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Lkunkel
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 9:01 am
Pamy: You're welcome! I'm plugging away on boxes, still; but I'm getting rid of a lot of "stuff." How to know you are hopeless: the professional declutterer doesn't show up for the free initial consultation.
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Happymom
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 11:17 am
I haven't been here in so long! Thanks to everyone for every tip!
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Zules
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 12:37 pm
Hi all - Didn't know where to post this but I thought this might be a good spot. My sister's New Year's Resolution is to stop procrastinating. Does anybody have any good resources for her "disease"? Thanks!
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Lkunkel
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 12:53 pm
Zules: Is she procrastinating about one thing in particular, or all things in general?
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Zules
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 1:06 pm
Hi Lkunkel! My poor sister, it's everything! She's been like that for as long as I can remember. I've watched her do something, let's say prepare dinner for example, and it takes her 10 times as long as it should because she stops to do a bunch of other things in the middle. Consequently, she's got a bunch of unfinished tasks and another bunch of things that need to get done that she never even gets started. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Lkunkel
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 1:23 pm
Zules: If she has a computer, have her check out Getting Organized Saves Time and FlyLady. If she DOESN'T have a computer, then get her a New Year's gift of Sink Reflections and How to Be Organized in Spite of Yourself: Time and Space Management That Works With Your Personal Style. This is, of course, assuming that she DESIRES the help. It's hard to make someone else get organized and develop time managment skills. Unless, of course, you work through the material yourself, and ask her to help you and be your time management partner. <g>
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Zules
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 1:39 pm
Thanks Lkunkel, I'll pass all that along to her. I'm only asking because she called me over the weekend and said "HELP! I need to stop procrastinating!" I can't really help her hands on because she lives in California and I'm way over here on the other side. I'm sure she will get much of what she needs from your sources, the rest will be up to her. Thanks again!
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Dipo
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 1:48 pm
Darn LK, I was really interested in hearing what the professional organiser had to say.
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Lkunkel
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 1:55 pm
Dipo: Me too. I assume it would be something to the effect of: get off your butt and do it....only a whole lot nicer. Zules: Okay, if she asked, that's half the battle!
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Zules
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 2:29 pm
Lkunkel, it's hard enough to change things about myself, let alone worrying about somebody else! Shoot, if I spent time doing that, I'd never get anything done either! Have a good night, I hope you feel better!
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Lkunkel
| Monday, December 29, 2003 - 4:45 pm
From Piles to Smiles™ Tip of the Month: January 2004 Make This Year's Resolutions Stick Here we are again: the beginning of a new year when we traditionally resolve to change and improve our life. Unfortunately, we tend to start the year with plenty of enthusiasm and determination, only to lose momentum as the year rolls on. Here are some tips that will help you set realistic New Year's resolutions, and help you keep those promises to yourself:- Set just a few goals--quality is better than quantity. Otherwise, you'll be pulled in too many directions, and won't be able to focus on achieving your objectives. And make sure that each goal isn't too big--you may initially be motivated to achieve a large goal, but may lose momentum when the reality of what you're trying to achieve sets in. Break your goals down into small pieces, and aim to achieve one bit at a time. You might even choose to set monthly goals, rather than goals for the entire year.
- Don't set goals designed to motivate you to do things you don't like--you'll just be setting yourself up for failure. Your goals should be designed to genuinely help you improve your quality of life. Make sure each goal is in keeping with your personal values and mission in life, and doesn't conflict with other goals. For example, if your goal is to earn more money, it may conflict with the value you place on spending time with your family.
- Write down your goals. Place these written goals in a separate section of your calendar or planner, or in another place where you will see them each day, such as on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror. By putting everything in writing, you are making a commitment to yourself to follow through, and aren't leaving things to chance. And by having reminders posted where you're likely to see them, you'll keep your goals uppermost in your mind.
- Spell out how you'll achieve each goal. This is the most important part of the initial process. Without this step, you'll only be stating your desired endpoint, with no road map of how to get there. Write down each task or step that will lead you to achieving each goal. Be specific, and include measurable ways to track your progress, as well as a timetable for each step. For example, if your goal is to be healthier, you can specify that you will receive an annual physical by the end of the year, and exercise at least three times a week, starting immediately.
