Create Order: January 2013

Sunday, January 20, 2013

"Stuff Nirvana"

I'm always looking for ways to break the organizing process down into ideas that are easy to remember and understand. That's why my ears sort of perked up when I came across a video on YouTube featuring Andrew Mellen. (see video)

Andrew is described on his website as "The most organized man in America", which made me wonder...is there a "most organized man on the planet?" If so, I want to know about that guy.

I watched the 44 minute video, and one minute later I was on Amazon buying his book Unstuff Your Life. One thing I know for sure about Andrew is that his marketing methods are HIGHLY EFFECTIVE, as I am not normally an easy sell. The tag line on his website, andrewmellen.com, is: "More Love, Less Stuff!" Now, who can resist that? I am hooked.

Andrew has so many great ideas, but my favorite is his "Organizational Triangle" which consists of three rules:

1) One home for everything. This sounds like a no-brainer, but when I thought about it, I realized that I don't always follow this rule. Example: keys and glasses. Need I say more? I'm always looking for them. Once I lost a set of keys because they were in the refrigerator AT WORK. Embarrassing story, but it is true.

2) Like with like. Objects that are similar in form or function live together. Andrew even goes so far as to give preparation utensils and serving utensils separate "homes" in his kitchen, which I greatly admire and would totally do if I had more drawer space.

3) Something in, something out. Genius! Andrew defines "stuff equilibrium" as the state of having only stuff you use or love, and a home for everything. Once you've reached "Stuff Equilibrium", (which I prefer to call "Stuff Nirvana"), you're no longer in the process of acquiring, but are now replacing items you no longer need, use, or love.

Easy, right? Just follow these three rules and your life will be perfect.

Well, okay, not exactly that easy, but if you keep these three rules in mind as you work, it may help you to navigate your journey toward Stuff Nirvana. And if you need help getting inspired or getting started, remember: your friendly professional organizer is just a phone call or an email away.

To find solutions for your organizing challenges,

schedule a free consultation,

or have a conversation about your organizing needs:

Call Linda Palmer
262-784-3957

at Create Order

Home Organizing and De-materializing Service

In Waukesha and Milwaukee WI counties, and surrounding area

createorder.org

email: createorder1@gmail.com

On Facebook: Linda Palmer/ Create Order

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

What Resolution?

Change isn't easy, and if we could do it with resolutions, we'd all be perfect by now! I'm not a big fan of resolutions, having made and broken many over the years, but if you're looking to live a more orderly life, here are some suggestions:

Get rid of one item a day for 365 days. It sounds like a lot, but you might be surprised how easy it is to find things you don't need. Even a broken paper clip counts!
Stop telling people that you need to "get organized." This only reinforces your thought that you're NOT organized.
Make a list of ways your life (inner and outer) would be different without all of the extra "stuff". Read and add to the list on a regular basis.
Daily or weekly, fill a box or bag with items to recycle, throw away, or donate. Schedule a specific time to take donations away weekly or monthly.
Another list: A magic fairy appears and offers to do it all for you, but you have to write down every single thing that needs doing, and order it from most to least urgent. Now, take number one on the list and write down every step she (or he) will need to take to accomplish the task. Do the first step. (for example: Task: Clean out the coat closet. Step 1: take everything out that is not a coat, boot or hat)
Practice some form of gratitude, every single day. Get in the habit of noticing, speaking or writing about your blessings. This will help you realize that you have "enough", and it will be easier to let go of items you don't need. For some tips about keeping a gratitude journal go to : Simple Abundance .
Give some thought to your relationship to your "stuff". Keep a journal or ask a friend for a listening ear (remember, though, no whining or complaining!) Most people say they've acquired so much stuff because they just don't have the time to take care of it, but often behind that there are feelings of loss, sadness, and even anger that we may be avoiding.

Resolutions, dreams, intentions, wishes--whatever you call them, you do have the power to make them come true in 2013, and every year! Here's hoping this year is the best yet for all of us.