Simplicity Archives - Page 7 of 13 - Cut Clutter With Scissors

Hidden Roots Of Clutter

January 26, 2010 / Janice

Why do we have clutter? That’s a tough question. Sometimes it’s as simple as setting up a system or routine that makes it easy for us to control the clutter. Sometimes it’s as complicated as deep psychological reasons. Since I am not a psychologist (although I did take about 12 hours of psychology courses in college back in the dark ages) obviously I can only help by suggesting systems, routines or simply looking at clutter from a different perspective.

So what are some of the simple hidden roots of clutter and how do you find them? Well, the best way is to play detective.

Do you have a problem with paper clutter and lost bills? It could be because you don’t have a system set up to deal with paper. You need a place to put your bills as soon as your receive them so they are in one place when you sit down to take care of them. No more lost bills.
Do clean pots and pans stay in the dish drainer because the cabinets are so full it’s a real hassle to put them away and then take them out again? The root of this clutter is either too many pans, too little cabinet space, or an inefficient and unorganized cabinet. Figure out the root cause then you can find a solution to change it.
Is the bathroom counter filled with bottles, brushes, razors, hairdryers, etc. because the underneath cabinet is filled with old stuff? Cleaning out the old and unused items can clear up some space. If you lack storage space maybe some baskets or shelves put on the wall can corral some of the items.
Books, DVD’s, toys, and other things are cluttering up the family room. Are there too many items? Too little storage? Inefficient storage? Rarely used items mixed in with daily used items? Again, figure out the root cause then you can find a solution.

Once you figure out the hidden roots of the clutter then you have a direction to help point you towards a solution. Clearing out the old unused items makes it easier to organize what is left. If this is hard for you to do then look inside yourself to see the hidden reason you can’t let go of things. Once you know why then you can start working to change it.

Janice

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

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National Get Organized Month

January 7, 2010 / Janice

January is “National Get Organized Month” according to NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers). Starting out the new year by getting organized is a great idea. It will set up the rest of the year to be a more productive, fun, and happy year.

The hard part is taking the responsibility to get the whole family into the idea and get their help. Do you feel like you carry the whole weight of running the household?

We all live in the house so can’t everybody help by doing their part? Sometimes all we want is for somebody in the house to offer their help without us begging them for it. Other times we wonder if anybody in the house has a clue how much work we do to keep the house clean. But as usual nobody helps or even has a clue.

If the above paragraph sounds like your home, this is the year to change things. You’ll have to set the example and at some point the rest of the family will follow. You might want to have them read the following story. No one seems to be sure of the exact origin so the author is listed as “Unknown”. Many families will find themselves in this story.

“This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.”

Janice

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

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Gratitude List

December 24, 2009 / Janice

This is the time of year where we get so caught up in the holidays that we sometimes forget the little and not so little things in our lives that really matter. The Decluttering/Organizing Tip in this week’s newsletter is to take 5-10 minutes and write down the things we are truly grateful for.

Decluttering/Organizing Tip – Gratitude

A quick way to catch your breath, put a smile on your face, and relax is to write out a Gratitude List.

Gather a pen or pencil, a piece of paper or notebook and a timer (optional). Sit down some place quiet where you can write. If necessary you can go to a bathroom, or even a lighted closet to get away from the hustle and bustle around you.
Set the timer for 5-10 minutes. Write down as many things as you can that you are truly grateful for. Your health, your family’s health, the roof over your head, food on the table, your children’s smiles and kisses, etc.
When you are done writing this list read it over a couple of times. You should be breathing slower now. You should be more relaxed and not sweating about all the little things that aren’t really that important. You should have a smile on your face.
Now go enjoy your family and friends and the holidays. Anytime you start feeling overwhelmed or frazzled, go read the list again. You could even put the list on your fridge or bathroom mirror to constantly remind you of what really counts.

Happy Holidays

Janice

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

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Simplify Your Holiday – Tip #10

December 15, 2009 / Janice

Are you traveling this holiday season? If you are here are a few tips to help your trip be more organized and fun.

Double check the weather of your destination a week before you leave. You may need to adjust what kind and how much clothing you pack. The weather is unpredictable in many areas this time of year.
If you are traveling by plane and taking gifts with you don’t gift wrap them until you arrive at your destination. Security check points may need to see inside the boxes or containers. You can bring wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, and a very small scissors (blades shorter than 4 inches). For more information on what can and cannot be taken on a plane, check out the TSA website.
Just because you are traveling by car doesn’t mean you have to over pack it. You will want to leave room for any gifts you receive.
Make a Travel Planner and write down everything you want to pack and any other information you may need while you are away. Check out this article for more details on creating your own Travel Planner.

Have a fun, safe, and organized trip by planning ahead.

If you have any tips to share on traveling at this time of year please write them in the comment section. Thanks.

Janice

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

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Simplify Your Holidays – Tip #9

December 14, 2009 / Janice

Food is a huge part of the holidays. There’s parties and family dinners along with all the homemade food gifts (cookies, candies, cakes). If you are the one who is in charge of the planning, cooking, and preparing for a party or family dinner then here are some tips to help it from becoming overwhelming.

1. Keep meals simple. Not every dish served at the meal has to be a gourmet delight. If the entree is fancy then keep the sides simple and easy.

2. Make as much ahead of time as possible. You want to be able to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen cooking.

3. Consider Pot Luck parties. Have a horsdoeuvre or dessert party and asks guests to bring their favorite recipe.

4. For a family dinner you can assign a portion of the meal to each person or family. Sharing takes the responsibility off of one person (usually you) from having to do it all. Instead of feeling like just guests they will also feel like contributors.

Remember that people are the most important ingredient at your party or family dinner.