The Difficulty!

Why is it that the initial stages of organizing are so hard to deal with?

I mean along with historical luggage, there is also the overspending on items that in the end I find so useless it's not even funny. I regret buying it but at the same time I am afraid to get rid of it because of maybe needing it in the future!

I managed so far to set a spot in my home for everything I don't want, and so on, but it is now looking like a pile I don't ever want to go through again! Help!

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The Difficulty!

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Apr 05, 2009
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How to Start Organizing
by: Tracy

This is an excellent question and it is one that plagues many people who are just getting started when it comes to decluttering and organizing their homes. There are really three different things at play here...

First, it is overwhelming when you are just getting started. The important thing is to work in short sessions and take frequent breaks. Set a timer for 15 minutes. When the timer sounds, take a break. This will help prevent burnout. Do a little bit each day and eventually you will reach your goal.

If you need to declutter your entire house, you may want to use my Clutter Central system, which can be found at www.tips-to-organize-life.com/declutter-your-house.html

Second, it sounds like you are guilty of a little bit of impulse buying. Getting control over your purchases will prevent the clutter from entering your house in the first place and then you won't be stuck trying to figure out what to do with it all.

When it comes to purchases, there are two different categories: "Needs" and "Wants." A "Need" is something that your home could not function without...a new vacuum cleaner because your old one broke, for instance.

A "Want" is something that you can live without, but you would like to have...a decorative vase for the living room, for example.

Buy "Needs" as soon as you need them. For "Wants" force yourself to walk out of the store without buying it. If you still want it a week later and you feel it will add true value to your life, go back and buy it.

Separating "Needs" from "Wants" will help to drastically reduce the amount of clutter you bring home. Remember, the less stuff you have, the less stuff you will have to clean.

Third, a big congratulations on the decluttering you have already done, but you seem to have fallen into a very common trap. Gathering up the clutter from all around your home, putting it in one big pile and doing nothing more is really no better than having done nothing at all.

When you set out on a mission to declutter your home it is crucial that you finish the job by physically removing the items from your home. You can do this by either having a garage sale or donating the items to charity.

If you choose to have a garage sale, schedule it immediately to give yourself a deadline. Once the sale is scheduled, begin the process of putting a price sticker on each item. Work with the timer if you have to, to keep from getting overwhelmed.

www.tips-to-organize-life.com/garage-sale-tips.html

If you choose to donate the items, get some boxes or bags and write each item on a list as you place it in the box. Keep your list for tax purposes and immediately drive your donation to your local charity drop off center.

Congratulations on the work you have already done. With a just a few more steps you will be at the finish line!

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Apr 05, 2009
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Submitted by: Tracy

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This is an excellent question and it is one that plagues many people who are just getting started when it comes to decluttering and organizing their homes. There are really three different things at play here... First, it is overwhelming when you are just getting started. The important thing is to work in short sessions and take frequent breaks. Set a timer for 15 minutes. When the timer sounds, take a break. This will help prevent burnout. Do a little bit each day and eventually you will reach your goal. If you need to declutter your entire house, you may want to use my Clutter Central system, which can be found at www.tips-to-organize-life.com/declutter-your-house.html Second, it sounds like you are guilty of a little bit of impulse buying. Getting control over your purchases will prevent the clutter from entering your house in the first place and then you won't be stuck trying to figure out what to do with it all. When it comes to purchases, there are two different categories: "Needs" and "Wants." A "Need" is something that your home could not function without...a new vacuum cleaner because your old one broke, for instance. A "Want" is something that you can live without, but you would like to have...a decorative vase for the living room, for example. Buy "Needs" as soon as you need them. For "Wants" force yourself to walk out of the store without buying it. If you still want it a week later and you feel it will add true value to your life, go back and buy it. Separating "Needs" from "Wants" will help to drastically reduce the amount of clutter you bring home. Remember, the less stuff you have, the less stuff you will have to clean. Third, a big congratulations on the decluttering you have already done, but you seem to have fallen into a very common trap. Gathering up the clutter from all around your home, putting it in one big pile and doing nothing more is really no better than having done nothing at all. When you set out on a mission to declutter your home it is crucial that you finish the job by physically removing the items from your home. You can do this by either having a garage sale or donating the items to charity. If you choose to have a garage sale, schedule it immediately to give yourself a deadline. Once the sale is scheduled, begin the process of putting a price sticker on each item. Work with the timer if you have to, to keep from getting overwhelmed. www.tips-to-organize-life.com/garage-sale-tips.html If you choose to donate the items, get some boxes or bags and write each item on a list as you place it in the box. Keep your list for tax purposes and immediately drive your donation to your local charity drop off center. Congratulations on the work you have already done. With a just a few more steps you will be at the finish line!

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