Image credit: mylocationscouts

Relax. Enjoy the clutter.

Sometimes the little cluttered things is what makes a house a home. For as long as the clutter isn’t a danger to others, relax for awhile. There’s a difference between a stuffed toy thrown on the floor versus a stuffed toy nestled beside your Grandma’s antique lamp in the hallway. There’s a difference between the book your teenager has left on top of the kitchen table versus an empty tub of yogurt left on the counter.

Sure, there’s a fine line. It’s really up to you whether it’s classified as homey or clutter. Just remember that you aren’t perfect. Your kids aren’t perfect. Your home isn’t perfect. Sometimes it’s the little things here and there that give our homes personality and warmth.

Post from: Blisstree

Enjoy the Clutter

In my failure to accomplish the big task, however, I learned something. When it comes to clutter, small steps are equally as effective. For example, while I didn’t organize the entire house, I did organize my bedroom. I got rid of clothes I didn’t wear, and organized drawers so now everything fits very nicely in. Now, when I do go in that room, I feel a sense of peace and accomplishment. (Whereas before I would see the messiness of things and feel overwhelmed before I began.)

Now, just seeing the one part of the house I was able to organize has inspired me to keep going. I don’t feel as if “the whole house is a mess” anymore. I like the idea of tackling one spot here and there. It will fit better into my busy schedule than just trying to cram everything into a Saturday afternoon.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Small Steps to Being Clutter Free

Check out this quote: “Everything in life is imbued with energy. Our clutter is no exception. Clutter blocks the flow of positive energy into our life.” I believe these words. I feel them. When my house is organized, I feel more positive about life.

Not everyone looks at it this way, of course. My husband doesn’t! haha (Isn’t that always the way?) But to me, feeling more positive gives me just enough of a push to look at the day with optimism rather than dread.

This weekend is one I’ve looked forward to for quite a few weeks now. I have made time to clear the clutter. All those piles will be gone! Some will go to Goodwill, others to Half Price Books. Some will go into the garbage. When I’m done, I know I will get a sense of accomplishment about the days ahead that I haven’t felt in quite a while.

How do you view clutter?

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Clear Out the Clutter for Wellness

Did you know that how you manage your inbox says a lot about you? For example, “…if you keep your inbox full rather than empty, it may mean you keep your life cluttered in other ways,” says psychologist Dave Greenfield, who founded the Center for Internet Behavior in West Hartford, Conn.

Often, I would walk by someone’s desk and notice that he or she seemed to have thousands of unanswered e-mails. I can remember feeling inadequate; as in–I’m not important or popular enough to be getting all of that mail.

But then I realized that those with the over-stuffed inbox could be “e-procrastinators”…making the decision to deal with old e-mail tomorrow or the next day…similar to those who leave bills unopened for months and months.

I answer every e-mail — that may have to do with my need to be liked. I also have a very neat in-box…because I can’t bear chaos and clutter. (why then is my sweater drawer in such disarray?)

Regardless of what type of e-mail profile under which we fall, the bottom line is that an organized inbox can only help our productivity.

Here are some logical tips from organizational experts: Marilyn Paul, author of It’s Hard To Make A Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys, a book for the chronically disorganized, says –

• Pare down an inbox by moving e-mail into folders by need or follow-up
• Once a week, set aside time for inbox housekeeping
• Use the inbox alphabetizing feature, which organizes all e-mail by sender (I’m trying that one immediately)

Christina Cavanaugh, author of Managing Your Email: Thinking Outside The Box (heh, I get it…) says:

• Simply delete the oldest 9,000 notes (9,000! who has that many?)

When you think about it, if you compare your in-box to your kitchen, would you want all of that garbage lying around?

Good luck and sometimes, just say no…and don’t answer your mail.

Material compiled from Wall Street Journal article.

Post from: Blisstree

E-mail Housekeeping.