Almost everyone would agree that they have too-much-stuff. That too-much-stuff disease has swept the nation. Even with the economy in a downward spiral, we’re still struggling with all this stuff.

 

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Sometimes, people will really go out and splurge. If you think that means buying more stuff, you might be right. But in some cases, it means buying an even bigger home to have more room for the stuff they do have.

In today’s real estate market, shopping for a bigger home to hold all your stuff might not be the wisest move. Instead, you need to make good use of the space you do have. That means making wise decisions about what to keep, what to get rid of and how to keep the rest. It means getting organized.

Today, when you walk into that cluttered room or closet, don’t get frustrated. Instead, take the time to ask yourself some smart questions. Asking – and answering – these smart questions will help you make wise decisions one piece of clutter at a time.

Why do I need this?

Take the time to verbalize this answer. There must be a reason or it would be senseless to keep it.

Where would I use this?

Often we have things but we simply don’t know where to find it. Witness the number of trips made to a home improvement store. Put the item where you would use it.

When do I need it?

Be specific. If you find yourself saying “But I might need it someday” then out it goes.

When did I use it last?

If it is that long ago, it is time to part with it.

Am I saving it for someone?

If so, give it to them now. Let them deal with it.

Am I making excuses for it?

If you are saying BUT I could fix it if I got on EBay and found parts, BUT I only need a red shirt to go with it, BUT it was Great Aunt Minnie’s toaster, then let it go.

When you have worked through those questions, and still find the process difficult, there are two more tips you can turn to.

What is the worst thing that could happen if I didn’t have it anymore?

 

You may realize that you could rent one, borrow one, get a copy from the accountant, get it at the library, wear a different shirt or watch a different video. Or, you may indeed realize that it is a one-of-a-kind irreplaceable thing and then you have your answer.

Finally, if you are still stuck, follow this procedure.

Pick up that item and hold it in your hand or place your hand on the item. Then, out loud, repeat the following “I love you. I couldn’t possibly live the rest of my life without you in it.”

If you can say that out loud, with a straight face, and mean it, then you get to keep it.

© Lea Schneider, Organize Right Now LLC, 2009. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

 

About Lea Schneider

Professional Organizer Lea Schneider’s organizing advice has appeared in Woman’s Day, Natural Health and Better Homes and Gardens Kids’ Rooms magazines. She is the Grand Prize Winner of the Rolodex Office Makeover Challenge. Her team of professional organizers, at Organize Right Now, provides organizing assistance through her Organize Online program. She is the author of Growing Up Organized: A Mom-to-Mom Guide. Learn more at www.organizerightnow.com.