Useful Tips in Clearing Your Clutter

One of the most effective ways in creating peace and cultivating harmony in anybody's life is to clear clutter. I think that a messy house or a disorganized office just generates more stressful situations. Not only that. You lose focus and concentration on the tasks at hand because of the need to straighten things up instead of spending more time on more productive things.

To organize your office or to organize your house, the very first thing that you need to do is to start with your mail. Sort it out in front of the trash can so as to save time. Dump the junk and set aside the ones that need reading, from the most important to the least prioritized. Set aside all your books and pile all magazines in a corner with the oldest issues at the top so you can quickly scan and throw the ones that are too old or too insignificant to keep. Whether you throw them away or send them for recycling, it really is entirely up to you.

The next thing that needs handling is the bills. You can't just ignore them forever, so give it the attention that it rightfully needs. They are your responsibilities. Open them up and check the due dates. File them in order of importance or when they're supposed to be paid. Check them on a weekly basis so you will know which ones need to be settled. In this way, you will not have to pay for late fees and your interest rates will always be kept low.

Spending as little as five to ten minutes in a day going through the mail that you are getting can become rewarding in the end. This is going to be one less task that you need to do tomorrow.

Do the task as soon as you know it, not until you realize you really need to do so. If you constantly postpone it or prefer to do it the next day, it would just pile up and occupy space at home. It can make your house look untidy and messy. Cleaning our homes is a daily routine everyone should practice. After all, its us who will be living in our houses and stare at a clean or dirty environment, which way we decide to make it. These little things that needs our little attention will result into a big change eventually.

Home organization [http://www.coattree.co] can be as simple and easy as 123, but doing it anyway will surely make a difference.

To read more about home organization tips, click here [http://www.coattree.co/categories/Home-Organizers/].

Clear Your Clutter - Manifest Your Dreams!

On average every one of us owns about 10 000 things. That is a lot of stuff to handle. Chaos theory turns into reality in a parents' life - we experience it first hand, every day! 'I'm the only one who hasn't got a proper filing system in place' you might secretly think - but hey, we're all familiar with the scenario: The desk has disappeared under heaps of dodgy bits and papers have therefore developed a life of their own and spread into all sorts of funny places... The kids' toys seem to weirdly breed somehow and duplicate by the hour... Getting the wardrobe doors to shut turns into a new exercise regime - and once you've managed to pry them open, you find that you don't fancy wearing any of the stuff that falls out...

Despair not! When it comes to clearing, the most difficult step is to make a start at all. Don't be overambitious and kid yourself into thinking you'll sort out an entire room or storage space in one go "next weekend/when the kids are in bed". Only ever tackle one small area at a time: one drawer, two shelves in your wardrobe. Make an appointment with yourself, and show up! To pencil in half an hour is realistic and achievable. And with that success under your belt, you'll find yourself all fired up to move on to the next project.

Clutter Clearing can be regarded as a chore. Or you could decide to see it as a means of clearing the energy of the space around you, so you can be closer to your vision and goals - and how exciting and empowering is that!!

So, let's start - out with the old and in with the new (please note, new here as in: experiences or friends - not necessarily shoes or DVDs!)

• Clear by using different boxes and bags: rubbish, recycling, charity, returns - create your own categories.

• Wear a colour that cheers you up and listen to your favourite (upbeat!) music.

• Start off with easier clutter like old magazines, then slowly progress to more challenging sentimental stuff like presents or photographs. (Note on presents: Keep the love that came with the gift and let the thing go.)

• Always clear from the inside out. However tempting it might be to just tidy the surfaces, for real clearing success you need to create storage space first: everything must come out of that cupboard. Be aware of the fact that it will get worse before it gets better and have a cup of tea and/or supportive friend at hand to see you through this slightly chaotic stage of the clearing process.

• Find a place for everything - to then be able to keep everything in its place. If toys haven't got a dedicated storage space, children are not able to tidy up. They simply don't know where things go. Tip: Try to reorganise while clearing - find a permanent home for every thing; store similar items together; keep things near where you are going to use them.

Clutter clearing can be the most fascinating journey of self-discovery: slowly unearthing what it is about you and your billions of books or bags... - What essence do you collect (books might symbolise education, open-mindedness..) What do your things stand for? Even if we are tricked into believing this every single day: we are not what we have. In the end: we are what we are!

And most importantly: while clearing, always focus on what you have achieved already - not what is still to do. Congratulate yourself on how far you have come!

