Clutter Busting: Help!! I can’t afford a Professional Organizer

Has clutter caused you stress and sadness in your life? Please don’t feel ashamed about your situation. I do not follow the belief that clutter is simply caused by laziness. From my experience, my clients are mostly very creative people who actually have perfectionist issues. Often times they can’t get started because they don’t know the right way to go about doing the job. And when overbooked schedules are added to the mix, it can turn a difficult situation into a perceived impossibility.

The first step in the line of defense against clutter is to stop buying. It is like continually tossing logs onto a burning fire and expecting the fire to go out on its own. If there are particular stores that get you into trouble, stop going there. Many of my clients have dabbled a bit too much in retail therapy, and if this is a case with you, I would implore you to stay away from the places that get you into trouble. When shopping, make sure you have a list! Do not purchase things merely because they are on sale - I could probably clothe a small nation with all the unused/with price tag “clearance” items I have helped clear out of people’s homes.

I understand the problem of lack of time. Perhaps you look at all that you have to do and just get overwhelmed. My best advice to you is to start…somewhere. How do you go about eating an elephant? One bite at a time!! Set the timer for 15 minutes, grab a garbage bag, and start clearing it out. When the timer is up, set the timer again! Don’t answer the phone or the door, and turn the TV off (fun music helps)! Pick one day a week as the day you do your donation and/or recycling drop offs. Make sure that you get a receipt for all that you donate!! You may also want to learn about eBay or other online auction sites, and start selling some things!

I want you to look at your things with different eyes. Instead of asking, “Do I need it?” or “When was the last time I used it?” … simply ask yourself, “Would I buy it today?” If it is not something that you would purchase today, let it go. And, instead of thinking, “What if this might be worth money someday,” I want you to think, “What is it costing me by keeping it.”

I understand that hiring a professional organizer may seem like a luxury. Just remember that clutter is such a huge expense with little rewards. The cost of clutter can encompass such things as loss of money, time, relationships, self-esteem, and ability to look towards the future. An organized life will save you so much money from such things as streamlined shopping, not overbuying, and paying bills on time.

It’s time to reclaim your life and turn your home into the haven you and your family deserve!

Have fun!
Betsy

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” - Carl Bard