Tips & Tricks: Clutter Enemy #1
August 2015 – Quote of the Month
This month’s quote is just another reminder that today is what matters most. Spend it wisely by allocating time to the activities that matter most to your well being and to the well being of the people in your life.
A special WELCOME to our new subscribers. We are happy to have you with us and hope you enjoy this month’s issue.Clutter Enemy #1 – Storing Items in BAGS
Many people store items in boxes – and sometimes those boxes are labeled and kept in attics and basements and on shelves. They’re out of the way and even if you never look into the boxes until you’re ready to move again, they’re not creating stress or upset (unless they’re still sitting in your living areas).Bags, however, are another story. They aren’t as easy to label as boxes and they definitely do not stack nicely. Whenever we buy something (i.e.: parts to repair a door hinge, lightbulbs, assorted craft supplies, printer inkjet cartridges, shoelaces, socks, hair accessories), we bring them into the house and don’t want to take them out of the bags for fear that they’ll get lost. Or perhaps we’ve bought another pair of shoes or more clothes and don’t want anyone to comment on our purchase?But what happens to these bags? They get buried, shoved, hidden under new bags…and before we know it, we either forget what we bought or we have such a huge mound of bags that we become overwhelmed. Rather than bothering to look, it’s sometimes easier to just purchase the item again. Sound familiar?A few tips to combat Clutter Enemy #1 are:
- Take items out of bags as soon as you come home. In the “Tidying Up” book, the author makes the claim that items need to ‘breathe.’ I’m not sure if they need to breathe, but we need to be able to see the items!
- Find a place to store the items – if you need to use a shoe box or a clear plastic container or decorative box, that’s fine. If you want to be extra cautious, you can start a list called “Where I store stuff” so when you buy something you need, you put it away but then write on your list where you put it. For example, the special paper cutter for school projects is under the table in the den.( If you are afraid you’ll lose the list, store it on your computer or phone).
- Get rid of the empty bags regularly – don’t let them accumulate all over the house. Have one bag, stuff as many empty bags inside and then let the overflow go. You will never run out of bags and if you do, as I tell all of my clients, call me and I’ll bring you more bags!
I’d love to hear your opinion on what your “Clutter Enemies” are. Together, we can combat them one by one.Green Tip of the Month: Request for Proposals!
I would love to invite you to share your green tips with me and then we’ll pass them on to our readers.
Here’s a tip for our back to schoolers – if you use paper lunch bags, try bringing the lunch bag home each day and only use one lunch bag a week. Warning – this works better with spouses than children, but it’s worth trying.“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 enjoyably, faster and easier!You can learn more by reading the Aim 4 Order blog – check it out here.
Cindy Bernstein, Owner and Professional Organizer410-484-8328
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