Birgit Medele was born in Germany 30something years ago. She completed a degree in history and languages in Munich and worked as a journalist. Then she decided to go to London for six months. Well, 12 years later, she is still there:-). She studied Fine Art at Central Saint Martins and discovered her love for all things interior.. - What fascinates her most about clearing and organsing, is that you literally sort your life out at the same time - magic!

She has been inspiring international audiences with her ideas on how to unburden yourself of things, thoughts & emotions that have turned into clutter.

She lectures and trains in both German and English and is currently writing her first book. (- You don't happen to be (or know) a publisher, do you:-)? )

Please visit her blog for inspirational articles on clearing: http://birgitmedele.wordpress.com
Or follow her on: http://www.twitter.com/BirgitMedele

Clear Your Clutter to Raise Your Vibrational Level

If you are working and living in a place which you find visually appealing, functions well and is healthy, your vibrational level will be raised. On the other hand if your environment is depressing to you, cluttered and toxic, your vibrational level will be lowered. Of course, there are many degrees of all of these states.

1. VISUAL APPEAL

How do you find your environment? Do you love to be in it or does it depress you? You may have some limits of what you can do to change it-money, landlords, bosses etc. But there will be some things which you can do easily. Bring in some uplifting colours with cushions, swathes of fabric - easily found in thrift stores. Having plants or fresh flowers can help. Changing the layout of furniture, so that you have easy access to all areas. Covering up any areas that are an eye sore.

2. FUNCTIONABILITY

Can you easily use the space for what it is for? For instance, can you find the clothes you want to wear today easily, or do you have to go through your favourite dress from 1988 and other things to get to them? Is your closet full of clothes that no longer fit you? Do your children have too many clothes? If so, sort them out! Ask yourself - Have I worn/used this in the last year? If not, do I absolutely love it? If the answer is no to both questions - pass it on. My friends and I regularly meet to have clothes swops - we all bring clothes or other small items we no longer use and anyone can take what they want. The rest is bagged up and goes to charity. We have great fun and it keeps things flowing. You can do this in all areas of your life. If you have closets you can't get into - sort them out, asking the same questions as above. Be careful about keeping things because they may come in useful one day! You don't have to do everything at once. Start with one drawer, one shelf, one box. That's all you have to do to make a start.

3. HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

Make sure that you keep your environment as healthy as you can. Open the windows regularly to let fresh air circulate. Avoid using plug-in air fresheners - they are pumping chemicals into the air al the time. Turn off electrical items when you are not using them. Plants can help to clean the air of toxins. The following have been found to be beneficial.

Areca palm

Reed palm

Dwarf date palm

Boston fern

Janet Craig dracaena

English ivy

Australian sword fern

Peace Lily

Rubber plant

Weeping fig

What can you do today to increase the vibrational level in your work or office space? Where do you have too much clutter in your life? What could you do to clear it? Chose one small thing -and DO IT.

Christine Jenkins

Thank you for reading my article. I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, I would like to invite you to visit my blog - http://www.goodvibrationscoachingblog.com - to read about more ways to raise your vibrational level and to attract more of what you want into your life.

7 Tips For Clearing The Clutter

Have you ever stood in the middle of your living room and thought, "Good grief, this room is a mess!' I am sure you have, as in fact, I am sure we all have at some time. Maybe for some of us it is only after the night before with friends. But, with lots of us, especially those with small children, it could be every day. You need help clearing clutter!

Piles of magazines, newspapers, CDs, remote controls, the children's toys and odd bits of clothing. Am I describing what faced you after breakfast today?

If so, follow my tips and they will help you clear your clutter.

1. If possible, send the children to grandparents or friends for the day. You will accomplish so much more if you do not have to think about the little "angels."

2. Label some boxes or bags and start filling them with rubbish, recycle, or give away.

3. Create some simple solutions for storage for items such as newspapers, magazines, CDs, DVDs and remote controls (they always go missing just when you need them). Baskets are a great way to store any of the above and they look great either on shelves or stacked.

4. Put a large basket in the corner of the room by the door. This is an 'End Of Day Basket.' When the children have gone to bed, just collect up all their bits and pieces that have been left lying around during the day. That way, you can sort it all out the next morning.

5. Once you have cleared all the clutter, give the room a really good clean. Hoover, mop, polish, and do not forget to clean the windows. If you have time, rinse the net curtains to give the room a really fresh clean feel.

