If you’ve been stuck at home with your children, spouse, and others during the pandemic, then you may BE feeling a bit crazy due to the clutter. Studies by the University of New Mexico and South Carolina have shown that clutter in your home creates havoc for your mind.
“All of a sudden you feel your home is enemy territory, rather than a place of respite,” Janet Keller, owner of JanetOnTheSpot (JOTS) said. “Decluttering and organizing your space can give you peace and help you regain your sense of well-being.”
Tips to Declutter/Organize:
1. Define and write down the Project areas —name each space to be decluttered individually, such as garage or hall closet, instead of “declutter the house.”
2. Get an Accountability Partner—get a friend or family member you can give updates to as you work through the process.
3. Dress appropriately—wear comfortable clothes, but make sure to have closed-toe shoes.
4. Set a Time Limit—for example: begin at 9 a.m. and take two 15-minute breaks and a 1/2 hour lunch. Stop at 5 p.m. This helps you realize it is a work project.
5. Make Yes/No/Maybe Signs—put the signs in boxes or just use them to make piles as you begin the process of going through your things.
6. Take “Before” photos.
7. Get Started—turn on some music, but leave the TV and cell phone for later. Select one corner of the space and work your way around it. For closets and smaller spaces, you’ll want to take everything out and only add back items you will use.
8. Group Items Together—whether it is family board games or clothing, group similar items together. Subcategories can then be created such as solid-colored Summer dresses, print Summer dresses, etc.
9. Inventory Donations and Deliver—if you plan to take a tax deduction for donated items, then inventory them in advance. Download and print IRS Tax Form 8283 as well. Take the items to the charitable organization and get their tax receipt.
10. Take “After” Photos and celebrate!
Janet reminded viewers that if family members are helping, be sure to give them manageable and well-defined tasks. An example would be, “try on all of your shoes and put the ones that fit on the lower, right-hand shelf in your closet. Bring the ones that do not fit to me.”
Sound overwhelming or too difficult? Janet suggests you contact a professional Organizer/Declutterer.
You may contact Janet by going to her website at:
www.janetonthespot.com