Emotional Attachments to our Stuff

One problem we have in staying organized is what to do with our things especially when we have too many to fit in our spaces.  The lasting solution is, of course, to reduce the number of things we have to those that will reasonably fit in the spaces designated for them.  Unfortunately we (yes I am including myself) hesitate to let our things go because we have emotional attachments to them. 

Over the last 2 weeks I have been reminded of these attachments through a sermon (do you own things or do they own you), a facebook posting (letting go of a well used but worn out bookbag was emotional) and an article summarizing a study on how materialism takes a toll on marriages (Daily Press, March 11, 2012).  In my work as a professional organizer, I see clients confront many emotions including fear and sentiment as they struggle with decisions in downsizing crowded closets, drawers, garages, attics, etc. 

Fear often manifests itself as "I am afraid to let it go because I might need it and won't have it", while the facts remain that it has been around for years and never used, and should it be needed in the future the opportunity to buy or borrow it will be there. 

Sentiment may be a much stronger deterent to letting items go because of strong emotional attachments to them.  Pictures of good times together, souveniers of special events, handmade items or gifts from special people, etc. create memories we love.  The struggle remains because we fear getting rid of the items will get rid of the memories.  The reality is those memories are stored in our brains and our feelings for those relationships will never go away.  It is, after all, the relationships that are important in our lives, not the things that represent them.

Another somewhat less emotional excuse for attachment is "I paid good money for it and letting it go is like throwing that money away."  This is valid if the item is not depreciating as you own it but actually gaining in value (very difficult for anything in this economy).  You pay for gas and burn it up, food and eat it up, clothes and wear them out, etc.  You get the picture.  The items are probably not worth now what you paid for them, but they may be important to someone less fortunate.  Passing them on may actually add value to them and a blessing to those that need them.

In the article on materialism, the lead author summarizes that materialism was associated with less emotional maturity in spouses.  In my personal and professional experience, I would not only agree with him but add that being able to let go of our excess and not crave more than we need is an expression of emotional and spiritual maturity.  In the big picture, it is investing time and energy in our relationships and not in accumulating and keeping stuff that adds to our quality of life.  This is a challenge for all of us.

Organizing Tips for March

Spring arrives this month, at least on the calendar. Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 11^th.  Set your clock ahead one hour.  This month we are concentrating on the attic and clothing.

• This is the time to get indoor tasks finished so you can enjoy the outdoors as soon as the warm weather is here.  Whatever the project, do not let it drag on or remain unfinished until next winter.  Make that final to-do list and get it done.

• The Attic.  Unless you are storing items for another family member, the goal is to keep as little as possible in the attic.  It is usually inconvenient to access and too hot or cold to spend time there.  The extreme temperatures are also not good for many items to be kept there safely.  In addition, you must take care to prevent invasion by critters.

      If you are storing items for adult children or other friends or family consider          asking them to retrieve them.  Setting a deadline to have them removed or they             will be donated may spur them into action.  In my professional and personal        experience, I have found that most people don’t really want them after being       without for awhile.  You may be surprised that is the case with items you may       have stored for others.

            For safety reasons and convenience, add lighting and secure floor boards in areas of the attic you must use.  

            For items you must keep, create zones for the types of items you are storing.          For example, holiday items can be labeled and stored together. 

            Use color coded containers or labels to help identify containers quickly.

            Take care to cover wood furnishings with sheets or blankets.  Upholstered furniture should not be stored in the attic for many reasons.

            The attic is not suitable for candles, photographs, soft plastics such as in dolls,       electronic media such as tapes, and many fabrics.

            If there are many items left to store after sorting, purging and cleaning the attic      space, it is a good idea to create a map of where items are located.  This will save        much time when it is necessary to recover them.

• Clothing   As the days are longer and warmer, remove the heaviest clothing you will save to summer storage.  This may mean to the back of the closet, to another closet or storage area, or out of the house permanently.  If they will be part of a future yard sale, store them in the area set aside for that.

  Winter clothing takes up lots of room in closets and drawers because they are   heavier and have long sleeves.  If there are items you did not use or those that        children have outgrown, consider moving them out now. 

  
  

        Clothing closets are one of the most frequently requested areas to organize.            While there are great strategies to use in setting up closet systems, the biggest             problem is too many items.  Pareto’s rule applies here.  You usually wear only        20% of your clothing 80% of the time.  Being willing to let go of those items that            you don’t wear, for whatever reason, will make the task of organizing the closet    much easier.