6. Light a scented candle or use a room spray to finish the effect.

7. Finally, make yourself a cup of coffee and sit in your newly clutter free room and enjoy!!!!!!!

Once you have de-cluttered one room you will want to start on the other rooms in the house.

It is really important to create an uncluttered environment to live in. Who can relax in a cluttered room? The answer is no one, even if they do not realize it. Clutter creates stress! By clearing the clutter, you can clear the brain.

It's easier to restore order to your life than you think! Get fresh and fast ideas to help you clear up your clutter quick. Download your free copy of my eBook Stress Free Clutter Cure here. Imagine the freedom you will feel once you are fast at Clearing Clutter!

Clear Your Clutter and Make Money

It's a consumer world we live in and great though that is, it does have some serious drawbacks.

One of these flaws is clutter.

Look around your house. Under the beds, hidden in the bottom or tops of the wardrobes and certainly in the garage or shed you will find loads of clutter. Old stuff we no longer use, it does not suit our new décor, lifestyle or maybe it just did not live up to the promise it once held.

The solution requires a little bit of effort but the rewards may just surprise you.

I have just spent the last threes months de-cluttering and I am several thousand dollars richer. Not only do I have all that space back but I have all that money to start filling it up again!

The answer is good old eBay.

It is so easy to get started, you can set up an account and get your first item ready for sale in a matter of hours and most of that is getting your item ready.

Once you have your account set up the first thing to do is to collect all your clutter ready for photographs. A good photograph will help enormously to sell your item.

The hardest part is being strong in deciding what to sell and what you want to stick back in its hiding place, BE STRONG, it's worth it, you know some of that stuff has been there for years!

Try and find original boxes and instruction manuals, these add greatly to the value of some items.

Now its time to list your items. eBay sort things into categories, just pick one that best fits your item, give an honest description add your picture and you are nearly done.

Of course there is a bit more to it than that but not much. You have to decide if you want and auction sale to give potential buyers the chance to raise the price bidding against one another, or maybe you know how much your item is worth and what you want and so go for a 'Fixed Price'.

If you have never used eBay before why not buy something just to see how it all works.

It will not be long before you get some interest and actually sell your first item, that is a great feeling.

The contract is that once you receive your money you post your item, job done.

You can sell nearly everything on eBay, there is a list of prohibited stuff on the eBay website.

One of the biggest problems for me was wrapping and posting the stuff. Sure the small regular shaped items were no problem but some things called for more imagination!

If it's too hard just add for collection only in your ad, that's what I did with a bicycle.

I started out just wanting to clear some of my old camping kit but I enjoyed it so much that I went around the house just looking for things to sell!

I have sold a car, tents, computers, my wife's handbags and even spare parts off a dishwasher!

You may even think it is complete junk but it could be just what someone is looking for, remember there are millions of people on eBay every day just looking for that specific item.

It may just be yours.

I love to look at ways to save or make money.
This is an easy step but there are others at my site at
http://moneychances.com/

Clear Your Clutter - 3 Tips For Clearing Clutter Fast

Why clear your clutter? An organized and clutter-free home creates a sense of tranquility, even for the most hectic of lifestyles. So what is the secret to clearing clutter and keeping your home organized? It is all about getting a handle on the clutter and then keeping clutter in check. Below are three simple tips to get rid of clutter fast.

1. Design a Plan of Attack, But Don't Overwhelm Yourself

If you have not cleared out clutter or done any type of deep cleaning recently, the thought of taking on an entire house or apartment can be overwhelming. The trick is to start with just one room or area and to focus on cleaning and organizing just that space before moving on.

For example: if your home office is a mess, start by organizing paperwork, the closet or even just the top of your desk. Stay focused on the task at hand, because it is really easy to get sidetracked and overwhelmed.

As you clear your clutter, divide your items into three categories: keep, donate and throw away. Gently used items are always appreciated by local thrift shops, shelters or non-profits. By donating items you no longer use, not only are you getting rid of clutter, but you are "going green" by not adding to landfills. Also, you may be eligible for a tax deduction, so make sure to get a receipt for your donation.

If you have high value, collectible or antique items, you might want to try selling these items on Craig's List, eBay or hold a garage sale. A little extra cash may make departing with your treasures a bit easier.

2. As Get Rid of Clutter, Keep a Shopping List

Since you are trying to get clear your clutter, it may sound a bit counter-intuitive to create a shopping list. But this is no ordinary shopping list; this is a list of either things you need to replace or things you will need to keep your home and yourself organized.

