One Step At A Time

If you feel overwhelmed by a house full of belongings, or even by a room full of belongings (or a drawer or a closet or a corner full of belongings) it is best to remember that any progress is good and that if you find a good home for one item in a pile, you have accomplished something positive. Perhaps you look at the problem area and say to yourself "I don't have time to deal with it today..." But if you look at the problem as a lot of small chores instead of one big chore, it becomes easier to wrap your mind around it. If you can identify categories within a problem pile, it can be helpful to get containers to sort into, label them with the name you choose (ie office, basement, donate, borrowed items to be returned, etc.) If this first step is all you can manage in one sitting, then you have accomplished something positive. Go and take a break, or do some work you need to do. Come back when you have a few more minutes and sort ten things into the containers. Repeat as needed and eventually you will be finished with a corner, a drawer or maybe even a whole room! You will be so happy with your success that you will want to keep going. It doesn't matter how long it takes, it's important that you simply feel a sense of accomplishment.

Here are some thing to consider as you sort:

• Do I use this item regularly? If I don't and I get rid of it, can I rent or borrow one when I do need it?
• If you tend to say "But I might need this someday" consider whether it's is likely you will need it someday.
• If you are saving things for other people because they "might need it someday" try to release this notion. They can take care of themselves, and you need to take care of yourself. Do not be the keeper of other people's stuff. (This goes for the child who graduated from college ten years ago too!)
• If you are cleaning out your clothes closet, nothing can substitute trying on your older clothes. You might think that classic black dress is still cute on the hanger, but nothing tells the truth like putting it on!
• Try to imagine what your life would be like if you didn't have those boxes in the basement with all your old school papers in them. Hmm...it might be the same as it is, but less cluttered. Those papers most likely aren't serving you anymore (if they are, by all means, keep them!)
• Remember - one step at a time. Be patient with yourself and you will see good results!