  
  

        While consignment shops usually only take current season clothing, removed          items can be donated to a charity or sold in a yard sale.  Moving them out will       give you more space for the items that you do love and wear.

  
  

  • If you have considered the possibility of having a yard or tag sale. It is never too early to plan and prepare for one.  This month is the time to set the date and work towards that goal.  May and June are great choices as it is not too hot and people are on the move.  Consider going in with neighbors or friends to draw more customers onto your street.

  
  

  In the March 2011 checklist, I promised not to complain about the summer heat after last year’s cold temperatures and I kept that promise.  The mild weather this winter was my reward.  My fall camellias were still blooming in January while the spring varieties were just beginning to blossom.  I love it! 

Using Containers Effectively

Using containers is one of the best ways to create and maintain organized spaces.  Items on shelves, in cabinets and even in drawers should be arranged so they do not fall on other items, move around in the space or mix with other items. 

There are some guidelines to remember in choosing containers.

• Use the most attractive containers in places where they are on display or seen. Decorative boxes and baskets are options for containers that will be seen by everyone.  Those containers used in closets, cabinets or drawers need not be as attractive or expensive. 
• Keep like items together in containers.  Do not mix types of items such as pens with paper clips or earrings with bracelets.
• If there is more than one of the same type of item, containerize them together.
• Separate items from each other in a drawer or cabinet with dividers or containers.
• Group small items on a shelf in containers.  Sauce packets in a pantry and rings in a jewelry box are examples of items that could be grouped together and contained.
• Containers should fit the space and hold the designated items in an orderly fashion.  Using the same size, style, etc. creates a more attractive system.
• Measure spaces and items before purchasing any containers.
• Use square or rectangular containers whenever possible as they are more space efficient than round or oval ones.
• Clear plastic containers are the most versatile and functional because you are able to see the contents clearly.  Label containers that are opaque.
• It is preferable to used stacked drawers units rather than stacking more than 3 containers together.  It is too difficult to get to the items in the lowest container.
• Use trays or shallow boxes to contain items on dressers, vanities, counters, etc.  It makes cleaning those surfaces quicker.
• Consider recycling boxes and other containers in the home for a new use rather than purchasing new containers the same size.

In today’s organizing happy world, there are containers available in every size, shape, color, material and price.  There are even stores and outlets opened specifically for selling containers and organizing supplies.  With so many choices, there should be something for everyone.  Make using containers a habit and your organizing and cleaning tasks will be much easier.

Organizing Checklist for February

January was a busy month. If you have packed away the holiday items and worked on your files, inventory and budget you can take some time this month to enjoy your entertainment and hobby spaces.

• Sort through videos and CDs and remove those no longer used. Let’s face it, if you haven’t run them in the last couple of years, you probably will not. Our tastes in music and movies change over the years. Sell or pass them on to someone who wants them.
• Clear the bookshelves of fiction you have already read and reference books. It is unlikely you will reread fiction and reference books become outdated quickly. Use the Internet to keep up to date on those topics. You can sell or donate those items and make room for more good reading on cold winter nights.
• Review your cookbook collection and recipes you have collected. Consider online sites for new recipe ideas. I promise you can find any type of recipe you want with Google. Save only those with recipes you continually use or those with sentimental value.
• Review the holiday magazines you purchased last fall, clip out items you want to save and recycle the rest. Consider donating them to local doctor’s offices, beauty shops, etc. I promise they need them. I personally am tired or reading Golf magazines when I am in waiting rooms.
• Purge those catalogues, too. They are simply printed commercials and you know how much you hate those interruptions. Why waste time on the printed version? If you must, save the back page with the promotion codes, etc. If you need to make a purchase, you can go online, find the item and use the current discount.
• Make the most of indoor time by finishing up indoor decorating projects and/or enjoying time on indoor hobbies. Sort through your supplies and remove those no longer useful.
• Begin planning for early spring activities. Buy seeds now and consider planting them indoors for early blooms and crops. If that is not convenient at least you will have better seed choices now.
• Make preliminary plans for spring or summer vacations. Early reservations are usually less expensive. Insure all travel tickets.

The days are getting longer now and with daylight savings time coming early in March, we will soon be spending more time outside. I look forward to spring flowers and green leaves on my trees

Organizing Tips for January

Last year my January article suggested you eliminate one bag of donations/recycle a week and eliminate one hour of electronics to free up your time.  If you followed through on it, you are well on your way in your organizing journey. 

