You’ve seen the shows on tv, magazines devoted to organizing, you’ve signed up for the Outside In Organizer and Makeovers newsletter…but you still struggle with letting go of things in your home or office. You are not alone. There are many reasons why getting rid of things is challenging for people:

• “I spent a lot of money on this.”
• “I might need it someday.”
• “I can’t get rid of it my (relative or friend) gave it to me.”
• “I’m saving this for when I lose those last 5 pounds.”
• “It makes me happy to look at it.”
• “It reminds me of happier times.”

Do some of these sound familiar? They are real reasons for people and as a trained, experienced Organizer I know that helping individuals through the process uncovers more than space! My advice?  First of all, accept that this will be difficult at first but that as you go through the process you will gain both insight and momentum. Second, set up rules for yourself, for instance, organizing guru #Peter Walsh suggests turning your hangers in the opposite direction. If you wear it, turn the hanger back the way you typically have it. If after 6 months the hangers are still facing the opposite direction, it’s time to consign, donate, or trash! Sounds silly but rules that you set for yourself are very helpful. Let me know what works for you, send me your ideas and questions.

IS THIS A PROBLEM?

We all know people who don’t seem affected by piles of magazines, clothes on the closet floor, or unopened mail. One person’s clutter may be another person’s breaking point! So, what’s so bad about clutter?  Like any kind of excess clutter can be create a health risk, safety hazard, time waster, money loser, or social embarrassment.

Outside In Organizer and Makeovers suggests that you consider the benefits of keeping things uncluttered on a regular basis. There is a difference between minimalism and what looks like a natural disaster. I suggest a happy medium so that you can enjoy:

• moving safely in a space
• opening cupboards and closets without things falling out
• a dust-free environment
• an aesthetically pleasing home or office, and more.

If you’re overwhelmed, recruit help from a non-judgmental friend or hire an Organizer. Use the 1 at a Time Rule, work in one area at a time and don’t distract yourself by trying to organize more than one space. Set a timer to take breaks or simply establish a limit. Make it fun, put on some energetic music, wear comfortable clothing, take before and after photos!