Tips and Tricks, May 2015: Decluttering Made Easy

Quote of the Month

  “The more you have, the more you are occupied. The less you have, the more free you are.”
Mother Teresa

I’ve never quoted Mother Teresa before but this quote caught my attention. Take into consideration the amount of time it takes to handle all your clothes, shoes, accessories, bulk food items, tools, crafts, office supplies (the list is endless). Picture having 80% less of these items and imagine the time AND space that would be freed up. Wow.

A great big “WELCOME!” to all of our new subscribers this month. Thanks for joining us – it’s really great to have you with us.

Lose 200 MORE  Pounds (of Clutter) in 5 weeks

Due to popular request, there will be a new 5 week group forming on June 8th. The cost of the program is $97.

Through emails and a weekly group phone call, you will have support to help you get your home in order. If you prefer to work on your own but want a little ‘kick’ to get going, this could do the trick!

To register call 410-484-8328 or email.

Declutter the Easy Way

Many, many people have “Get Organized” or “Declutter” on their weekly to do lists and why is it that getting started is so difficult? It really doesn’t have to be that hard….but our minds tell us it’s hard because if it was something you enjoyed doing, you would have already done it! That may be the difference between the tidy people in your life and yourself – it’s not something you enjoy. In some cases, there are other factors at play –some people are so overwhelmed that they feel paralyzed and unable to move forward and they may need more one on one help than what is outlined below. But please, try this at home!

How To Make Decluttering Easier

I’m guessing that you enjoy good music? I’m not suggesting a book on tape or a tv show because that can be distracting – I’m thinking good music because it can sooth your nerves and pep you up if you pick the right playlist or station.

Do you have a timer? Can you set the timer for 15 minutes?

Is there an area that is driving you crazy?? Can you pick a small corner of that area to tackle?

Is there a 15 minute pocket of time that you can reserve for yourself to do this?

Show time – turn on the music, walk over to the area, set the timer, have a bag or box for KEEP, TRASH, DONATE. If you’re not sure, place it in KEEP and you can review the KEEPs one more time before you put them away. Now make some decisions for the next 15 minutes and see how that feels. I bet you’ll be amazed!

If you have success with 15 minutes, try it again tomorrow or schedule 2-3 times a week. It will really make a difference and you’ll end up having MORE time because you won’t be feeling badly about not working on your decluttering goals for the week.

It might even help to write Sister Teresa’s quote from above and read it before, during and after your 15 minute session.

Green Tip of the Month: Clean with Safer Products

It’s Spring cleaning time. What kind of products will you be using to clean your home? What we typically purchase in the grocery store can be hazardous to the environment and our health, so think twice and be sure to read labels. Products do not have to be caustic to do a good job, and green, safe products do not have to be more expensive than harmful products.

Safe products can be made at home (if you’ve got the time!), purchased at stores like Mom’s Market or Trader Joe’s, or they can be delivered right to your door from companies like Melaleuca.

If you’d like more information on this subject, there is a wealth of information on the internet. Click here for one example.

This month’s Green Tip has been brought to you by my friend, Natalie Boecker, who passionately supports the use of green products.

“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!

Cindy Bernstein, Owner and Professional Organizer
cindy@aim4order.com
410-484-8328
www.aim4order.com