This year I will make another suggestion to jump start the organizing process.  Keep a bag or box near your door for donations.  Each day as you see an item that you no longer use, immediately place it in the container. 

So many times we keep things “just in case I might need it” but we haven’t used it in years if ever.  Impulse purchases and gifts are often put in drawers, cabinets or closets but never used.  Free yourself of these items and make space for organizing what is left. 

Other items may have lost their usefulness but could be used by someone else.  Move those on to a higher purpose.  If sentimental items are not being enjoyed or honored but rather packed away in a closet or attic, see if another family member has room to display or used them.  Letting go an item doesn’t mean you forget the person or event.

If you are diligent to put an item in everyday, you will quickly see more space for the things you use and love.  Of course a closet clean out could have enough items to meet your quota for a week or two.  It is never too late to make changes to be better organized.

Here are more reminders for January.

• Start a container for tax related items that arrive in the mail this month. 
• Update your paper and computer records by purging folders of items no longer needed. This will make planning a new budget for the year and preparing tax forms much easier. Shred old financial documents a little at a time or take them to a records management company to be shred professionally.  If you have questions about how long you should keep some records, contact me or check out pages 135-138 in my book, Orderly Places.
• If you have not already done so, get a new planner/calendar that shows a week at a glance and breaks each day into hourly segments.  Schedule your daily activities in it.  Most computers have programs to do this, as does Google and other online sources, at no additional cost.
• Update your home inventory.  Take pictures or make a video of every room, every closet, the garage and attic for insurance purposes.  These pictures will also give you a fresh and objective look at the appearance of you spaces.

Set a goal to make this year a successful one for organizing your home.  Every step will make it a more enjoyable place for you and your family. 

Organizing the New Toys

Preparing for New Toys

The organizing process almost always requires removing items that are no longer needed.  Most children (and some adults) have too many toys and some are rarely used.  Consider removing now those that are no longer useful, that have become obsolete, those children have outgrown and those broken or in need of parts or repair. 

This is an excellent time to teach children to share and also make room for more appropriate items. Items that are in good condition can be taken to local charities or thrift shops.   Taking pictures of the children with some of their favorite but no longer needed toys is a good way to remember the good times without all the clutter.

And don’t forget about the entertainment and hobby items no longer needed by adults.  Replaced televisions, VCRs, sports equipment, etc. can be removed and donated to make more space in the home and provide items for others less fortunate to enjoy. 

Taking the time now to make space for the new items coming into the house this month will make the task of organizing after the holidays much easier.

Organizing Checklist for December

We are approaching the end of the year but this is a busy month for everyone. Some organizing strategies for this season have already been covered in the previous months. Here are some final reminders and tips to help you through the holidays and the end of the year.

• Children and adults should take time to donate any items that are no longer useful. Many families will be forced to shop at thrift stores for holiday gifts and donating toys and clothing can be a blessing you will never see.
• If you have not done so already, immediately send cards, packages, newsletters and email messages.
• Begin traditions with your family if you have not already begun them. For young children, simple activities such as baking cookies or decorating packages are best. Older children can help with community or church events. The family can purchase gifts for an "Angel Tree", read the Christmas story together, watch a favorite Christmas movie, etc. Keep it simple.
• Take pictures of family and friends and the decorations you chose as a keepsake and reminder for next year.
• Be flexible on the big day and welcome any help offered. Don't sweat the small stuff and keep the mood light and happy.
• Avoid the after Christmas sale unless you absolutely immediately need the items. Avoid the long lines, parking problems and traffic jams. Items that need to be returned can usually wait for a few days.
• Resist the urge to buy more holiday decorations just because they are on sale.
• Keep a journal of what worked and what didn't, the gifts you gave and any changes you would make in the future. Keep a list of clutter free gifts you can give next year. (A list can be found in my book on pages 103-105.)
• Keep the collection of all the lists, ideas, recipes, pictures, evaluations, etc. related to the holiday in a manila folder or create a folder for them on your computer.
• Plan the holiday clean up when others are there to help you. Make it as much a part of the traditions as decorating.
• As you take down the decorations, consider purging what you can. Eliminate as much permanent storage as possible. Make sure all items are clean and in good repair. Try to maintain only those things with special significance or that cannot be replaced. Donate or pass on the others.
• Consider color coding holiday containers and label with the contents.
• If you have space, hang bows in bags on hooks to maintain their shape.
• Set a family goal to make the holidays even more meaningful next year. Adopt a charity, volunteer in the community, participate in your church holiday program, etc. Write down your decision and make plans for it next year.