Now that South Florida’s snowbird season is coming to a close, we have the opportunity to clear the clutter, wash the windows, dust off the baseboards and simplify our home design.
Clutter Clearing? Any time we find ourselves overwhelmed by TMS* (too much stuff), it’s high time to take some action. But how? When? What if…? These questions suggest we aren’t clear about the process of organizing, decluttering and designing your home with feng shui flair.
Let me then share with you my proprietary process I call the S.M.A.R.T. System to home organizing. This system is time tested and works for beginners and seasoned organizers alike.
1. S = Start Simply, Simply Start. When beginning the process, you’ll have greater success by “tackling” a simple area, NOT necessarily the most daunting home area. Simple suggestions include the laundry room, a bathroom drawer, a single countertop. In this way, you will find quick results, early success and build momentum towards the next simple area. Getting started… that is the key.
2. M = Mindset. Creating a home environment for decluttering begins with a healthy mindset, creating a “CAN DO” attitude. Mindset establishes a “good vibes” context for the task ahead. So, go for it… put on some favorite tunes that inspire you, wake you up, and get you moving. Then, make a favorite beverage, hot, cold or otherwise, pour yourself some love. Finally, wear comfy clothes and closed toe shoes for protection from falling items. A positive mindset is like a “spoonful of sugar” as shared in the Disney classic, Mary Poppins.
3. A = Action. At some point, you get to take action. Here’s my technique for success. First, get your supplies ready. Black garbage bags available for discards, trash. White kitchen bags for soft goods donations. Paper towels or rags, Windex or other general dust and grease remover. Then, once properly prepared, you can begin the action steps of clearing the countertop of your targeted area. Followed up by a cleaning of the surface, and then DELIBERATELY placing a minimum number of items on that countertop. Less is more on the countertops, whether in a bathroom, a kitchen or a desk, clear the top completely, clean, wipe down, and reconfigure.
4. R = Reuse, repurpose, recycle. While clearing clutter, you will find items that may be out of place, do not fit, or otherwise would be more efficient in another location. Every time I clear the clutter for my clients, I see opportunities to open space for more energy flow (feng shui chi) and find that by simply repurposing or reusing your own furnishings, bins, organizing boxes, you’ll create a “better way” to display or store your belongings. Of course, a top tip for recycling is to make charitable donations of your unwanted, unneeded clothes, shoes, purses, kitchen gadgets, books and more. Others who can use a helping hand up can greatly benefit by your gently used items that no longer serve you.
5. T = Transformation. By following this S.M.A.R.T. System, the end result of clearing the clutter is transformation. That’s right, TRANSFORMATION. You will feel physically more capable and comfortable. You will feel lighter in mind and spirit. You can now focus more, do more, and take on those more exciting projects that really get you motivated.
Finally, packing, moving, and unpacking is a daunting process. We, at A specialize in senior care and move management services. Need a helping hand? A guiding light? A concierge that helps with every step of the move management process? Look no further than A Clutter Clearing. We are passionate about clearing clutter, organizing space with a feng shui flair, and having you achieve your home design goals with alacrity, efficiency, and compassion.
Until next month, Happy April, and may your home become the sanctuary you’ve always dreamed of.
Clear the Clutter… Clear the Mind™