Feng Shui and Clutter, Part two

Feb 6th, 2005 | By Aisling | Category: Home and Garden

BUY ORGANIZING CONTAINERS LAST

Many people go out and buy organizing containers before they start to clean. This is a mistake. First, weed through your belongings to see what you’re going to keep. Next, see what space is available for it. Then you’re ready to shop for containers that will keep you organized.

CLEANING AND THE FANTASTIC FOUR

As you’re going through the clutter, sort things into four groups:

Things to keep where they are;

things that belong somewhere else;

things to fix; and

things to give to charity.

You may use cardboard boxes, grocery bags, or simply stack things in piles as you sort.

You’ll also keep a trash bag nearby, for discards.

SET RULES AHEAD OF TIME

Here’s a tip: If you see that you have a ridiculous number of things in one category, choose a number before you start sorting.

Decide, “I’m going to keep just six colors of nail polish,” or, “I only need three spatulas in my kitchen.” Then, stick to that number. Keep your favorites, and give the rest to charity or throw them out.

DON’T STOP TO SMELL THE ROSES

There are a couple of important warnings. First of all, it is very easy to get sidetracked. Do not carry things to other rooms to put them away; put them into a bag or box and sort through them later.

Don’t pause to fix anything, even if it looks like a simple repair. Put it in a box or bag with other things that you’ll fix later.

DON’T STOP THERE!

When you’ve finished sorting, take the trash bag to the dumpster or whatever outdoor spot you use for trash. Then, either take the charity donations to a drop-off location, or seal it up until your next errand day.

Avoid backsliding! It’s dangerously easy to reach back into the trash bag or charity box and say, “Oh, maybe I should save this.” Thinking “this might come in useful someday” is one of the leading causes of clutter in the home.

If you catch yourself thinking this, banish the item immediately and do not look at it again. Unless you have a specific use for it on a specific date, or unless it is a seasonal item such as a holiday decoration, it is clutter.

GIVE YOURSELF A REWARD

Finally, pause and celebrate. Take a walk outside, or give yourself a small reward. When you return, a dmire your work, and choose another area to organize next.

Generally, it’s best to tackle just one cluttered area each day. Don’t risk burnout by trying to do it all at once.