Managing Clutter

by Maria Gracia http://www.getorganizednow.com/

When dealing with clutter, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I need it? / Is it essential?
• Do I love it? / Does it enhance my life?

The memories associated with some items can be more important than the actual objects. (Now that is a good point. Do I do that? Hmm.)

• Try this: Take pictures of the items to make into a scrapbook. It will keep the memories alive while allowing you to let go of the items.

Organize a space in your house for items that you want to let go of. Use bins, boxes, or bags to hold items

• to give charity (Good Will, etc.)
• to recycle
• to give away to specific person or organization
• to sell

Everything needs a home. Every time you acquire a new item make sure it has a home in your house.

• Try this: When you bring in something new, take out something old. Otherwise, you are accumulating. Unless accumulating is your goal (e.g., newly weds), you should strive for balance or reducing/simplifying.

I WANNA MARRY A LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER
(Erika Eigen)

I wanna marry a lighthouse keeper
and keep him company
I wanna marry a lighthouse keeper
and live by the side of the sea
I'll polish the lamp by the light of day
so ships at night can find their way
I wanna marry a lighthouse keeper
won't that be ok
we'll take walks along the moonlit bay
maybe find a treasure or two
I love livin' in a lighthouse
how 'bout you
I dream of livin' in a lighthouse baby
every single day
I dream of livin' in a lighthouse
it's the white one buy the bay
so if you want to make my dreams come true
you'll be a lighthouse keeper too
we could live in a lighthouse
it's the white one buy the bay
eh hey
won't that be ok
ya da dada da