julsandtrish
09-30-2001, 10:18 AM
1. Clean before you clear your clutter
Dirt is different from clutter. Cleaning away the dust and grime first lets you see the clutter clearly, and stops the clearing from being such a dusty job.
2. Never attempt clutter clearing when you're angry
Strong emotions get in the way of thinking clearly. To clear clutter you need an objective eye (which is one reason why it's useful to have a coach).
3. Start with the small stuff
To get past the feeling of overwhelm, start with your junk drawer - we all have at least one. You'll feel great when it's done! And remembering that feeling will inspire you to move on to the bigger stuff.
4. Don't be too hard on yourself
It may take two or even three sweeps to clear the clutter. But do put a time limit on it.
5. Clear out anything not used or loved
Under normal circumstances, if you have not used an item in the past year, then you will not use it again.
6. Set yourself a time limit
This is a great tip for dealing with anything that's unfinished or needing repair. Set yourself a period of time - maybe six months - to get it finished. If by then it's still unfinished, it has to go!
7. Don't put up with other people's clutter
We've all fallen for this one! Looking after other people's belongings is fine but only for an agreed period of time.
8. Recycle stuff that's "too good to throw out"
It's very difficult for most of us to simply throw something away - so recycle it to friends, hospitals, schools or charities who will actually use it.
9. Keep the balance - "one in, one out"
Once you've cleared, how do you maintain that clutter free state? Make a rule that you clear space for whatever you bring into your home by clearing out something else. So when you buy a book, for example, you have to get rid of one you have already.
10. Get started!
The moment you start, changes will occur. You'll feel lighter and empowered to continue. Other members of your household will be motivated to clear their clutter. Your home will feel the benefits and appear full of positive energy.
/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif
Dirt is different from clutter. Cleaning away the dust and grime first lets you see the clutter clearly, and stops the clearing from being such a dusty job.
2. Never attempt clutter clearing when you're angry
Strong emotions get in the way of thinking clearly. To clear clutter you need an objective eye (which is one reason why it's useful to have a coach).
3. Start with the small stuff
To get past the feeling of overwhelm, start with your junk drawer - we all have at least one. You'll feel great when it's done! And remembering that feeling will inspire you to move on to the bigger stuff.
4. Don't be too hard on yourself
It may take two or even three sweeps to clear the clutter. But do put a time limit on it.
5. Clear out anything not used or loved
Under normal circumstances, if you have not used an item in the past year, then you will not use it again.
6. Set yourself a time limit
This is a great tip for dealing with anything that's unfinished or needing repair. Set yourself a period of time - maybe six months - to get it finished. If by then it's still unfinished, it has to go!
7. Don't put up with other people's clutter
We've all fallen for this one! Looking after other people's belongings is fine but only for an agreed period of time.
8. Recycle stuff that's "too good to throw out"
It's very difficult for most of us to simply throw something away - so recycle it to friends, hospitals, schools or charities who will actually use it.
9. Keep the balance - "one in, one out"
Once you've cleared, how do you maintain that clutter free state? Make a rule that you clear space for whatever you bring into your home by clearing out something else. So when you buy a book, for example, you have to get rid of one you have already.
10. Get started!
The moment you start, changes will occur. You'll feel lighter and empowered to continue. Other members of your household will be motivated to clear their clutter. Your home will feel the benefits and appear full of positive energy.
/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif