Space Treat: Feeling out of control?

Seems like everyday while organizing with clients, they share that the main reason for getting their home organized now is that it does in fact give them a real and reassuring sense of control in these uncertain economic times. And that although there are many things out of our control at the moment, that creating a home that is calming and supportive is at least one area they can control (and it happens to have many side benefits).

Things are stressful enough out there, your home doesn't need to contribute. I absolutely agree with my clients' sentiments: This is the perfect time to organize your home. So keep the following in mind when starting the process: While things feel uncertain in the world, it may be tempting to hold onto things in your home even though they no longer suit your needs or fit your lifestyle.

More and more I'm finding big bins of "stuff" that were once intended for donation are now waiting around to be sold on E-bay or Craig's list. This is all well and good and I'm totally for everyone making some extra cash off their things but what I'm actually seeing is these bins are just adding to the chaos. Because of the economic climate, there seems to be an increased fear of giving away something that has monetary value, so instead, we're holding on to these items with intentions to sell. Emphasis on the word "holding" and not selling. In a sense, the stress of the original clutter has just been traded for the stress of the new consolidated bin and the procrastinated action of posting and selling on-line. Is this the case at your home?

So, say you're going through your closets and every time you go to eliminate something you stop because you've just computed that this scarf, this radio, this toaster-oven cost you money and hey, now you deduce you're throwing out money. Equating clutter for money limits your ability to get rid of old clutter that is no longer serving you.

Clutter has the potential to be money only when:
• You still have the receipt.
• The "return by date" has not expired.
• You actually get around to selling it on-line in a timely fashion.

I say "potential" because this involves actually doing something about it, not just thinking about doing it and not procrastinating another seven months.

You have already spent the money and no matter how long you hang on to this item, no matter how deep you tuck it into the closet, it's not going to miraculously turn itself back into money.

The only miracle that's happening here is you doing yourself a favor and moving it out. Donate it - someone else could start using it today! And you could use the increased peace of mind at home!

Space-taculary,
Erica
www.TheSpacialist.com
212.924.4383

Posted March 5, 2009, filed in Clutter Control Products, Living Simply, Clutter Hacks