October 11, 2007
Tips for Cleaning Out
TIP #1 - ASK YOURSELF THIS: As you're cleaning out, ask yourself this question, "What is the worst thing that would happen if I got rid of this?"
TIP #2 - WHY KEEP IT: If you can't think of an actual situation when you will need an item in the future, why are you keeping it?
TIP #3 - IF YOU'RE UNDECIDED: If you are undecided about discarding an
item, ask yourself how easy it would be to replace the item if you got rid of it
and then needed it again in the future.
TIP #4 - DONATE: Before you throw out those clothes you no longer want or that furniture or computer equipment you're replacing, consider donating them to a worthy cause. People in need get assistance and you get a tax write-off. Consider any charities that may be close to your heart. For information on charities/thrift shops in your neighborhood, go to the Resources/Places to Donate section of my website.
TIP #5 - CONSIGNMENT: Consignment shops split the proceeds of an item sold with the person who brought it in, giving real incentive to keep emptying out those closets. Clothing and accessories should be current, in "like new" condition and seasonally appropriate. Designer labels are of particular interest. Desirable clothing types and policies vary from store to store; contact the one(s) you're interested in for specific details. For information on consignment shops in your neighborhood, go to the Resources/Manhattan Consignment Shops section of my website.
TIP #6 - REPAIRS AND RETURNS: As you are cleaning up, separate out those items that need to be repaired or returned. Schedule a concrete time in your planner to deal with them.
TIP #7 - CLUTTER: Understanding and acknowledging what your clutter is really about - things that no longer interest you, postponed decisions, unrealized goals - moves you closer to dealing with it.
TIP #8 - LET IT GO: Holding on to something you never use just because you spent a lot of money on it is nothing but a guilt-inducing, expensive reminder of a bad decision. Let it go and move on.
TIP #9 - CLEAR YOUR SHELVES: Clear your shelves of books you haven't read in years; CDs you no longer listen to; movies you can't bear to watch again and video games the kids no longer play. Give them to friends or relatives who might like to have them, sell them online or donate them to local charities or thrift shops. The idea is to move them back out into the world and let someone else enjoy them while freeing up your space for other things. For information on how to sell your items on-line or places to donate them, go to the Resources/On-line Marketplaces/Resellers and the Resources/Places to Donate sections of my website.
TIP #10 - NO GUILT: If you have lost interest in a project or task or it's no longer meaningful to you, let it go and don't feel guilty about it. Save your energy for something more worthwhile.
TIP #11 - PURGE: Before you purchase additional file cabinets, file folders, etc., go through all your paperwork, materials and files at least twice a year and purge all unnecessary items. If you do, you'll save yourself money, space and time. Schedule dates and times in your planner/calendar to ensure that it gets done.
TIP #12 - RECYCLE: Go through your reading stack(s) periodically and recycle old newspapers. Also recycle magazines older than a couple of months. Get your planner/calendar out and make appointments with yourself to sit down and do this several times a year.
TIP #13 - JUNK MAIL: Junk mail is more than simply annoying - it also uses valuable natural resources like trees, water and energy. You'll be stopping clutter at its very source if you reduce or stop junk mail and opt out of pre-approved credit card offers. For information, go to the Resources/Reducing Junk Mail section of my website.
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MILLER ORGANIZING. All rights reserved.
14 Stuyvesant Oval
NYC, NY 10009