I wish I was born a neat person, I’m a clean person and I value excellent hygiene, but I’ll confess... I’m a hoarder AND I can be somewhat untidy at times... My hubby is the exact opposite to me, he is fanatical about neatness and at times, I have driven him to the edge. Did you know that when you leave your shoes at the door, you are required to put them together neatly and out of the way....well that’s how Mr J does it! I usually burst into the house after a hard days shopping and the first thing I want to do is throw off my shoes. I know that they will land somewhere nearby, I know they will end up near the door, somewhere. It’s not like I’m going to lose them or anything.
My wardrobe is quite a mix-match of items, whatever I wore last goes back in at the end of the other clothes (or wherever I can fit it). Mr J’s wardrobe is sorted into shirts, trousers etc. All the hangers face one way (not kidding) and where possible ...they are even colour coded (true). When he opens the bathroom cabinet door I often hear a little “tut tut” his disappointment in me is palpable. So I must de clutter my life!
This is not easy for me. Where do I start? I must find a way!.
A surprising side affect to de cluttering was a clearing of the mind, when I got rid of all the junk....my mind became uncluttered too - or maybe that was my guilt complex...anyway, I feel so much better now in my new neat life! I even put my shoes together neatly at the door....am I at risk of becoming a Stepford Wife?
This is how I tackled the job. Good luck with de cluttering your life, let us know if you have some better ideas or hints about getting organised so that we can share them.
Start With a Plan
Decide what you want to use the space for and how to best utilise that space.
Set a Deadline
Decide what goes and what stays – IF IN DOUBT THROW IT OUT
Tackle Your Wardrobe
Only keep the clothes that you have worn in the past 6 months – don’t keep clothes that are too small. Throw out clothes that are worn (sorry, even if it’s your favourite jumper). Get rid of those clothes that you brought on impulse and have never ever worn – because you will never ever wear it.
Throw out shoes that are not worth repairing and throw out shoes that have been “out of fashion for 10 years”.
Time To Work On Your Drawers
Please let go of those old undies – you know the ones....the comfy ones that have a tear in the lace or the elastic has no more stretch – TOSS EM!
Have you got a drawer full of bras that no longer fit – they may be pretty, but sorry....TOSS EM!
Get rid of anything else that you know you will not wear over the next 6 months.
Make- Up Doesn’t Last
For those of you that have had the same eye shadow for the past 2 years (I’m guilty) it’s past its used by date. Oh, and that old mascara! No...they don’t last forever. In fact, old mascara may cause eye infections... buy a new one tomorrow.
Wash all of your brushes, sponges and powder puffs.
Throw out all those lipsticks that don’t really suit you.
Make sure your foundation colour matches your skin tone – remember your skin colour changes with the seasons.
Check all of your lotions and potions to make sure they are still fresh – if not...TOSS EM!
Bathroom Cabinet
This is where you really have to get rid of everything that you can no longer use. How long have you had those products? How many years?? TOSS EM!
TACKLE THE HOUSE (you knew you had to get here eventually)
Go back to the plan
Complete one room at a time.
As you sort through your valuable and not so valuable possessions– play your favourite upbeat music to keep you motivated. Pour yourself a long glass of iced water to keep you hydrated – you will feel good about yourself.
If you find this task really frightening – pour yourself a glass of wine! You will still feel good.
Decide which of the 3 categories you will place your possessions in; Keep, Throw out or Sell. Consider organising a garage sale or hire a stall at the local flea market. If your unwanted items are valuable, you may consider advertising them on a website like EBay
Remember the old adage, “Your trash may be someone’s treasure”.
Once you have the room sorted, move on to the next one.
Remember if you can’t repair it – TOSS IT!
If you follow these hints on de-cluttering your life – you may thank me when you make good money at that garage sale!
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