Even the best of us have trouble controlling our clutter. If your home is a bit on the disorganized and disheveled side, chances are that your junk has a negative impact on your frame of mind. However, this doesn't mean that your house has to be immaculate! Even the messiest of us will admit that we feel much calmer when our stuff is in a somewhat organized state.
In most cases, the fault lies squarely on our intrinsic need to hoard everything. We'll keep the tiniest scrap of paper because we're convinced that we might need it eventually. Does this sound like you? You're not alone. It's perfectly understandable if you have an emotional attachment to all your stuff, but it's also important not to let all your possessions over-run your life! Here are some tips to de-clutter your space AND your mind:
Try to open your mail every day, or at least on a regular schedule. Not only will this help you to pay your bills on time, but it will also decrease the amount of papers that accumulate on your counter.
Shred all papers that have your personal information on it. This includes junk mail. This way, you'll have a smaller pile of information to tackle.
Don't procrastinate! Once you look at a bill or important piece of paper, take immediate action.
Keep an updated calendar / to-do list. This will help to avoid missed appointments and generally keep you on-task.
Let your computer do the hard work for you. Paper is so passé and NOT green. If you can keep files on a computer, do so! It will spare you so much space. Of course, you should save and backup all important files that you put on a computer.
The fear of throwing things away is what really holds us back from getting organized. Hold on to necessary documents, like certificates, deeds, licenses, and passports, but think if you REALLY need to save that piece of paper. If you haven't looked at something for months, chances are that it's not that essential. Most importantly, don't get overwhelmed! Pick smaller tasks-such as focus on organizing one room or even one drawer-and work from there. Happy sorting!
