Simplify Life
Do you feel like clutter is taking over your life, and sapping your once-great determination to get organized and be tidy? It might seem inevitable that clutter should overtake your space over time – but it’s not! There are things you can do – simple, but life-changing things – that can insulate you from clutter creep. Here are 7 easy ways to arrest the overflow of stuff and keep your life [...]
Aug
It seems everybody wants more time. We read books on getting things done. We stress ourselves out with multi-tasking. We complain to anyone who’ll listen that we’re so awfully busy. And we wish we had more energy. We load up on caffeine and sugar to get through the day. We don’t let ourselves stop for fear we won’t be able to start up again. But there’s a simpler way [...]
Dec
![But I Might Need It One Day! [How To Stop Making Excuses & Get Organized, Declutter & Simplify]](http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/themes/wpremix2/timthumb.php?src=http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Stop-Making-Excuses-Get-Organized-D1.jpg&h=120&w=120&zc=1&q=100)
Can’t get organized? Can’t get rid of clutter? Is it because you’ve got an excuse you can’t argue yourself out of? Maybe I can help. Post your excuse as a comment and I’ll address it in a later post in this series. Excuse #1: I can’t get rid of my stuff – I might need it one day! You know what? Yes, you might. And in that case, one of [...]
Oct
Is a sense of overwhelm holding you back from the life you want? If you often feel disorganized, indecisive, or immobilized, it’s worth looking for ways to make your life simpler. Having a sense of what isn’t for you can be a super-smart way to cut down your choices, save yourself mistakes and feel a greater sense of control and order in your life. Of course, you have to be careful [...]
Jul
![How To Live a Simpler Life: The 3-Cubed Formula [Get Organized Mission #52:]](http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/themes/wpremix2/timthumb.php?src=http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/LiveaSimplerLife.jpg&h=120&w=120&zc=1&q=100)
Wow – we’ve reached Organizing Mission #52! Can you believe it? If you’ve been following along with the missions week by week, you’ll have made enormous changes to your home, productivity and life. You’ll have simplified, decluttered and organized many, many areas. Awesome! In this mission, we’re going to set some resolutions to help maintain the gains we’ve achieved, using my 3-Cubed Formula. If you want to hold on to [...]
The old warning not to burn your bridges is wise. It’s especially wise when it comes to relationships, since there’s little point in leaving a trail of flaming ill will behind you when you leave a job, relationship or dinner party. Keeping your options – and channels of communication – open does seem like good advice. But when it comes to stuff, it can be better to close the door [...]
May
If you can’t get organized because you have more stuff than space, then this mission is tailor-made for you. Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below. If you’re new, you might like to start here -> 52 Organizing Missions. Get Organized Mission #44: Live Within Your Home’s Boundaries Step 1: Make Peace With Your Boundaries (10 minutes) In this step I’m asking [...]
May
![Simplify Your Life – Time [Organizing Mission #42]](http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/themes/wpremix2/timthumb.php?src=http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/SimplifyYourLifeTime.jpg&h=120&w=120&zc=1&q=100)
If your life is overstretched and you feel out of control, then use this organizing mission to cull your commitments. Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below. If you’re new, you might like to start here -> 52 Organizing Missions. Get Organized Mission #42: Simplify Your Life – Time Step 1: Identify Your Time Ninjas (15 minutes) To make the most of [...]
Apr
![Simplify Your Life – Possessions [Organizing Mission #41]](http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/themes/wpremix2/timthumb.php?src=http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/4063918440_ab2307c4f5.jpg&h=120&w=120&zc=1&q=100)
If you feel overwhelmed by the quantity of stuff in your life, then this mission is sure to bring relief. Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below. If you’re new, you might like to start here -> 52 Organizing Missions. Get Organized Mission #41: Simplify Your Life – Possessions Step 1: What Are Your Ready To Release? (15 minutes) Given our ticking clock, [...]
Oct
There are a several ways to approach this, both for you and your partner.
Start by making peace with the fact that you can’t change someone else. In fact, if you push too hard your partner may become defensive, making the situation worse.
Instead, focus on getting what you need (perhaps a clutter-free space of your own?), modeling the benefits of hoarding-free behavior in your own life, and reinforcing positive change in your partner. The first post, below, is about working with a disorganized colleague, but the three tips are equally applicable to living with a stuff-loving partner.
Hoarders on Oprah
Oprah has yet another show about hoarders this week. It got me thinking about the lies we tell ourselves to avoid letting go of the stuff that fills up our homes and lives.
Of course extreme hoarding can be associated with psychiatric disorders. More commonly, though, we justify mounting mounds of matter with the little lies we tell ourselves.
Here are 7 of the most common self-delusions I hear, along with a decent dose of reality.
Sep
Want to simplify your life? Try this Quick Fix: Simplify Your Life Fix #3: Limit Your Hangers Keep just enough hangers for your current closet of clothes. This works best if you’ve already completed: Get Organized Mission #10: Clear Out Your Closet and Get Organized Mission #11: Create Your Wardrobe Wishlist. Now, whenever you buy something new, you’ll have to donate or ditch another item of clothing in order to [...]
Sep
Want to simplify your life? Try this Quick Tip: Simplify Your Life Quick Tip #2: Have a Ready-For-Donation Basket Place a decent-sized box, bag or basket somewhere handy – like on a shelf in a hallway closet or in the laundry. Choose somewhere: convenient – so it’s easy to put things in there out of view – so your home stays tidy. Any time you notice something you don’t use [...]
Sep
When we get down to decluttering, our books, CDs, & DVDs often escape the treatment. Somehow they receive special dispensation. Not anymore! In this mission we’re going to attack these dust collectors – and we’ll be ruthless! Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below. If you’re new, you might like to start here: 52 Organizing Missions. Get Organized Mission [...]
Aug
Want to simplify your life? Try this Quick Tip: Simplify Your Life Quick Tip #1: Abandon ‘Everyday’ Versus ‘Guest’ Tableware When it comes to crockery, cutlery and glassware, forget having separate ‘everyday’ versus ‘guest’ sets. Instead, choose tableware that is: Attractive – so you’re happy to use it with guests Decent quality – so it stands up to regular use Replaceable – so you can easily get extras to [...]
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