- Be flexible. Just because you may not carry out the desired activity one week, or aren't moving towards your goal as quickly as you'd like, don't be tempted to give up on the goal altogether. Accept the fact that some days are better than others and resolve to make tomorrow a better day. Think of each day as the first day of the rest of your life.
- Tell others about your goal. Your spouse, friends or co-workers may be great allies in helping you reach your goal. Their support may provide you with additional motivation. Showing others that you can achieve what you set out to accomplish is also a great motivator.
- Schedule time on your calendar to work on the tasks that will help you achieve each goal. Otherwise, you may find that you never make time to achieve them. If you find you aren't making progress towards a goal, remind yourself why that goal is important. Try to determine whether you are letting less important activities get in the way. If so, let go of the things that aren't important, and schedule time on your calendar now to move forward on your priorities. If there are other reasons you aren't moving toward completion of a goal, re-evaluate how much of a priority that goal is versus other things in your life. Say "no" to people and projects that divert you from your goal.
- Be sure to celebrate the achievement of a goal. Although its achievement is its own reward, be sure to give yourself the credit you deserve for making it happen. Treat yourself to something that isn't a part of your daily life, such as an hour of quiet reading time, a massage, or a special, yet inexpensive gift.
Best wishes on achieving your goals this year. Remember that your focus should be on making your life more meaningful, not necessarily on making it more productive. Copyright © December, 2003 by Sue Becker, From Piles to Smiles™. Reprint permission granted in whole or in part when the following credit appears: Reprinted with permission of From Piles to Smiles™.
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Lkunkel
| Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 4:50 pm
50 Ways to Manage Your Time by Barbara Collins-Myers 12 Top Time Savers 1. Reserve an hour each day. Close your door, turn off the phone and concentrate on priorities. It's amazing what you can accomplish in one uninterrupted hour. 2. Write it down. Making a master list of everything you need to do will de-clutter your mind and reduce your stress level. Each day, move a few of these items to your daily to-do list. 3. Keep a running list of errands to do. Group them together by location and do everything at once. 4. Delegate! Taking the time to teach someone else to complete a task for you will ultimately free up your time for more important things. For one week, analyze each thing you must do and ask yourself, "Am I the person who must do this or should I find someone else to do it?" 5. Develop forms. Is there a sales letter that you write every week? Make a master on the computer. Think about things you do daily and ask yourself if there is a way to standardize them. 6. Make a list of things you can do in five minutes or less. (Examples: write a note to a friend, straighten a drawer, make a quick phone call) The next time you have a few minutes to spare, choose something from your list to do. 7. Prioritize, Prioritize! It is better to accomplish three very important projects in a day than it is to finish 20 low priority tasks. Think about this as you plan your days. 8. Stock up on supplies. Keep the basics such as stamps, envelopes, notepads and favorite pens in your desk and ready to go. Buy in bulk to save money and time. 9. Keep a reading file. Place in it, letters, memos, reports, newspaper articles (cut out from the paper), magazine articles (removed from the magazine), etc. When you are stuck in traffic or sitting in a doctor's office, pull out your file and read something meaningful to pass the time. 10. Do like tasks together. Make all your phone calls together. Run all your errands during lunch hour one day per week. Write thank you cards to customers once a week. Have a daily, 15-minute meeting with your assistant. 11. Reduce interruptions. Have everyone in the company learn and use these time-saving tips. Some businesspeople put a flag on their door or their cubicle when they are not to be interrupted. 12. Get organized! You can save an hour per day by de-cluttering and organizing your desk, your files and your paperwork. Organize Your Desk in 8 Steps 13. Start at the beginning. Remove everything from your desktop. Put back only the necessities and keep a large clean space for current projects. What are the necessities? Phone, notepad, calendar, step file organizer, current project. Keep the cutesy items in sight but off your desk. 14. Place your phone. Place your phone on the left side of desk if you are right-handed and on the right if you are left-handed. 15. Keep a spiral notebook by the phone for messages. Start with the date each day. By doing this, you will have reference info when you need it. 16. Keep or delete? If you use something every day leave it in your desk; if you use something once a week, you should be able to reach it from your chair; if you use something once a month keep it in your office or work area. If you use something less than once a month, keep it elsewhere. 17. Look for ways to daily improve your life. I Need More Time offers various organizing services and products to help you have a better quality of life. 18. Keep your office supplies in one drawer. Keep only the supplies you use frequently in your desk. Do you really need 25 pens and 15 packages of salt? 19. Sort through your desk files. Keep only personal files and files that you refer to weekly in your desk drawers. 