it

•

Depending on what it is - can I replace it if needed for less than $xx

•

Is it something someone else may need more than I

•

Is there a reason to keep this (pass on to my daughter when she starts a family)

“Make room for things that matter by removin everything that doesn’t.” - Brian Gardne

?

g

r

p

?

?

?

?

?

28 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

These can be complicated. In some cases, people are particular about what goes to whom and when. If that’s the case, you may need to honor their wishes and nd a way to store things not to take over your life and home.

In some cases, it might be helpful to pass along things now. Particularly if they’re useful and your loved one can bene t from them.

Jewelry, china, and such may be welcome at any time You may also want to have a candid talk with your adult children about your belongings. Talk to them about what they want to keep and if you can donate or liquidate things now.

In some cases, things we believe to be essential to pass along are things our loved ones have no need (or space) for. You may find that they would prefer (or need) the money if it is something valuable.

As people are living longer, many are downsizing as they age. They often find they no longer have the space to keep things once held dear. Furniture is a prime example

.

fi

fi

s

29 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

.

Family Treasure

Now What By the end of the day or weekend, you should have bags or boxes sorted into piles. It is essential to take them to the identi ed location immediately, lest they sit there inde nitely. Take a load or two to the trash and recycling place.

Get someone to drop off the donations.

As for the things to handle, le, organize, or store - your work continues. If you do it within the next few days, it’s more likely to get done Use labels and le folders and clear bags and boxes to identify things. Put them where you can nd them! Carve out some time each day to work on it.

Work on one thing until you nish it. Start with the things to be handled - and handle them.

Pay bills, make phone calls - do all of them at one time. When you nish taking all those things, please move to the following stack and work on it until you complete i Do the same for each room of the house.

Work in one room to finish up what your helpers started, if needed. If you need to go through each knick-knack or book/magazine, finish it before moving to the next room

.

fi

fi

t

fi

fi

fi

fi

?

.

fi

30 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

STAYING THE COURS “If someone doesn’t live with you, neither should their stuff.

- Monika Kristofferson

E

”

31 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Unless you develop new habits, your house will look the same within a few months. It takes a concerted effort to prevent this.

Bev and Hillar Bev and Hillary were determined to keep their house tidy and clutter-free after downsizing and letting go of much stuff they didn’t use or need. They did the research and came up with some easy ways to break the cycle.

Most involved being proactive and having the necessary supplies They have a donate box in the garage that they use for anything they no longer need or want.

When it is nearly complete, they take it to Goodwill They have a 3-level inbox by the front door where they put mail to be handled, keys/ sunglasses/gloves when they come in, and things they don’t want to forget when they leave.

The shredder is next to the door to eliminate things that don’t go directly in the recycle or trash bin in the kitchen

.

.

y

.

32 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

They wash and put away dishes as they use them while cooking and after eating They wash out the kitchen sink and wipe down the counters after dinner and before work They wipe down the bathroom counter and sink in the morning before leaving.

They do laundry on Sunday while preparing for the workweek.

One vacuums while the other sweeps the kitchen and bathrooms every Sunday They each clean a toilet and tub in the bathrooms and dust one room weekly.

Every month all the rooms have been dusted and they do it again They celebrate on Sunday evenings by eating-in while they watch a movie or ballgame!

.

.

.

.

fi

.

33 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

They spend ve minutes before bed making a house sweep to pick up and put away anything out of place

Course Correction It’s easy to backslide and let things get cluttered again. The trick is to catch it before it gets overwhelming People who are most successful changing behavior long-term have a limit - a line they will not cross. With weight loss, that may be a certain size or weight. For clutter control, you can decide what that looks like

Bev and Hillary have an agreement - one week is their line. If they miss cleaning one weekend, the next weekend nothing else happens until they catch up on their chores.

No tv, no going out, no internet - nothing The sooner they’re back on track, the sooner their lives get back to normal

.

.

.

.

34 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

THINGS TO REMEMBE We all have to start somewhere, and doing something is better than nothing at all. Start small so you don't get discouraged and give up.

Remember it is all about consistency.

Khloe Kardashian

R

35 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

● Productivity is negatively affected at work and home by clutter ● Clutter affects mental and physical health in many negative ways ● Family and social relationships may be negatively affected by the chaos. ● Clutter can take a toll on your nances ● You can lose up to an hour a day looking for things due to clutter ● Problems with mess are on a continuum - mild, moderate, severe ● Even mild challenges with clutter can have a negative effect on your life and caree ● Organizing and staying organized requires everyone to be willing to do their part ● Sometimes compromise is necessary to manage what/who you have little control over ● Ask for help! Friends, family, and professional organizers may be bene cia

.

.

.

fi

.

.

l

.

r

fi

.

