If you are overwhelmed at disorganization around you, the best advice is to start in a small area first. It may be a kitchen drawer or one shelf in a bookcase, but making it organized will give you a sense of accomplishment and the motivation to move on to other areas.
Another approach may be to tackle the area that irritates you most. If it is stack of papers on the kitchen counter, getting those sorted and off that surface will give you added counter space as well as peace of mind.
Regardless of the approach, doing something will start you on your way.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Paper or Plastic?
Many grocery stores and other retail outlets have added a new option to packing your items. It is the bag made from recycled materials. They come in many colors and often have the store logo printed on them. While not everything that is promoted under the "going green" agrees with my preferences, I do love these new bags.
In fact, I have found I use them for many things in the house in additionn to carrying groceries home. Because the bottom of these bags are wider than most, they are able to carry or contain items that are not suitable for most tote bags. Those with the reinforced bottoms of plastic or covered cardboard are the most useful as they create a firm structure for placing items.
Some uses are carring books to the library, containing craft items, storing purses, packing dry goods for a picnic, etc. If you have not tried them, you may be surprised at how useful they can be.
In fact, I have found I use them for many things in the house in additionn to carrying groceries home. Because the bottom of these bags are wider than most, they are able to carry or contain items that are not suitable for most tote bags. Those with the reinforced bottoms of plastic or covered cardboard are the most useful as they create a firm structure for placing items.
Some uses are carring books to the library, containing craft items, storing purses, packing dry goods for a picnic, etc. If you have not tried them, you may be surprised at how useful they can be.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
What About Self Storage Units?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/06/magazine/06self-storage-t.html
Check out this very enlightening article about the use of self storage units. If you are renting one, you may find yourself described in it.
One of the most intersting comments was from a man who said he was storing a table that cost him $1000 because he didn't want to sell it in a yard sale for $10. But if it is costing him $100 a month to rent the storage unit, he will have paid for that table again in 10 months and if he leaves it there 5 years, it will cost him $6000. Is his table worth that much? Better to have $10 in the pocket than a table and $6000 disappeared.
Unless there is a very temporary need for self storage, it is much better to donate unwanted items or those no longer needed to a better use or sell them for whatever the market will bear. Keeping items in self storage for a rainy day may cause a flood of financial distress.
Check out this very enlightening article about the use of self storage units. If you are renting one, you may find yourself described in it.
One of the most intersting comments was from a man who said he was storing a table that cost him $1000 because he didn't want to sell it in a yard sale for $10. But if it is costing him $100 a month to rent the storage unit, he will have paid for that table again in 10 months and if he leaves it there 5 years, it will cost him $6000. Is his table worth that much? Better to have $10 in the pocket than a table and $6000 disappeared.
Unless there is a very temporary need for self storage, it is much better to donate unwanted items or those no longer needed to a better use or sell them for whatever the market will bear. Keeping items in self storage for a rainy day may cause a flood of financial distress.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Is There Hope for Chronic Disorganization?
Absolutely yes, there is hope for anyone experiencing disorganization. There may not be the 60 minute miracle you see on several popular television programs, but it is possible to change the situation.
The A & E channel is now showing a series of programs on hoarding, an extreme area of disorganization. It can also be downloaded from their web site. One of the more important aspects of these programs is the hopelessness that the clients display. With years of accumulation of all kinds of things and refusal to deal with their situation, most have been threatened with eviction from their homes.
Just as it took many years for their environments to become inhabitable, it will take time for emotional and mental attitudes about their "things" to be resolved and their homes to be changed into safe, clean and pleasant places to live. Their willingness to work with a team of specialists including therapists and professional organizers will make the journey more successful.
Most of us have never experienced disorganization to this extreme, but we all need to be aware that over time any situation can deteriorate if we are not diligent to maintain a satisfactory level of organization in our homes. Professional organizers can help with strategies and solutions that will make that process easier and more successful.
The A & E channel is now showing a series of programs on hoarding, an extreme area of disorganization. It can also be downloaded from their web site. One of the more important aspects of these programs is the hopelessness that the clients display. With years of accumulation of all kinds of things and refusal to deal with their situation, most have been threatened with eviction from their homes.
Just as it took many years for their environments to become inhabitable, it will take time for emotional and mental attitudes about their "things" to be resolved and their homes to be changed into safe, clean and pleasant places to live. Their willingness to work with a team of specialists including therapists and professional organizers will make the journey more successful.
Most of us have never experienced disorganization to this extreme, but we all need to be aware that over time any situation can deteriorate if we are not diligent to maintain a satisfactory level of organization in our homes. Professional organizers can help with strategies and solutions that will make that process easier and more successful.
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