Let's say as you are cleaning up your desk, you find a broken stapler, dried out markers and you notice your book of postage stamps only has one stamp left. Add these items to your shopping list.

The idea is once you have gotten rid of the clutter, you then organize to make your life simpler and also more productive. Keeping a supply of the little things you need to stay organized, such as file folders or labels, on hand that will make a difference is keeping on top of your clutter. This leads us to our final tip: how to keep your life organized and not new clutter.

3. Keeping Your Home Clutter Free

You have spent the weekend methodically cleaning that one room. The drawers, closets and storage areas are clean and organized. The trick now is to keep your home tidy and free of clutter. What is the secret to clear your clutter? Stop clutter at the door!

Before buying a new item, ask yourself if you really need it. As you replace used or worn out items, donate or throw away things you no longer use. Keep a recycle bin near where you sort your mail. Instead of stacking the mail on the first available surface to sort through later, take a moment and toss catalogs, inserts and junk mail immediately into recycling.

A clutter-free home requires a little discipline, but the results are well worth the efforts. So the next time you are doing your spring cleaning, take that extra step and clear your clutter, too.

Let's recap what we've learned in this article:

Design a Plan of Attack, But Don't Overwhelm Yourself It takes time to clear your clutter and organize you home. Take one room at time and then complete one specific task before moving on to the next item on your to do list. Clear Your Clutter, But Keep a List of Items to Replace As you clean up and clear out, keep of list of what needs to be replaced or updated. Remember the goal is to not only have a clean, organized home, but to have a living space that is enjoyable and supports your daily routine.Keeping Your Home Clutter Free. Stop clutter at the front door. You've worked hard to get things in order, so be mindful of buying things you really don't need.

To get more great clutter clearing tips and ideas, visit http://clearyourclutter.net

The Real Importance of Clearing the Clutter

Your home is your haven. It is a reflection of you, and should be an environment where you are able to relax and enjoy your space. The real importance of clearing the clutter you may have in your home is it helps you regain control of your life in other ways.

Take a look around you. How does your home feel to you? Do you love coming home? Do you feel a sense of peace and calm and safety when you enter? Or are you ashamed, so overwhelmed with the clutter and disorganization that you never want anyone else to see it? Do you get the feeling that somehow you are not in control of more than your home -- you are not in control of your life.

Clutter can cause depression, and depression can have other effects. It can cause you to isolate yourself from friends. It can cause you to overeat and gain weight. It can affect your family relationships. So, don't you think, if this applies to you, that it is time. Time to unclutter your life. Time to let go of clutter in your space. If you cannot control the space around you, then you will not be able to control the other aspects of your life.

Think of it this way. Clutter is an obstacle. If you've read anything about Feng Shui, you know that clutter can impede the flow of energy in your home. This includes preventing the entry and movement of good energy as well as keeping negative energy hanging around. You can feel that negative energy when you are surrounded by clutter, disorganization and unfinished projects.

So, how can you start clearing the clutter from your spaces? Here are four steps to start on your journey to letting go of clutter.

1. Define the purpose of each room or space in your home. Ask yourself what you want from that room. Is it a calm place to relax? Is it an organized kitchen where you love to cook nourishing meals? Is it an efficient home office where you can work comfortably? Do you want a warm and romantic bedroom?

2. Now identify why it's not working. Could it be you are short of storage space? Is your bedroom closet too small? Identify why you hang onto things - is it because you may need it 'someday', or because you just might wear it? Could you rearrange the furniture to gain space? Is there a clutter of old magazines, heaps of unfiled and unsorted mail, or piles of dirty laundry?

3. Work with one room or one area at a time. Just the thought of clearing the clutter from a whole home can be overwhelming. Instead, start small, one area or room at a time, and start with the most visible clutter. Out-in-the-open piles of stuff are easy targets for removal or organizing.

4. When the obvious clutter has been dealt with, then take time to sort through the hidden piles. Get into those drawers, closets and pantries, one by one, and keep only the stuff that is useful and that you actually do use. If it is useful, but not something you use (like that stash of wool from when you thought you might take up knitting) then let go of it. Someone else may actually use it. It's just clutter.

As your home progresses to a clutter-free state, you will find your life is changing too. You will think more clearly, have more energy, and look forward in anticipation to new activities and relationships.

Clutter getting you down? Nicki Goff is an experienced coach who can help you reduce clutter in your home or workspace. Learn more about how you can take control of the stuff in your home and your life with her free email newsletter and the other resources available on her website, DeclutterToday.com.