For some people, decluttering is an ongoing, natural process. For others, it can be quite the struggle. I’m one of those who has trouble deciding what to keep and what to let go–and where to put the stuff I’ve decided to keep! This weakness makes it difficult for me to simplify my life. I think I’ve read just about every book on the market about organization, and I’ve probably been to every website. I’ve tried many systems, including Flylady’s approach. I’ve also studied the Sidetracked Home Executives website, hoping to find the magic solution to my problem.
I recently realized that these books and websites weren’t providing me with the individualized help I needed to gain control of clutter. We live in a historic home which doesn’t have the conventional storage spaces you find in modern homes, so I thought having a professional organizer visit might be worth the money. Boy, I wish I had called for help sooner!
When Kay arrived from Clutter Busters, I shared our problem areas with her and gave her some background information. Within a few minutes, she was giving suggestions that I had never even considered for certain areas of the house. Her fresh perspective was refreshing and extremely helpful. Since we are on a budget, I was only able to have her work with me for a few hours, but even that short time period had an impact. She helped me work through several areas and even provided me detailed list of recommendations via email. I finally got the help I needed for organizing MY space, something that was lacking in all the books.
I wanted to share this information with Central Florida Green Guide readers because I feel that simplifying your life is something that interests many natural living enthusiasts. It’s not just about decluttering; it’s also about finding new homes for things that could be of use to someone else. We actually threw very little away. Most items were either donated or recycled! In fact, Kay took the items that were to be donated with her when she left. (Clutter Busters is actually Green Organize Certified by the Clutter Institute.)
In addition to being eco-friendly, decluttering can improve your health. Here are a few related articles:
Declutter Your Home to Lower Stress
Kay was featured on the Madness of Motherhood Show in October of 2007. Listen to the interview here.
Related Links:
Online Organizing.com’s Blog Central
How to Declutter by Flylady
What resources have you used in the past to declutter? Any favorite books or websites? Have you used a professional organizer? Is this something you still struggle with? Please take a moment to share your thoughts with other CFGG readers.
Mrs. Zeiger
Melita Franzen
Cat
