Opportunity to Clear Clutter, Fall

Fall Inspiration
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Fall is here and it brings an opportunity to clear clutter from our lives as there is a natural shift in routines, activities, clothes, even food as the weather begins to change and daylight hours shorten. This change in season encourages us to take some time to contemplate and review what things are working for us in our lives, schedules and spaces, and what things are not. This is an opportunity to embrace growth and change.

When you look at your life do you find areas that are stagnant? Spots where things just sit, no movement, no growth, no awareness of what is even there? Like old boxes piled up in the corner, is your mind filled with thoughts that no longer serve you? We sort and purge our spaces to bring back fresh energy and life. This technique is also useful for our minds. Take a look at and get rid of what you are holding onto that is not useful, like negative thoughts, old ways of doing things, old ways of looking at yourself or the world. Decide what thoughts to keep and what thoughts to purge.

Once the old has been cleared from your mind you now have space available to set new goals. You can see where you are. This is an important step that can allow you to see the direction you want to take next and allow you to clearly visualize the road ahead of you and your end result.

Clearing clutter from your mind to open yourself to new possibilities can be freeing, just as clearing the physical clutter in your space is freeing. Many times after working with a client to de-clutter I hear comments about how they feel so much lighter, a weight has been lifted and they feel free. Clients breathe a sigh of relief at being able to see the the top of their dresser, or they are thrilled to be able to walk into their closet, as the floor is now clear. They are amazed at the new space they have found, and how this change in their environment lifts their mood and gives them a feeling of hope and renewal. They feel relieved!

Making a shift and clearing the clutter from our minds or our spaces alters our perspectives and our moods in ways we do not expect. Whether you start with changes in your space or you start with changes in your mind the important thing is to start! Use this change of season to spark a change in your life!

Organizing Supplies Can Become Clutter Too

Clutter is anything in excess, more than you use, or have adequate space for. Even items meant to contain clutter can become clutter as you keep buying, to solve the problem. Items such as containers, stacking drawers, totes, bins, expanding file folders, trays, etc. do not create space or clear clutter but can serve instead to hide the issue. Buying supplies helps us to feel like we are fixing the problem. We are doing something, expending energy and taking action. Is it the most effective action though? Much like buying work out clothes will not get you fit, buying organizing supplies will not get you organized. You have to do the work of sorting, purging and organizing to effect a change in your surroundings. You have to break a sweat!

After you have done your organizing “workout” and shed some of the “weight” of your excess you can see what you actually need, as far as supplies. Now it may be time to purchase new. Below are some helpful tips to use when you are ready to purchase those new containers for your space.

Container Tips:
Use what you already own first.
Measure and consider the container sizes needed before you go shopping.
Keep containers uniform for each area you are working in.
For storage items, buy clear containers so you can see what is inside.
Label all containers, label them uniformly and place labels in the same spot on each container (upper right hand corner, for instance).

To get yourself started or to keep yourself going on any of your organizing projects consider getting the help of a Professional Organizer through Open Space Organizing. We can help you with any project, big or small. Contact us today for a consultation! 630-453-2582

Change is an opportunity for growth.

Change opens you up to new possibilities.
Change can be frightening, exhilarating, overwhelming or a mix of all of these.
Change is inevitable.
Even when you don’t decide, you decide!

Organizing and decluttering is all about making changes, positive changes, in your space.
What do you want to change? What do you need to change? What are you ready to change?

Here are some TIPS that can help you to embrace your change process:

1. Just start wherever you are. That you start, is more important than where you start.
2. Stay focused on the present. One step at a time, leads to the next step and helps you travel down the road.
3. Keep it simple.
4. Avoid over-thinking, or complicated solutions.
5. Be brave and ask for help as you need it.

As a professional organizer, I help busy people declutter and organize their homes, offices, schedules and lives. I can help you to navigate change by developing new systems and new habits to let go of what is no longer working or useful in your life and your space.

What are you waiting for?

Contact us, Open Space Organizing, at 630-453-2582 and start your positive change process today!