Keeping Motivated When Clearing Clutter

Tuesday Tip

It's sometimes hard to stay motivated once you begin the process. You spend hours on a box of papers, and think to yourself afterward--That's all I did? I hardly made a dent!

In order to stay motivated, you need to turn your attitude around. Instead of seeing what DIDN'T get done, celebrate what you DID get done.

Look at the pile you finished, and the garbage or donations you generated from the work you did. Maybe you only have one paper bag of papers to shred, or one small box of clothes to donate. Either way, that is one more bag or box than you had when you started.

If you feel you work better when someone is directing you, then hire a professional organizer. Or, if you just need someone to talk to, then have a friend over. The time will go more quickly if you turn the experience into something pleasant.

Also, the decisions will be easier as you progress. There will be more hesitation at first, and more emotional ties to your belongings. But once you start letting go of your things, you will find it easier and easier to place them in the donation pile.

Think of it as a cleansing of the old to make room for your new life.

Conquering the Feeling of Being Overwhelmed

Tuesday Tips

Are you so overwhelmed you don't know where to start? Is there so much clutter that you feel that any pile which disappears would only be replaced by another?

Look around you. If you were to pick one area to start, which would it be? What area would result in the most impact? What area would give you the most peaceful or calm feelings if cleared?

Start work in that area.

Start with one pile on one surface and work until you are done with that pile. Do not go to another pile, even if the decisions become difficult. Work through your emotions, and get to the bottom of the pile.

The result? You will see a surface you haven't seen in a long time.
And that will make you feel good about your progress, and encourage you to continue