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Read
“CLUTTER’S LAST STAND”
BOOK REVIEW |
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Organizing
> Eliminating Clutter
Possession may be nine-tenths of the
law...
But it's also nine-tenths of the problem! |
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Thirty years ago, most homes probably had one radio and one television. Today
more and more homes have a radio and TV in every room, a telephone in every
room, fax machines - the list goes on. But precisely because we want to have
all this "stuff," we work longer to pay for it. Which leaves us less time to
enjoy what we worked so hard to buy. And stuff doesn't just cost money. It
also takes up time - for all that installing, fixing, maintaining,
listening, and watching. And what does everyone say they really want? More
time! The irony is so profound.
That's why I urge people to go through the house once a year and get rid of
everything they haven't used in the previous 12 months. I'm not talking
about beautiful antiques or keepsakes with sentimental value. I'm talking
about the stuff we buy that doesn't add to the fullness of our lives.
Better yet, don't acquire stuff in the first place. |
One technique that we use is the 30-day list. When we discover some
product that we just must have, we put it on a list and wait. Then, at the end
of 30 days, we ask a question: Do we still need it? More often than not, we
can't remember why we were so excited in the first place. Now, there's a
difference between simplicity and austerity. I don't want to lead an austere
life. But too much is just that - too much
Don’t let any material thing come into your home unless you absolutely love
it and want to keep it until it is beyond repair. Too much stuff — it's
suffocating us. Purchasing, maintaining, insuring, storing and eventually
disposing of our stuff sucks up our precious life energy.
Less is more.
This is such an obvious principle - and so many people refuse to recognize it.
I plead guilty myself.
Habits of Being Clutter-free
Even the most organized person can struggle to maintain order. As a matter of
fact, it is often the organized, busy executive who has the most difficulty
keeping on top of organization...
Every day you get more mail and email than ever before. The number one request
I receive is for presentations on how to manage that mail.
Where do I start organizing?
What is the best tool for organizing?
Actually we have found two things to be very useful. First is the trashcan.
Yes, use it frequently. Second I advocate using a timer. You can do anything
for 15 minutes so set the timer and let nothing distract you from your
de-cluttering or organizing efforts for that time. You will be pleased with
how much you accomplish when you focus! After 15 minutes move on to something
else and schedule another 15-minute session soon.
When decluttering a home begin in the most used and favorite rooms. If your
garage is a mess and that is your main access to the house declutter and
organize the garage first or second to set the tone for an organized day and
home.
Do not skip spots, piles, or other clutter, work through each item &
paper as you encounter it.
Be sure to have a box for things to return to their homes outside the
room. Do not leave to return something to its place (this may cause you to
get sidetracked) |
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if you can remember just one thing about getting organized, you should
remember this: BE DECISIVE.
Clutter, whether it's on your desk or on your kitchen table, almost always
represents decisions that have not been made. Have you ever heard yourself
say, "I will put it here FOR NOW?" Well, that is another decision you are
putting off for later. Should you throw it away? Where should you put it? Do
you need to keep it at all?
How long does it take you to pick out a box of cereal at the grocery store, or
a movie at the video store? Do you deliberate over things like what shoes to
wear or what to order at a restaurant? Do people grow impatient and complain
about your indecisiveness?
Usually indecisiveness is based in fear, since it often means you are afraid
of making "The Wrong Choice." What is the worst thing that could happen? Make
a decision this week to work on your decisiveness. You'll be better organized
and save time for other things.
Follow out room by room decluttering guide to clean
out one room at a time. |
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