20. Look around. End each day (or at least each week) by tidying up your desk and returning everything to its place. (Yes, everything should have a place.) Dealing with Paper Overload 21. Read with a highlighter in hand. Highlight any actions required (due dates, appointments, etc.) or important information as you read your mail, reports, articles. 22. Keep a file of quick tasks--catalogs to review, short articles to read, forms to sign--and take care of them while you wait for something to print or a meeting to begin. 23. Sort through large paper piles efficiently. Sort them: priority mail, junk mail, magazines, bills, etc. before acting on any of it. 24. Deal with paper as you receive it. On an everyday basis, go through your mail, in-box, e-mail, etc. and sort into the following files: trash/delete, to do, to file, to read and to delegate/refer. 25. Establish a place just for paperwork. Keep it accessible and free of clutter. 26. Make a holding file. Use it to store information when you are awaiting follow- up from someone. If you need to follow-up with someone, mark the follow-up date and name in your calendar with an (H) after it. 27. Schedule a certain amount of time everyday. To keep up with your ever-growing paper piles, set a time each day, without interruptions, to process. 28. Use a master list. Get rid of those small slips of paper and sticky notes that accumulate on your desk, in your car, on your computer, and add all information to your master list. Review it daily. 29. Think about it. As you go through your day, really think about the way you do things and ask yourself if there is a better way. 30. Utilize lists. Keep running lists in your planner or in a notebook of the following: gift ideas, ID numbers, books to read, clothing needs, web sites to review, general ideas, etc. Filing Pointers 31. Make a list of your current file headings. Can you delete or combine any? If a file is over 2" thick, break it down into sub-headings. 32. Start each file heading with a noun. E.g., not "house insurance" but "insurance: house." 33. Think about where you would look to find a certain piece of paper. That should be its file heading. 34. Keep an alphabetized list of all your file folders. Attach it to your filing cabinet for easy reference. 35. Buy a step file organizer for your desk top. In it, place files labeled "to do," "to file," "to read," etc. Other options include: "e-mail to send," "to enter (computer)," and reference files for associates, employees, spouse. 36. Keep any current project or work in progress in your standing vertical file. Out of sight many times means out of mind. 37. Treat your computer files (especially e-mails) like paper files. Delete if possible or separate into "folders." 38. Remember this rule: The important part is not how you file but being able to find what you want when you want it. Managing at Home 39. Make a phone binder at home. Include in it: phone numbers, emergency information, schedules and take-out menus. Keep it by the phone. 40. Take some time out on Sunday. Make sure everyone in the family has five clean, pressed outfits for the week ahead. This will save many headaches during the week. 41. Make a menu once a week. Then make a grocery list and go through your coupons. Go to the grocery store at an off-peak hour. 42. Make each family member responsible. Have everyone put away their own clothes and belongings each night. Even a toddler can throw clothing in a hamper and help clean up toys. 43. Store items where they will be used. Keep one extra set of sheets in each bedroom. Buy a pair of scissors for each room. 44. Buy work clothing in 3 or 4 colors only. Almost everything will go together and you'll feel less stress when dressing. You can still be colorful on the weekends. 45. Make a gift wrap center. Buy a large, clear plastic container and fill it with wrapping paper, scissors, tape and ribbon. Keep it stocked. 46. Make a commitment. Take a walk for five minutes today and every day. You'll find that it is a great tension reliever and many times, you won't stop after five minutes. 47. Make a bill paying center. Buy a clean plastic shoe box and place in it your checkbook, a pen, address stamp, envelopes and stamps. Throw in bills as they arrive. 48. Buy a small hook today. Screw it into the wall next to your door at home. Always place your keys on it when entering. 49. Don't be afraid to get rid of things. If you don't love it or it's not useful on a regular basis, why keep it? 50. Keep your clutter if you love it--just find ways to work around it so you can still be organized, productive and efficient. Copyright 2001-2003 Barbara Collins-Myers. All Rights Reserved. About the author: Barbara Myers is a professional organizer, author and speaker. Enjoy free tips and articles to help you take control of your time by organizing your life. Visit I Need More Time
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Allietex
| Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 12:27 am
I finally found the answer to decluttering. Move. After trying for 30 years to get my house organized, I recently moved. I threw and gave away a lot of stuff, and acquired a two car garage. My house is nice and clean and organized for the first time in years. I am able to clean and keep it that way. Hope it continues. Know everyone can't do it this way, but hey, it worked for me. LOL
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Allietex
| Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 12:29 am
Meant to add, that just before I decided to move, I read a great book called Clutter's Last Stand. Can't remember the author, but it was great. It was very humorous, so it was not boring to read and it gave great tips on decluttering you life.
