Do you have piles of mail and paper that just seem to get bigger?
Clutter attracts more clutter because once you create a pile, it is
easy to continue to add to that pile. Once it is too high, you just
start a new pile.
So how can you prevent this from happening? One is to take a look at where all the clutter accumulates and decide if that piece of furniture is necessary for that room. I find many little tables in my clients homes that just attract piles. The table is not really needed or missed when it is removed. If the piece of furniture does not have a designated purpose, remove it.
Another way to prevent piles is to go through your mail everyday instead of waiting for a week or more. I usually find mostly junk mail in the piles. Most people separate the important bills and letters and then put the junk mail down. They believe they will look through it later, but they never do. The best item you can purchase is a shredder and have it next to the door you come in with your mail and shred the junk mail as soon as you come in the door. Make yourself do it everyday so that pile does not start. Have one basket or area to stick your bills. If you feel comfortable, try paying some of your bills on line and this will eliminate some of the mail you receive.
Do you have a room that all your miscellaneous items get dumped? It might be a guest room or a seldom used room that gets all the overflow from the family. The items usually have no home or they are not needed any longer but disposal has not occurred yet. Disposal is hard because you either paid too much, you do not have time to take it, you forget to take it, or you do not know where to take the item. Many different charities and groups can use the items you are no longer using and Professional Organizers have a list of those charities.
To stop dumping unused items in that room, ask yourself if you actually need the item or if someone else could use it more often. Have boxes or totes in your garage or near the front door for charities and keep filling and donating the items as they accumulate.
Remember, gifts are given to do with what you want. Do not feel guilty for giving away a gift you no longer need. You are not obligated to keep any gift for any period of time.
Work on one pile at a time of either paper or items. Continue to ask the hard questions and ask if you are unsure of who will take it as a donation.
So how can you prevent this from happening? One is to take a look at where all the clutter accumulates and decide if that piece of furniture is necessary for that room. I find many little tables in my clients homes that just attract piles. The table is not really needed or missed when it is removed. If the piece of furniture does not have a designated purpose, remove it.
Another way to prevent piles is to go through your mail everyday instead of waiting for a week or more. I usually find mostly junk mail in the piles. Most people separate the important bills and letters and then put the junk mail down. They believe they will look through it later, but they never do. The best item you can purchase is a shredder and have it next to the door you come in with your mail and shred the junk mail as soon as you come in the door. Make yourself do it everyday so that pile does not start. Have one basket or area to stick your bills. If you feel comfortable, try paying some of your bills on line and this will eliminate some of the mail you receive.
Do you have a room that all your miscellaneous items get dumped? It might be a guest room or a seldom used room that gets all the overflow from the family. The items usually have no home or they are not needed any longer but disposal has not occurred yet. Disposal is hard because you either paid too much, you do not have time to take it, you forget to take it, or you do not know where to take the item. Many different charities and groups can use the items you are no longer using and Professional Organizers have a list of those charities.
To stop dumping unused items in that room, ask yourself if you actually need the item or if someone else could use it more often. Have boxes or totes in your garage or near the front door for charities and keep filling and donating the items as they accumulate.
Remember, gifts are given to do with what you want. Do not feel guilty for giving away a gift you no longer need. You are not obligated to keep any gift for any period of time.
Work on one pile at a time of either paper or items. Continue to ask the hard questions and ask if you are unsure of who will take it as a donation.
Julie Riber is a professional organizer in the central Ohio area
for over 5 years. She helps organize individuals spaces, time, and lives
and she helps businesses streamline processes, increase productivity,
and organize their spaces. She is a Golden Circle member of the National
Association of Professional Organizers and Immediate Past President of
the Ohio Chapter of NAPO. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter with
organizing tips. http://www.transformare.net
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