36 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

WORKSHEET

S

37 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

● Productivity is negatively affected at work and at home by clutter. ● Clutter affects mental and physical health in many negative ways. ● Family and social relationships may be negatively affected by clutter. ● Clutter can take a toll on your nances. ● You can lose up to an hour a day looking for things due to clutter. ● Problems with clutter are on a continuum mild, moderate, severe. ● Even mild challenges with clutter can have a negative effect on your life and career. ● Organizing and staying organized requires that everyone be willing to do their part. ● Sometimes compromise is necessary to manage what/who you have little control over. ● Ask for help! Friends, family, and professional organizers may be very helpful. ● If the problem is extreme, mental health assistance may be required

fi

.

n

38 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Key Points about Clutter and Disorganizatio

Clutter Assessment Workshee Respond to the following with ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Yes / No

Description

Clutter causes stress in your life.

Clutter may be negatively affecting your career potential.

Clutter creates strife with your housemates (including kids).

Dealing with clutter takes up more time for you than most people.

Clutter results in limiting your social interactions (not having people over).

Clutter costs more money for you than most people (replacing things).

Clutter affects your work or productivity on tasks at home or work.

Clutter is the result of buying things on sale or stockpiling.

Letting go of things is hard for you.

Clutter is a result of keeping things that you may need/want someday.

You buy a lot of things you don’t really need.

People comment or complain about the amount of stuff you have.

Count the number of ‘yes’ responses Up to 3: Your problem with clutter is mild and may be managed with consistent habits. 4 - 6: Your problem with clutter is moderate and may require help to change habits. 7 or more: Your problem with clutter is severe and you may need professional help

t

:

.

39 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

What is the Problem Workshee A. Where is the Clutter? Be speci c Is the clutter con ned to one or two rooms?

The garage? Basement?

Extra bedroom? Attic

Is the clutter on every surface in the house? All rooms and in stacks on the oor

Every room, ceiling to oor? Maybe a storage shed or two

t

.

fi

?

fl

fl

?

fi

?

40 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

B. What is the Challenge?

Identify your issue - it may be one or all of these: Things on surfaces need to be trashed, filed, shredded, passed on, or handled (mail Stacks need to be trashed, led, shredded, passed on, or handle Stockpiles of stuff or extra reserves need to be put away, given away, or trashe Family treasures need to be sorted, passed on, donated, thrown away, or put awa Piles of things that may be used/recycled to be sorted, trashed, donated, or passed alon Things you haven’t needed or used in years need to be trashed, passed on, or donate Other: ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

d

)

g

y

d

fi

d

41 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

C. Who Causes the Challenge Is it you? Someone else in your home? All of you?

If the challenge is someone else or all of you, how can you negotiate and compromise with them to cooperate? (including kids

Other

)

?

:

42 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Priorities Workshee Where to Begin: What room is most important? (i.e. Of ce

What is the rst clutter to address there? (i.e.

Paper on all surfaces

What needs to be done, in order? (i.e. Trash or recycle outdated stuff, stack to le, trash

)

)

fi

fi

t

)

fi

43 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

What supplies do you need? (i.e. File folders, shredder, labels, markers, recycle box, trash)

What is the next clutter issue? (i.e. File the stack and pull out dated materials

Pay bill Recycle or trash dated materia Put away anything out of plac Clean/Dust surface Clean oors Other: ________________________________ ______________________________________

l

e

)

s

s

fl

44 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Decision Making Checklis Does it Stay or Go Determine how you will make decisions about

letting go of your stuff. What guidelines will you use to choose what to keep and what to let go of How long has it been since I used this? (unless seasonal, clothes, or shoes for special occasions How likely am I to use it in the next 6-12 months Is there a way to borrow or use one should I need it Depending on what it is - can I replace it if needed for less than $xx Is it something someone else may need more than I Is there a reason to keep this (pass it on to my daughter, one-of-a-kind)

t

?

?

?

)

?

?

?

?

45 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Is there a reason to let this go (need the space for something else, available online or at the library) Why is it important to keep it? (family treasure, practical reasons Is it broken or damaged? (Does it need to be replaced, xed, or donated?)

Do I have a duplicate Other: ____________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

_

)

?

?

fi

46 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Stay The Course Workshee Talk to your housemates about ways to stay on track with your newly organized areas. Come up with some guidelines and ways to reinforce them. Decide what your limits are - and what to do if you cross the line What can you do to be proactive and prevent clutter challenges? (recycle bin by front door)

What can you do daily to keep up with chores? (take 10 minutes before bed to put things away

What can you do weekly to keep up with chores? (clean, sweep and mop bathroom on Sat.

)

t

.

)

47 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

What can you do monthly to keep up with chores? (take donations to Goodwill, clean fridge

What happens if you miss a day/week?

What are the consequences? (no fun things until done

How do you correct it when you get off course? (declutter again and adapt your plan

Is everyone on board with this? If not, negotiate a compromise

Other ideas ____________________________________

_

)

)

.

)

:

48 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE

Note _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ ________________________________

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

s

49 • LET GO OF CLUTTER: ORGANIZE TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER AND OUTER LIFE