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[G183]Get Rid Of Stuff
by Gabriel Adams, Gab

If you're not careful about periodically removing kid toys and games from the home, you could easily find yourself hoarding literal piles of this stuff as if they were precious metals. This goes for kids clothes as well, which wouldn't be such an issue if they were being used. The problem is that oftentimes, they haven't been used for years. Toys get broken, games miss pieces, and clothing no longer fits. Yet year after year, these items seemingly stake a claim in the home as if they're part of the family tree.

What is it about these things that make them so hard to get rid of? Is it their nostalgic value? Do we actually believe that one day, we'll fix those broken toys? Is anyone else in the house convinced that we'll really replace the tokens in our favorite board games? And what about kids clothes? We might be able to persuade ourselves that those old hand-me downs will come in handy by the time the second generation family rolls around. But is there any guarantee that this generation will even want to wear them?

Yes, it's hard to get rid of some personal items. They remind us of good times, children's laughter, or maybe they remind us of the first day that our children step foot in elementary school. But if you're craving a more efficient lifestyle and more living space the way that most of us are, you're going to have to head to clutter court and divorce yourself from the things that are no longer applicable to your everyday "modus vivendi."

Take the toys and games that are no longer functioning to a recycle center, and pack up the clothing for a charitable function. Your closets, drawers, garage, and basement will thank you!


It's probably taking up more than physical space, how does it make you feel emotionally - overwhelmed, frustrated, disorganised, even lethargic?

Step 1 - Get Ready.

Create a list. Go through each room in your home and make a list of all the areas, drawers, cupboards that need clearing. Sort this into small, medium and large. Pin it up where you can see it.

Step 2 - Get Set.

Get four boxes label them - Rubbish, Charity, Sell, Undecided.

Step 3 - Get Clearing...

Go through each room - take just 15-30 minutes and tackle the small areas first, then when you have time the medium and large areas.

Work on one area each day and tick them off your list. Either put things away where they belong or place them in one of the four boxes. Place the Undecided box in a cupboard, attic or basement and come back to it in six months. If you haven't needed anything in it in that time - throw it away.

Clothing - when did you last wear it, does it fit, do you absolutely love it? Anything you haven't worn for two years - put in a bag and take to your local charity shop. Only buy things that make you look good as you are now - not when you lose those few pounds.

Paperwork "handle it only once" or in reality twice. First when it comes through the door. Is it for action/junk or filing? Action -deal with it immediately or put it an 'action' folder/tray and deal with it in the next 2-3 days. Filing - tackle this on a weekly basis. Junk - straight into the bin.

Reduce the junk mail you receive - ALWAYS tick the box on any form to opt out. Sign up with the mailing preference service to opt out of unsolicited mail http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/.

Magazines - how often do you read them all. Tear out and keep any articles that are of particular interest. Read them as soon as you can. Cancel subscriptions for those you no longer read or value.

Things you no longer use - gadgets, sports equipment, etc., unwanted gifts, impulse buys - things you bought but don't like or don't use. Either sell them, pass them on or give them away.

Decluttering questions to ask: Do you love it? Do you use it? Does it make you feel good? Learn to say no, so you don't clutter up your life with things that aren't important to you.

Get into the habit of setting aside a few minutes each day or a block of time each week to keep areas tidy and clutter free.

To avoid clutter accumulating - when you buy something think first - do you really need it? If you find it hard to let go, each time you buy something new, get rid of something so at least it's not increasing.

Notice how you feel after you've cleared out an area - whether large or small. You should feel a sense of achievement, satisfaction, relief and/or a burst of energy.

Step 4 - Reward Yourself.

Create small rewards for your effort as you go through the process, i.e. buy yourself a new item of clothing for clearing your wardrobe out,

See what you can do to create your own clutter-free existence and see what it brings in for you.

Why not join me for an Integrity Day to help get rid of your clutter.

Copyright 2005: Clare Evans
Article Source : Pg. 5

About Author
Both Gabriel Adams & Clare Evans are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Gabriel Adams has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mobile Phone Reviews, Limousine Service and Entertainment Guide. Once you get rid of the old stuff, bring in the new! |. Gabriel Adams's top article generates over 4090000 views. to your Favourites.

Clare Evans has sinced written about articles on various topics from Body Language, Food and Drink and web development. Clare Evans works with busy, stressed individuals and small business owners to help them plan and organise their time more effectively. Contact her now for more details or to book a free phone consultation.. Clare Evans's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
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