How Do I Begin? - Aim4Order

April 2018

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

– Walt Disney

Have you ever heard of the term “analysis paralysis?” Sometimes, the best strategy for those stuck in the decluttering process, is to Just Do It. If you don’t know where to begin, read ahead!

Getting Started…

is sometimes the hardest part.

Are you scared or overwhelmed by your home?

Do you suffer from analysis paralysis?

Have you started on your own and then quit in frustration?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

I hope this month’s tips can help you to have a more successful start in getting your home how you want it to be.

Start with your own stuff

You can serve as a powerful example for your family if you start with your own stuff. Even without announcing your grand plans to organize, they will see your progress and it just might inspire them to start letting go of some of their own stuff. One client reported that after we started working together, her husband secretly started getting rid of old magazines, after ignoring her requests for years.

Another benefit of working on your own items – you don’t need other’s advice or permission to get rid of your own clothes. IF you are tempted to ask friends or family if they want your hand-me-downs, call or text them immediately to get their responses. If it’s a yes, secure a pick up date and if it’s a no, bag them and get them ready for donation drop off or pick up. And remember – no response is a response. If they aren’t answering you, it’s likely a ‘no.’

Less is more

Sentimental items are really hard, but if you look at them one by one, you will quickly realize what you actually use and love verses what’s been sitting and collecting dust for decades. If there is a whole set of china that you don’t love but it belonged to a loved one, consider keeping ONE cup and saucer as a beautiful memory, but let the rest go to a home that will appreciate and USE it.

If you have multiple items from your grandmother, think about the ones that you truly love and use and keep those. The important thing is to honor your grandmother and storing things in dusty boxes and cabinets is not exactly achieving that goal.

Like with Like

Go through your home and gather all the shoes or all the linens or even all the holiday decorations. When it’s all sitting in front of you, it’s much easier to determine your true loves verses your ‘low hanging fruit’ – the things you really don’t use or care about.

Set reasonable expectations

Immediate gratification is just one of the reasons I love working with clients. Pick one small area to begin and find success there. A perfect starter place is a sock drawer or a silverware drawer or under the bathroom sink. Those are all easier places to find things that can be tossed or donated.

Know When it’s Time to Ask for Help

If you find yourself frustrated, tearful or diving into a vat of ice cream, that’s probably an indicator that you need some help. Whether it’s reaching out to a close friend or family member or me, don’t go it alone if it’s too painful. The second you reach out for help, you will feel great relief.

Ebay Item of the Month
Musical Instruments!

If you happen to have any old saxophones, trombones, violins or other cool instruments, consider contacting Howard if you’d like him to help you sell your old instruments, or anything else you’re curious about selling.

“Helping Baby Boomers and their Parents Lighten their Loads.”

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your home, contact me. Together, we can transform your home into a happy, tidy place where you can feel at peace. We can also get you ready for your next move… more enjoyable, faster and easier!