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Lkunkel
| Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 2:07 am
Allie, the author of Clutter's Last Stand is Don Aslett. It is actually the first of five books on decluttering by Aslett. The others are: Not for Packrats Only: How to Clean Up, Clear Out, and Live Clutter-Free Forever, written in 1991; Don Aslett's Clutter-Free!: Finally & Forever, The Office Clutter Cure: How to Get Out from Under It All! both written in 1995; and Lose 200 Pounds This Weekend, written in 2000. There are others that are out of print, but I haven't read those. I am happy to say that I decluttered those books to a friend <g>! Moving did help us start to declutter. In moving from a 2-story 1800sq foot house, plus garage and 3 off-site storage units to an 855 sq foot apartment, and the elimination of the three storage units, DH and I have cleared out over 13 tons of stuff. All that remains are the 24 boxes that are still in the apartment, but I am making great progress on getting this stuff sorted and handled. Unfortunately, a lot of it is paper and not 3D objects, so it goes a bit slower as I am trying to handle it now once and for all rather than shoving it in a "paperwork" box. But I will get it done, and finish my household inventory as well.
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Lkunkel
| Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 8:36 am
Tomorrow--January 2--starts the two-week orgy of SuperFling Boogie. Is anyone interested in doing this Fling with me? My goal is to get through the remaining boxes of 3-D stuff the first week, and paper the second week. The slogan for this year: Less is More in 2004. Now is the time to fling--before succumbing to the on-sale clutter bunkers. Please join me? How to Declutter by FlyLady Taking 15 minutes each day to declutter an area, using the 27-Fling Boogie, and clearing your hotspots are among some of the most powerful tools you can use to create a more peaceful home. Remember: You cannot organize clutter - you can only organize the things you love! I've included my tips on how to declutter. Put your home on a diet. If this is difficult for you, try reading one of my favorite books, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston. When to Declutter: Decide how often you are going to declutter a zone. Do a little every day - use a timer. But be warned - this can become compulsive! Once you get started you will want to clean like a banshee! Don't burn yourself out! Only do small amount at a time. The house did not get dirty overnight and it will not get clean overnight. When you set the timer you can only do two sessions at a time. This goal may seem unattainable right now, but you can do it in little pieces. In a couple of months, the whole house will be decluttered. Decluttering Equipment: You will need garbage bags, boxes, magic markers, and a dust rag. Label the boxes "Give Away", "Throw Away", and "Put Away". Line the "Throw Away" box with a plastic garbage bag. Set your timer: for 1 hour (or 30, 15, or 10 minutes - it does't matter how long). Just do the job as fast as you can and do not pull out more stuff than you can put away in that length of time. This means just one drawer, one closet (or even one shelf in one closet), one magazine rack, or digging under just the furniture in the zone. Not all of them at once! Start at the entrance to the room: Then, work your way around the room clockwise. Do not skip a spot. Whatever happens to be next, just do it. Declutter Away! With boxes at your feet and dust rag in your waistband, start off by cleaning out and getting rid of the things that do not belong in this room. Put garbage in the "Throw Away" box, donations in the "Give Away" box, and stuff that goes somewhere else in the "Put Away" box. Don't worry that you do not have a place for everything right now. By the time you finish you will. That's a promise from FlyLady! What to declutter? Things to ask yourself as you get rid of your clutter: - Do I love this item?
- Have I used it in the past year?
- Is it really garbage?
- Do I have another one that is better?
- Should I really keep two?
- Does it have sentimental value that causes me to love it?
- Or does it give me guilt and make me sad when I see the item?
