De-cluttering is it mental or physical?

It's that time of year again out with the old in with the new. New York organizer Barbara Reich answers an interesting question:

Q What’s the first step in de-cluttering? Is it mental, or, physical?

A

The first step in decluttering is mental. You need to make up your mind that you’re ready to do it. It’s like someone going on a diet; telling a person not to eat doesn’t help. A person will only lose weight when they make a decision to change the way they eat. Decluttering is the same. The physical effort is less of a leap than the emotional/mental component.

New Year's Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

One of the most common New Year’s Resolutions is to get organized.  Yet, it’s easier said than done, and getting organized can be a tall order.  But, what if you could get organized in 5 minutes or less each day?  Here are my top ten organizing resolutions you can actually keep:

1. Memorize the credit card number you use most.  You’ll be amazed at what a time saver this is.
2. Register online with the Direct Marketing Association’s registry to keep junk mail to a minimum. Less paper clutter means less stress.
3. Throw out any markers or pens that are out of ink…at work and at home.
4. Throw out any mismatched socks.  If the mate hasn’t shown up yet, recognize that it’s probably long gone.
5. Throw away all expired medicines from the medicine cabinet.
6. Throw away all expired foods from the refrigerator.
7. Discard all of the unimportant receipts cluttering your wallet.  Let’s face it; you can’t return the Starbucks latte, so why hang onto the receipt?
8. Say no to the request that’s causing you the most stress. You don’t have to be a martyr.  Save your time and energy for things you really want to do.
9. Make your bed every day.  Your room will look neater, and you’ll start your day feeling calm and collected.
10. Throw away that box/bag of wires/chargers that’s been collecting dust in your closet for years.  If all of your electronics are functioning, there’s nothing there that you need.

I have used this local firm : Organizers NW and had great success.
If you need help refining your decor contact: Kimberlee Jaynes