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.

One of the many reasons why I love being an Organizer is that I can show my clients simple to use strategies to organize their lives. The Outside In Organizer and Makeovers approach looks at what is behind (or under) the problem.

• Not enough space? Eliminate clutter. Contain smaller items. Store items near the place they’re used.
• Not enough time? Audit your schedule for a full week. Look at how you spend your time. What can be eliminated? Shared? Delegated?
• Nothing to wear? Take everything out of your closet. Donate items that you haven’t worn in a year or more. Reorganize your closet by grouping your clothes in outfits rather than categories.