In all the years I have been working with people who are desperate to get organized, I am always amazed at just how many of them believe they just can't let go of their stuff.
Well, I am here to tell you: it doesn't have to be that hard.
If you're ready to get organized, you can make a great start by asking three simple questions. Like "Open Sesame," these three questions will unclutter your home - almost like magic!
Question 1: "Do I love this?"
Are you surrounded by objects that you don't love? Like? Or maybe you even dislike them?
Your house reflects you - and no one else. Surround yourself with art, objects, clothes, furniture and other décor that speaks to who you really are - and not what Aunt Susie gave you fifteen years ago.
Maybe a lava lamp spoke to you 20 years. Does it still reflect who you are? If not, out it goes!
Question 2: "Do I use this?"
If I had a dollar for every bread machine I find in a garage...
If I had a quarter for every record album I find in a basement...
If had a dime for every article of clothing that is just five pounds away...
You get my drift. If you haven't used something in year, chances are you will never use it. It's the 80/20 rule - we use 20% of what we own. If you don't use it, it's just clutter. Out it goes!
Question 3: "Do I need this?"
This is where things can get sticky, especially with guys. Electronic cables, old computer parts, tools, thousands of screws & nails...Hey, I might need that someday!
Sorry, bud. Doesn't count. "Do I need this?" means, it's summer and I'm going to need that winter coat. It doesn't mean, "this may come in handy, someday." That's what hardware stores are for. Keep a moderate supply of potentially useful items and get rid of the rest. Out it goes!
No matter how convinced you are that you can't let go of clutter, I'm here to tell you that it is possible. Just ask yourself the three magic questions as detailed above. Before long, the level of stuff you don't love, need or use will slowly disappear, leaving you the space to live in a home that is truly yours.
Interested in more ways to clear clutter and gain control of your environment? Get great tips and motivating messages by subscribing to the Empty Your Nest newsletter at [http://www.emptyyournest.com]
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