Clear Your Clutter - 6 Simple Steps to Clear Your Clutter

1. Set realistic expectations. De-cluttering can take a lot of physical and mental energy. It may be unrealistic to conquer your project all at once. Be gentle on yourself and recognize that your project may involve multiple phases.

1. Have the necessary supplies on hand. Once you start organizing, you don't want to interrupt yourself to hunt for supplies. Having everything on hand will make it easier to stay focused. Supplies you might need include:

1. Determine where to dig in first. Even if your entire home or workspace is an organizational disaster, you need to start your organizing crusade somewhere. Here are some pointers:
   • Which area or room bothers you the most?
   • Which area will have the biggest impact on your life?
   • What embarrasses you most when a visitor comes to your home or workspace?
   • What small area can you start with, so you can get quick results?
2. Avoid meandering as you organize. Break your organizing project into sections - bookshelves, closet, desk, etc. - and focus on organizing each section completely before you move on. If you zigzag around the room, it will be difficult to work systematically and see your progress. Here's a tip: Cover everything (except your current project area) with a bed sheet so you won't be distracted!
3. Chip away at it. If you get tired or lose focus, it's time to take a break. If you've concentrated on one area, it should be easy to pick up where you left off. And don't be afraid to ask for help if someone else can help you quickly wrap up the project.
4. Stick with it. I've found that, like many self-improvement endeavors, people often start off gung-ho with getting organized, but soon other things in life get in the way of completing the project. There's nothing more frustrating than a half-done organizing project! Therefore, consider scheduling weekly organizing sessions on your calendar. This way, you make a commitment to yourself to stick with it and get it done.