Aloha,
If you would like to LISTEN to this article, click here. Have you been meaning to go through that stack of boxes? How many times have you mentioned that you want to turn your spare room back into a usable space instead of a storage shed?
Did you put 'filing that pile of papers' on your to-do list months ago and still haven't gotten to it?
One reason your organizing projects never get done may be because you picture yourself slogging through box after stack after pile all by yourself. It doesn't have to be a solo affair. Maybe you need to make your organizing time a more social occasion and more fun.
Many clients have mentioned that when they were growing up or had a family of their own, the whole family would spend time cleaning the house together. No one was relegated to doing the work by themselves. Think of how you can enlist everyone in organizing and maintaining. Make sure to plan a reward for those who participate, including yourself.
If you live by yourself or have found organizing with your partner to be more stressful than it was worth, you can still make organizing a more social activity;
Ask a friend to help. Set the ground rules before you start and let them know exactly how they can help keep you focused. A friend could help by: - sitting quietly with you as you go through your things. Just having another person present in the room can be a tremendous help in staying focused.
- reminding you to keep going through the box or stack instead of getting side tracked by an item you've found.
- asking you questions to help you make the decision of keep or let go. Questions such as: When was the last time you used/needed it? What's the worst thing that could happen if you let it go (and is that as terrible as you thought)? If you keep it, how will you find it again? etc. More questions to ask.
- sorting the items into categories for your review & decision.
- being an accountability buddy. You could do this in person or check in with each other via the phone, email, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Then cheer each other on.
If you feel you couldn't impose on a friend, think of what you can trade for their time. Or maybe they need a clutter buddy too. It's often easier to help someone else get organized since you don't have the same emotional attachments to another person's items as you do to your own.
Hire a professional. When a friend or family member is involved they often bring their own attachments, judgments and opinions and, though their intention is to help, this could cause conflict and result in you giving up. A professional organizer or coach can be a good solution as their role is not to make the decisions for you but to provide a supportive and encouraging environment in order for you to let go of the things that no longer reflect who you are today.
If you're ready to enjoy your spare room again, clear away those boxes of papers & things, or just clean out your inbox, I can keep you company, keep your focused and keep you on track. Call me at 808.969.3800 or email me at dhucks@dhucks.com I can help over the phone (almost anywhere), as well as in-person (for Big Island residents only).
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| Wrapping Paper Needed | |
| My BNI (business networking) group is planning a gift wrapping booth with donations going to a local charity this holiday season. All details are still being worked out but we know we will need holiday wrapping paper. If you live on the Big Island and would like to donate open or new roles of holiday gift wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, or tape, please call me at 969.3800 or email me at dhucks@dhucks.com. |
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