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What is Clutter
Recently the husband of a client explained to me the problem with his wife’s wardrobe (4 double built-ins) "Really she just needs to chuck the lot – its all rubbish" Interesting I thought, as the client had said exactly the same thing about her husband’s crowded shed.
One man’s trash is another man treasure? Maybe, but you know it’s clutter for YOU when it falls into the following categories:
- no longer useful to you or your family
- double-up
- gifts you’ve never liked or needed
- unfinished projects that no longer interest you
- memorabilia that no longer has meaning
- outdated or ill fitting clothing and accessories
- broken items unable to be repaired
- items that should live elsewhere
Be Clutter Conscious
Be aware of what you allow into your life. Ask some basic questions"
- Will this benefit me?
- Do I already have one?
- Am I making this purchase simply to ‘feel good’ in this moment?
- Is there something else I need to be doing with this money?
- Is there a place for this item at home?
'Exchange gift lists' are also becoming extremely popular: Special occasions are prefaced by lists to ensure all gifts are wanted and appreciated.
Conquer the Clutter
You will be amazed at the flow-on effect of de-cluttering small areas in your home. You will gain clarity, energy and motivation. Start small. Dedicate 15 minutes per day to a specific area. If you’re serious about de-cluttering ask yourself:
- Have I used it in the last 12 months?
- Am I keeping it purely due to guilt?
- Has it been waiting longer than 12 months to be repaired/returned/modified?
- Could someone else make better use of it than I do?
- Does it add to my life or detract from it?
- Is it relevant to my current lifestyle?
Avoid The Re-clutter!
There are so many different avenues to get the clutter out of your house and life:
- Most importantly, commit to doing it immediately after you’ve de-cluttered.
- There’s no use in wasting all that hard work by leaving three garbage bags full of ‘stuff’ in your hallway for a month. Some great places to get rid of your clutter:
- Online selling sites: www.ebay.com, www.oztion.com.au sellmystuff.com.au www.tradingpost.com.au
- For the environmentally conscious www.freecycle.org.au: a non-profit online community dedicated to reducing landfill with an active Cairns/Tablelands group
- Lifeline or other charities (be aware they need functional, clean items for re-sale)
- Host your own garage sale or donate items to fundraiser sales
- Keep your eye out for car boot sales organised by local schools and community groups
- Host fundraiser “Clothes Swaps”
And if you really have to keep it, but are short on space, locate your nearest storage option at http://www.selfstorage.com.au
Written by Roz Howland and published in The Cairns Sun, 8 August, 2007.
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