Clutter usually isn't about clutter.

Hi everyone. I think like most issues in ones life the symptom is but a reflection that something else is going on.  Clutter is not always about the clutter.
I have worked with folks who have so much clutter they cannot see their floors, tops of tables nor the back of the closet.  The clutter is just the result of something else at play; depression, shopaholic, ADHD, grief and many others. The main thing I hear from folks is; I don't know how it got this way and I do not know where to start. I like to start at why someone has so much stuff? Are they shopping as an escape, do they forget what they have at home when out shopping, do they think if they have a lot of things they will feel better? Each person has their own reasons and it is up to a professional organizer to find out the whys.  Once we know why we can address this issues.

Folks that have ADHD will need to make a commitment to changing how they do things; ie. use a timer when cleaning up and/or have someone with them when cleaning so when they get side tracked they can be reminded where they were working and why. Someone with depression needs to take on 20 minutes at a time and try their best each day. You will be surprised how much can get one in 20 minutes. If someone is grieving and wants to hold on to all their loved ones belongings yet have no space for them all we can work on how we can honour this person; make a picture collage, create a shadow box of treasured items that hold greater meaning and display it.

People tend to attach emotions and memories to items. I am here to say your memories will always be with you about your loved one, keeping their items in boxes stored in your attic/basement or garage is not honouring them. Without us realizing it, having boxes of items in our house causes stress; when will I get through those boxes and display some items, those boxes will be left for family to go through when I have passed I feel bad about this, I am not honouring my love one with boxes stored away I am a bad person etc.  These ideas are floating in our minds whether we are aware of them or not.
If you can relate to what has been written above, make a change today! It does not have to be all or nothing, just one small change: go through one box, de-clutter for 20 minutes a day, have someone you trust help you go through items you find it hard to part with, call a professional organizer to support you with your changes.

It is ok to have things, but when your things take over your life and space there is a problem. The clutter is a symptom not the real issue at hand.

It's Time for the Holidays...

For most of us the major Holidays are coming, Christmas and Hanukkah!!  It always seems to creep up on us doesn't it?  Let us change it this year.
To get ready for and organized for the holidays there are a few simple things we can do:

1.  Make a list and check it twice; Have a list of all the people you need to send a card to and another list for those you buy presents for.  Write down how much you plan on spending on each person and what you want to buy them.  Take this list with you when you go shopping, this will help from impulse buying and overspending your budget.






2.  Check to see that you have all the dishes/napkins/table decorations/candles for the season for when you are entertaining.  If not make a list of what you need and purchase them now, trust me most dollar stores have started adding their holiday item



3.  Make sure you have a calendar handy to plan when all your holiday get-together's are so you can keep track of them and to be sure not to double book yourself.

4.  I know you have all your wrapping paper all organized and easy to access, if not now is a good time to get all these items together and see what you need; tags, tape, wrapping paper, bows, ribbon etc.  Make a list and purchase what you need, sooner than later so you have a nice selection to choose from.




5.  If you are entertaining make a list of people you are inviting and invite them.  This way people can plan ahead for their get together's.  You can always create an e-invite to send to people, or actual cards in the mail or a simple phone call.  I know texts are the way most people communicate nowadays but they are also easily forgotten. Be different, make your invite memorable.

These are the small simple things you can do over the next 2 months to make the holidays more organized and less stressful for you and your families.

What do you do to get ready for the holidays??