Cleanse this room of everything that does not make you SMILE. Sing this song: "Please release me, let me go" as sung from the stuff's point of view. It needs to be loved by someone and if you don't love it - GET RID OF IT! Get rid of the garbage! When the "Throw Away" box gets full, pull out the garbage bag, close it, and put it in the trash can, the pickup truck, or wherever you keep your garbage. Put a new garbage bag in the "Throw Away" box and keep on Flying until the timer goes off. Donations: When the "Give Away" box gets full, seal it off, and put it in your car. The next time you are out, you can donate to the area thrift shop. Do not save your clutter for a yard or garage sale, you will be blessed by giving it away. The value can be deducted on your income tax. Remember you are trying to get rid of clutter - not relocate it somewhere else in your home. Now, grab another box, label it "Give Away", and get back to work. "Put Away" Stuff: When the "Put Away" box gets full, take the box in your arms and run around the house (good thing you have shoes on - right?) and put the items in the room where they belong. If they have a place, put them there, if not put them in the room where they logically belong. By the time you have finished you will have a place for everything and everything will be in its place. Timer Goes Off: When the timer goes off, you have to put away all the boxes, but first you have to empty them all. Go as fast as you can.
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Kady
| Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 9:56 am
I have been reading this thread and decided that one of my New Year's resolutions was gonna be to declutter my house. I haven't figured out what my approach was gonna be yet. I know the first room I want to work on is my son's room. He is 12 years old and wants to get rid of the little kid look in his room. His drawers and closet is crammed full of sentimental items. I don't think I will do alot of throwing away in there but I do know I need to get things boxed up, labled and put in the attic. His room will be the hardest but I know if I can get it done, I will be inspired to finish the whole house.
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Lkunkel
| Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 10:32 am
Kady: At 12, he's old enough to be a part of the process, and old enough to resent you making the decisions for him. Is there any way you can work on his room together? Consigning his stuff to the attic just moves the problem--but doesn't face it.
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Kady
| Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 4:22 pm
Lkunkel...you are so right about him being old enough to help in the process. I know he will not want to get rid of anything so maybe I could give him some space and say you can keep whatever you want as long as it fits in that space. Do you think that may work? The stuff I was gonna put in the attic were books he has outgrown. Some stuffed animals, some games and a few well made toys. My MIL held onto some things that had belonged to my DH and passed them on to my son. He got a kick out of reading books that was once his Daddy's.
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Lkunkel
| Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 5:00 pm
Kady: I would. Perhaps it's time to get a sturdy banker's box from Office Max and give one to him to decorate and fill as a "memory box." Let him decide what of his treasures he wants to keep and let him enjoy the process. Remind him too that gently loved toys can be donated to facilities for children in need--and you might even want to let him go with you to take them to the donation place. As for the stuff you want to store, make sure you pack them well. I'd definitely get some of those silicon packs to toss in with the books. Also, look into plastic to protect them from "varmints" and weather.
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Kady
| Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 5:18 pm
Thanks for the suggestions. I am as bad as he holding on to stuff. When we moved in this house four years ago we threw out so much. But it is amazing how much we have collected over a four year period. Any suggestions on how to not throw things into a drawer because you may need it later? I am so bad about doing that. I do the same thing with clothes. I keep things thinking it will fit again one day or I may need this to paint in. I need to break my bad habits of holding on to junk.
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Lkunkel
| Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 5:36 pm
Kady: Well, a couple of suggestions... 1) Don't throw things into drawers, period. Figure out what belongs in the drawer, and make sure it has a home. 2) Put things you aren't sure about in a box with a label of when you put it in the box--or fill a whole box with a date. If you pull an item out, then it's obviously something you use. If you don't, then after 90 days, donate the whole thing. 3) Keep one outfit to slop around in--painting, gardening, etc. 4) Keeping clothes more than one clothing size smaller is silly. You pass up the chance to buy something in style when you lose the weight! (Speaking as someone who has gone from a 28/30 to an 18/20/22 depending on cut, I have some hand-me-over clothes that I received to wear as I lose [of course, the shorts that are a 20 will be too large by summer...]. BUT, I am getting rid of the clothes as soon as I grow out of them.) Consider borrowing the Aslett books from the library (if you buy them, it will be clutter eventually) and start working through them. This is something that you can teach by example, and save your future DIL a whole lot of frustrations!
