Organize Your Closet!

I was watching the Oprah show when I heard the topic, a subject near and dear to my heart-clearing the clutter in your closet. I immediately grabbed a pen and paper to take notes. I am always on the lookout for tips that I can pass on to my clients. Sometimes, it’s the “same ole, same ole”, other times, I strike gold. Adam Glassman brought home the gold! His tips are practical and very easy to apply.

Purge:
• Anything you do not wear, even if you paid a lot for it
• Doesn’t fit now, don’t wait until you have lost weight, it may be out
of style by then
• Brings you bad memories
• Duplicates

Everything in your closet should bring you joy, feel comfortable and be useful.

When clothes shopping, have a list so that you shop for what you need.

Lurlene Anderson
www.organizeyourworld.ca

Thanks to the A&E series “Hoarders”, there is a growing awareness regarding “Hoarding”. I for one am happy to see this situation addressed. A family experiences many challenges if there is a hoarder in their life. I truly feel the more it is talked about, the greater the understanding and less judgement. Many of us have a hoarder in our lives and we don’t know how to help.

Whether you refer to it as hoarding, excessive clutter or chronic disorganization, there are varying degrees. Hoarding can be temporary. It could be caused by a recent move, death of a loved one, divorce, birth or a toxic environment in your home or work.

A problem with excessive clutter could also be neurological, such as ADD or MS, emotional issues or addiction-there are several causes.

If the problem is severe and you are ready, it is highly recommended to receive therapy before you attempt to de-clutter.

What I do know is outside clutter is an indication or reflection of something going on inside you.

If you have a family member, loved one or friend with excessive clutter you should never nag, criticize, ridicule, judge or clear clutter without consent.

People with clutter issues are everywhere, on your street, co-worker, or boss. They come from all walks of life.

If you have clutter, try not to feel ashamed or judged by your clutter. I know several people who have a closed door to hide clutter.

If it is severe,it is best to seek professional therapy during the de-clutter process as well. And when you are ready to deal with your clutter, choose a Professional Organizer that you feel comfortable with who respects your boundaries and can trust with your purge.

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Public Speaker and Writer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
www.LurleneAnderson.com

Thrilled to join other Professional Organizers for the Great Organizing Getaway

January 25, 2010 is the first day of the Great Organizing Giveaway!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263547322425

New Year, New You!

Free Your Time to meet personal New Year Reslutions

Free your time to meet personal New Year Resolutions
• Start small
• Set attainable goals
• Share your intention; this will help you stick to it
• If you slip up, it’s okay, start again
• Set up a system that works for everyone in the household, make it fun!
How to Purge?
• Is it useful?
• Have you used it in the last 6 months?
• Do you know someone who can use it?
• Donate, donate, donate
Children’s Toys
• Right after Christmas is the best time to purge the toys
• Sort when your children are not home, you should be aware of their favourite toys, if unsure, keep those toys for them to sort
• Throw out all broken toys
• Donate age inappropriate toys and toys that are not popular with your children
Children should always be responsible for putting away their toys before going to bed or when visiting. This will develop a healthy habit.


Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer,
Speaker, Writer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca

Garage Sale

Summer is here! Now is the perfect time to have a garage sale and make cash while getting rid of your clutter. There are many seasoned “garage salers” who are on the hunt for bargains each weekend. Why not consider hosting a garage sale to take advantage of the weather. You will be glad you did. Many people are surprised by the income generated for just a few hours of work.

Be prepared and do not overlook details such as:

Change-be prepared and have fives, loonies & toonies ready to give change

Speaking of change, have a petty cash box or fanny pack to hold your “chi-ching”

Be sure to label all items with price stickers, some shoppers won’t take the time to ask the price-you do not want to lose a sale.

Good luck!

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer

www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca

Hiring a Professional Organizer

Hire a professional organizer with patience & understanding. It is ok to “interview” a professional organizer to ensure you will hire someone you feel comfortable with and you feel is non-judgmental. Some people feel shame in their clutter. It can happen to anyone. Clutter can be triggered by several reasons such as a loss of a loved one, learned behaviour or past crisis, the fears are exaggerated and they need “things” around them to feel safe.

Lurlene Anderson

Professional Organizer

www.organizeyourworld.ca

Yes I am a Professional Organizer

So today I was (again) organizing my paperwork-It always feels great when it's done and I had an "AHA" moment. Even though I am naturally organized, I still have to maintain my own system. All you disorganized people out there, take note, don't feel bad, it is always a work in progress. (And yes, I do have a "junk" drawer...)

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.organizeyourworld.ca