Clutter is the enemy of good design.
Here is what happens when our stuff gets out of control . . .
Did you ever hear the old adage ?
“A place for everything & everything in its place.”
SO WHY DO WE KEEP CLUTTER ?
- Might need it (Possible future use)
- It’s expensive
- No time to declutter
- Potential money from sale
- Can’t maintain organization
- Guilt
- Gift
- Nostalgic
- Can’t get it back
WHAT TYPES OF CLUTTER DO WE HAVE ?
- Trash
- Old Encyclopedias
- Broken or outdated collectibles?
- Antiques?
- Paper
WHY SHOULD WE ORGANIZE ?
- Saves Time
- Saves Money
- Reduces Stress
- Improves performance
- Improves Self esteem
- Health (mental clarity)
HOW DO WE GET STARTED ?
- Set a Goal
- Make a Plan
- Set a Time
- Put it in writing
- Delegate
- Be accountable
- The Power of 1 (Let go of one item everyday)
PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE :
- Short Term Component
- Initial Cleanup
- Create Plan for Upkeep
- Long Term Component
- Structure for Daily Maintenance
- Continue Routine for Sustained Success
- Commitment
TOOLS
- Planner
- Containers
- Labeling System
- Technology – Apps
REMEMBER THE 3D’s
- Designate
- Dump (or recycle)
- Donate
AND NOW THE PAPER MONSTER :
- Skim
- Determine if needed
- Sort
- Allocate Storage Location
- Create File Folders – Alphabetically or by date
- Toss
- Recycle generic material
- Shred sensitive material
- Minimize future paper piles
- Open mail daily by your recycle station
- Keep an “in-box”
- Use your computer
FOR MAGAZINE & CATALOG READERS
- Recycle/share the old one when the new one arrives
SUMMARY
- Clutter
- The enemy
- Wastes time and money
- Can be controlled by you with…
- A mindset
- A plan
- Help if you need it
Start with the POWER OF 1 !
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