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.

Did you know that one of the best ways to empower your children is to give them structured choices? Even at a young age children have a sense of what they are good at doing, and what they enjoy doing (often the same). Teaching children to take responsibility, help maintain order in their rooms and later throughout the house, can begin as early as preschool. You are building their independence as well as yours!

TIPS:

1. Create a list of household responsibilities that the child is capable of doing.
2. Identify at least 2 tasks that the child is sure to be able to achieve.
3. Ask the child to select one task from  2-3 choices.
4. Reward all successes with praise. Encourage the child while they’re learning to do the task independently.