Many people make New Year’s Resolutions to stop bad habits like smoking,  overeating, overspending, and the like. But have you ever thought about other types of careless habits that actually create clutter, foiling your resolution to “get organized?” Be more aware of these three habits to reduce the clutter in your life: 1. Procrastination
Clutter is created when someone delays a decision about an object or delays an action related to the object. Procrastination is, therefore, at the root of all clutter! Every object you see on the countertop of your kitchen and every piece of paper in your piles represents a delay of a decision or action. Here are some ideas to combat the destructive pull of procrastination:
- Try a “Handle It Now” policy. If it takes less than 2 minutes to do, it’s usually best to do it right now. You can pick up something from the floor, put away a stray dish or glass, or discard junk mail quickly as soon as you are aware of it.
- Time yourself. If there are particular chores you dread doing, time yourself the next time you do them…you may be really surprised at how little time it actually takes. For example, I don’t like folding laundry, and when I found that it takes only about 3 minutes to fold a normal load, it somehow became simpler and easier.
- Catch yourself saying, “I’ll just put it here FOR NOW.” Saying this means that you have just delayed that decision or action! When you catch yourself saying that, immediately decide where the object belongs and put it there instead.
2. Impulse Purchasing
Buying without planning ahead or thinking through the purchase can certainly create clutter in our homes and offices. Plan for purchases by making a good shopping list before going out, and bring with you any information or samples you need, such as measurements or color swatches. Here are 5 questions you should ask before making any purchase: Who can I borrow this from or share this with?
What do I already have that is like this item?
Where will I store this item?
When will I have time to use it and maintain it?
Why do I need this item? 3. Saying Yes When You Should Say No
If you are like many women who have the “disease to please,” it can be difficult to say no to requests for your time, money, and energy. Try using the powerful phrase “I am unavailable” when you need to say no, as it does not require any explanation. They don’t have to know that you’ll be in a bubble bath! Always remember the value of your time… unlike money, you cannot ever get it back. Have a better 2008 by replacing these clutter-prone habits with positive and productive ones. As John Dryden said, “We first make our habits, and then our habits make us.” Lorie Marrero is the Chief Executive Organizer and founder of Living Order, a regional organizing service business, and the creator of ClutterDiet.com®, an innovative new membership program to help busy people get organized online. |
