How to deal with clutter!

Clutter has been a growing problem in the lives of many people! Many of us have ineffective methods to cope with clutter, and we don't realize the drain it puts on our internal and external resources.  So, what can we do about it?

We can use articles, books, and websites devoted to the "how-to" of dealing with clutter. One excellent source is Karen Kingston who is an international best selling author and clutter clearing expert. We especially like  her best selling book, "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui."

In this book, Ms. Kingston defines "clutter" as:
*  Things you do not use or love
*  Things that are untidy or disorganized
* Too many things in too small a space
*  Anything unfinished

This definition is a bit more complicated than the dictionary definition of "a crowded and untidy collection of things." Do you feel that decluttering is a daunting and impossible task? If so, take it "one bite at a time." Actually, getting out from under clutter doesn't have to be complicated and involved. We believe the best approach to dealing with clutter is to simplify (not clutter) the process.

Break any seemingly impossible task into more manageable steps. Take a simple approach to dealing with a complicated task.

So how do we deal with the clutter in our lives?

 According to Dr. David Kantra, don't make it too complicated.  Just two steps really:

1. Make a concerted effort to stop adding to the clutter you already have.
2. Break any project or task into more manageable steps.

Although simple in theory, this approach works.  Whether we’re talking about cleaning out the garage,  organizing your desk, writing a book, or losing weight, the process is the same…break the task into smaller, simpler steps.

For example, if your project is to clean out the garage, the steps may look like this:

• Step 1: Set a start date.
• Step 2: Divide the garage into 3 or 4 separate areas.
• Step 3: Get the materials you’ll need to begin (i.e. trash bags, boxes for contributions or garage sale items, etc.).
• Step 4: Start on area 1 and divide out things to throw away, things to donate, things to sell, and things to keep.
• Step 5: Clean area 1.
• Step 6: Start on area 2 and do the same.
• Step 7 on: More of the same until the project is finished.

Source...
Take pride in each step you accomplish…it’s another step toward reducing the clutter in your life.
Follow these same seven steps for the other areas of your home, office, and other areas of your life that need to be purged!

When our surroundings are cluttered and disorganized, we tend to feel burdened and uncomfortable.  Clearing your external environment of unused and unwanted clutter, and sorting through the accumulated mess around you, will psychologically help you attain a healthier live style and live a happier life.

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