I love to organize! My house is organized, yet every now and then, something needs to be revisited or re-envisioned based on changing inventory or changing interests. I’m great at the upkeep and seasonal purging, but there are times when I know I need to do more, to push myself to get rid of things I’m not using. And trust me….it isn’t easy for me. I pretty much have everything organized, everything in its place and there is space for it. So why would I push myself to get rid of more? The answer is because I need to practice what I preach and if I expect my clients to address the hard stuff, then so should I.
Just because the shelves in the closet are neat and tidy and the bins are all labeled, it doesn’t mean I am using those items. I don’t need them, therefore they are clutter. One part of me says to leave it be, it’s not bothering anyone and not affecting my life in a negative way. But the other part of me, the one that repeats what I tell my clients says things like, “You’ve had those books for years and still have not read the novels, learned sign language or dug a pond and planted a water garden.” She also asks things like, “When was the last time you used a crayon? And how many colored pens and pencils does one woman need. Do you realize that construction paper is so old, that is has faded?”
So the part of me that wants to just leave it be “in case I might need it one day” hires the other part of me who knows what she’s talking about. I set a timer and only let “Organizer Keri” work on those closet shelves. She was right and the result was great! I got rid of things I didn’t need and was not using. And it was all stuff that is EASY and INEXPENSIVE to replace or find info online. There will always be more books to buy or read and there will always be pretty stationery that catches my eye. I had to put on my organizer hat and edit my belongings to make sure I needed them, used them and liked them. Even though it wasn’t crowded before, the extra space is great and the weight of the unused stuff is out of my life!
The lesson here is: even if you think you’ve already purged and that you kept only what you need….look again. Maybe you’re ready to move on and away from more clutter. Maybe you’ve now realized that even though your wardrobe is organized, you still hate lime green and you’re never going to wear those pants. Maybe the realistic you can take over the project and leave the excuse making and sentimental parts of yourself in the other room. Just an idea…..you up for the challenge?
Happy Organizing!
