Some items can be more challenging than others.  I have found with a lot of my women it is clothing. (I include myself in that statement!)

“When I lose those last ten pounds” or “But I might need that outfit for lunch with the governor some day” or “Get rid of the sweater that I was wearing when I was asked out on by my future husband?”  My favorite professional organizer Peter Walsh offers some good suggestions:

1. Those clothes that don’t fit you now are just taunting you every time you open the door! Why would you want clothing that doesn’t fit you or flatter you to take up your space? When you get to the weight you want to be, reward yourself with clothing that you love and makes you feel attractive!

2. When you hold onto items because you are worried you might need them someday you are not living in the present. You are looking to the future. Don’t most of us have dreams and wishes for the future? Do you really want to hold onto something shabby or ill suited to represent your hopes and dreams? Is the money, space and energy you are using to keep everything the best way to try and create your future?

3. Holding on to the sweater is an emotional reason for not wanting to pitch it. But the memories are never going to go away. If you value an item, then you need to show it the honor and respect it deserves. If you aren’t doing that now what makes you think you will start?

By clearing your clutter you are able to open space and open your life to possibilities. You want to change your life? Change your clutter!

Letting go of stuff doesn’t mean it has to end up in the landfill–  freecycle & Craigs List are two popular options.  For more, check out green resources on my web page!

What are you ready to clear or let go of today?  What new possibilities do you want to bring into your life?

The state surplus store here in Raleigh sells chairs, desks, as well as other items you can bid on from a pepsi machine to tires. Here’s the link:

http://www.doa.state.nc.us/ssp/

Check your state to see if there is one near you! With cash strapped states it is a win win for you to buy used and for them to get some money!  http://www.usa.gov/shopping/auctions/surplus.shtml

Get creative! Instead of a clothes swap have a container swap with your friends and have fun getting organized! By making organizing fun you are more likely to stick to it and finish a project! Of course, you can always hire a professional organizer to help!

Mission: to compassionately transform lives through education & customized plans that create productive & sustainable environments.

Vision: a more sustainable world created through peaceful, joyful, inspirational, organized spaces for living and work.

Remember that organizing isn’t about perfection. It’s about being able to find what you need and saving time and money and enjoying life!

• Have less “stuff” coming into your space.  If you bring something in, something goes out.
• A place for everything. Have a place for keys, sunglasses, bills, permission slips, etc.
• Say no to: other people’s stuff; people who don’t support and nourish you; things you no longer use or love.
• Donate.  Get rid of everything that doesn’t represent you because you want to live in the present.
• Use what you have. Do you use all 5 serving platters, 8 shampoos, and 6 sets of sheets?

What step can you take today?

• Get your calendar/PDA and enter all birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Be green and always be on the lookout for inexpensive items.  Flea markets, yard sales or estate sales are great places to look.   Don’t forget the re-gifts but make sure you write down who you received it from!

http://youtu.be/4v4fFhjUG8Y

What is being disorganized costing you?  What one step could you take today to change that?

The average American has between $2,500 and 5 K worth of perfectly usable stuff they aren’t using while carrying 10K+ in credit card debt!

Over 85% of couples say they argue about clutter and disorganization!

Depression can cause clutter in your house and clutter in your house can cause depression.

The average person loses 1-2 hours weekly from not being organized (trying to find car keys, permission slips, etc.)

Being disorganized can cause stress:

Having guests over becomes an embarrassment, or an event that takes all-day preparation.

Using your home for activities you enjoy becomes difficult  without taking significant time to clear the space.

According to the principles of Feng Shui, clutter drains you of your positive energy. You can actually feel it.

If  it is too much to do on your own, consider hiring a professional organizer to help you!

1. Does it lead me toward a fuller life or confine me?
2. Does it bring me closer to my heart or take me further away?
3. Does it open me or close me?
4. Does it allow me to trust myself further or does it make me frightened of myself?
5. Does it enlarge my life or does it make my life smaller?

What are your priorities for the year?

What do you need to say no to or change?

After you come up with a list, start to take concrete actions that you can do to declutter these people/situations/items from your life.  Ask yourself what it is costing you to keep these people/items around.  When I finally realized how miserable I was in my last job, I started planning my business.  The job still sucked, but everyday I did something for my business which made the job more tolerable: I knew there was an end in sight and I was building my future.  Letting go helped lift my depression and make space in my mind for all the new, wonderful events coming my way.

I had also held on to some mementos from a relationship that I would hope was leading to marriage.  In my heart I knew it wasn’t, but somehow by keeping some stuff I was holding onto hope that maybe it could work. By clearing the stuff, I also decluttered my heart, allowing me to open up to someone new.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful, prosperous, filled with love & happiness year for 2012!

What changes do you need to make?  What can you do today to start letting go of unnecessary clutter?