Clear Your Clutter For Good - Use These Three Simple Magic Questions

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.

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5 Questions to Ask Yourself About Clearing Your Clutter

So often I hear clients say they would do just about anything to stop the harassing effects of their clutter. After countless attempts trying to purge and being defeated, some people associate their lost battles with a feeling of being assaulted. All they know at this point is they want the chaos of the clutter to stop.

Introducing a list of questions at this point helps put things into perspective about not only their current circumstances but also about how the clutter came to be and what is needed to make it go away. It's more appealing to look at de-cluttering as a fun and enlightening concept rather than another grueling task. The goal is to de-clutter in a fashion that feels comfortable and natural.

If your clutter is having an emotional impact on you, begin by asking yourself the following questions. Allow yourself the luxury of taking the necessary time to answer completely and honestly, you may be surprised what your answers reveal.

What has prevented me from de-cluttering in the past?

- Time

- Motivation

- Energy

- A plan

- Commitment

- Distractions

- Other

What do I find is the hardest thing about de-cluttering?

- I don't trust myself

- Insecure with my decisions

- I double-check myself

- I remember what I like

- Fear of letting go

- Afraid I can't get it back

- I may need it

- Don't want to deal with it

- Other

What would make it easier for me to de-clutter?

- To know it's OK to let it go

- The idea that I can find it again

- Someone to help me

- A reward system

- A plan I can follow

- Thoughts of being clutter free

- Other

How much time am I willing to commit to de-cluttering?

- One day

- One week

- One month

- Six months

- One year

- However long it takes

- Other

What does de-cluttering represent to me?

- Freedom

- Simplicity

- Excitement

- Work

- Exhaustion

- Confusion

- Other

After reviewing the answers to the questions above, you can easily begin to see what you need to put into action in order to begin taking action toward living an organized life. The easiest way to begin making organization part of your routine is to begin incorporating changes slowly. Create small wins for yourself so you can easily feel a sense of accomplishment and treat yourself to celebrate your win. This will begin creating a positive behavior pattern. In time, organization will become a part of your life, not something that overwhelms you.

Patricia Diesel, The Organizing Expert, is author of A Simple Guide to an Organized life and CEO of Keep It Simple Now. Patricia provides professional organizing and life coaching to individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate arenas. Accomplishments, services, merchandise, and additional information about Patricia can be found at http://www.keepitsimplenow.com.