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Lkunkel
| Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 9:59 pm
Okay, tomorrow marks the start of Flylady's Super Fling Boogie. This decluttering session will run from tomorrow, January 2nd through January 16th. I have decided that I will get rid of the remaining clutter between now and then. My motto for the next two weeks: Out of Clutter, Find Simplicity. From Discord, Find Harmony. In the Middle of Difficulty Lies Opportunity. --Albert Einstein (Three Rules of Work) Decluttering Projects: Boxes, Flat Surfaces. Getting Started. To get started, I turned to the basic ideas on Barefoot Homemakers: De-cluttering is something that you can, and should, do on a regular basis. But whether you're doing it for the first time or on a seasonal schedule, here are some things to consider. Use three bags or boxes. Before you begin decluttering, get three bags or boxes to sort your things into. One is for items you want to sell, either at a yard sale or through other means; one is for things you want to give away, either to family or friends or to your favorite local charity or donation center; and the third one is for trash. You may want a fourth container for things you discover that belong in another room. [My comment: I will actually have four boxes (to sell, to donate to Deseret Industries, to shred, and to other places/people) and a BBB (big black bag).] Pick a place to start. It doesn't matter where you start to declutter, but being systematic about it can keep you from back-tracking or having to handle items multiple times. Take a walk through your home to decide what area you want to tackle first. For some, the public areas of the house are a logical place to begin, especially if you'll be having house guests soon! For others, dresser tops or kitchen counters are a good beginning point. [My comment: Do I start with the house proper, or with the boxes? Do I start with the primary eyesore, or work my way up to that room? Decisions, Decisions....] Decide what to keep and what to get rid of. This is when many people get stuck - making the decision to get rid of something rather than keeping it. We like to apply a couple of concepts in deciding whether to keep something or not. First of all, how long has it been since you've used it? Does it have sentimental value? Does it fit? How much would it cost to replace the item should you need it next week, next month or next year? Is the item in need of repair? Will you repair it? If you get stuck and absolutely cannot decide about whether to keep or get rid of something, you may want to put it aside in another box, and then if you haven't used it in six months, consider getting rid of it. [My comment: Therein is the difficulty: sticking to it. I will set my time for 20 minute blitzes. I can do anything for 20 minutes, and then I will spend 10 minutes playing on the computer--and begin to declutter my computer files. Hmmm...wonder if there is a conversion for KB to pounds?] Dispose of your clutter as quickly as possible. Once you've cleared an area of clutter, clearly mark your bags or boxes and put the one marked Trash right into the garbage. Put the box for donation into your car to deliver to the charity of your choice or call for pick-up. For those items you plan to sell, go ahead and mark prices on those for a yard sale, and set aside those for online auctions to prepare for listing. And don't forget to put away the things that you found out of place! [My comment: I will definitely take the trash down immediately; the call to Deseret will wait until the the 15th/16th; I'll also be calling US Shred to have them come and pick up the shredding so it will get all done at one time (and not by me three sheets at a time). I will take one blitz time (20 minutes) after 3 blitzes/breaks and empty out the to other places/people box.] Tomorrow, then, on January 2, I will tackle boxes and vacuuming/dusting/MCLing the bedroom. I will post a project progress report tomorrow evening.
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Kady
| Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 11:04 pm
I'll fling with ya!! Actually I have to work tomorrow so I will get a late start and I better begin with something easy. I will begin in my bathroom. It will be easy cause I will only need two boxes in there...throw away or keep and put in the proper place. I will be able to get rid of partial bottles of lotion, shampoo, old makeup and other junk that I know I'll never use. I would like to get some plastic containers at the $1 store to hold the things I would use if I could find them.
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Lkunkel
| Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 11:19 pm
Kady: Scroll up and reread the info on decluttering the bathroom. Make sure you measure the stuff you want to store too. I set up a plastic shoebox sized box for both DH and me that holds our extra "personal" supplies (shaving lotions, soaps, razor blades, etc.) I also set up one for feminine supplies, and one for health related things (bp monitor, thermometer, etc.). I didn't realize how handy it was until we had a leak and everything stayed DRY. It was also easy, once the apartment complex plumber got there to pull out 5 plastic, lidded, labeled boxes to give him entry to the pipes. (A plus: since everything was neat, HE put the stuff away for me.) Just measure and take the measurements (and measuring tape) with you when you go to take advantage of the storage bin buys. (Most of the containers you'll want will give a cryptic X-liter capacity...not LxWxH info.) I look forward to reading about your progress tomorrow! (And, if you are going to report to FlyLady, keep track of the pounds of stuff you toss!)
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