I have always loved helping people. It never occurred to me that that was my passion, my actual purpose in life, until this past year.

This year however, I’m going for it. I’m going out on a limb and doing what I know I was meant to do, what I’m good at.

Today I’m letting you all know about my consulting business here on Serene Journey and giving you a feel for what you can expect when you work with me. I’ve done this unofficially for years and I’m now putting some lines around the whole process and taking it live.

Are you ready to take back control?

I’ve worked with a lot of smart, motivated people who simply want to live a simpler, less-stressful, more positive life but don’t know how or where to start. I’ve also work with passionate people who have started projects but are now stuck and need motivation, inspiration and strategies to get them going again and get it done.

Most commonly discussed topics in my consulting sessions:

• Strategies for getting organized at home (meal planning, daily routines, time management and simplifying) and striking a balance between work and home life.
• Create action plans to effectively minimize, simplify and declutter home or office space.
• Overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed by too many tasks or ideas and get focused on setting priorities to get things done.
• Reconciling what you do with who you are or who you want to be. Working through specific strategies to get you feeling better and being happier in your own skin than ever before.
• Developing contingency plans to get back on track when we inevitably fall off the wagon.
• Becoming un-stuck. We all get in ruts (exercise, eating, boredom etc …) and it can be really difficult to break free.
• and more which you can read about here.

We will work together to get you un-stuck, motivated and excited about taking your life in a new direction.

What is consulting?

Firstly, let me tell you what it’s not. My consulting is not therapy and I don’t delve into your past except where it helps us to go forward. It’s not a bunch of happy talk or fluff and it’s not generic one-size fits all advice.

My consulting is to-the-point with no nonsense and it won’t waste your time. My consulting is results oriented and I focus on the here and now as well as the future to get you to a place you’re happier with. My consulting is customized to you. I will work with you to develop plans and tools that are right for you.

Let me be your mentor, your cheerleader, or your sounding board to help you achieve success in your personal life.

What now?

If you’re interested, YAY! I can’t wait to meet you and start working together!, please click here for more information, including packages and pricing.

If this isn’t something you’re interested in right now no worries at all and as always thank you for reading! If at some point in the future you do feel you could use a little nudge you know where to find me!

The way I am introduced to clients is through word of mouth, so if any of the things I’ve described above sound like it could benefit someone you know please let them know where to find me.

Here’s to your success, happiness and a simpler life in 2011!

Photo courtesy of: AmirK

Are You Ready To Take Back Control? is a post from: Serene Journey

Smoothies are really easy to make – great for those rushed mornings when you’re trying to get yourself ready and the kids out the door for school. In our house we occasionally have smoothies for lunch and as snacks later in the afternoon.  Here are 5 of my favorite smoothie recipes. Try a new one out every morning this week if you like it’s an easy (and tasty) way to get you going and out the door fast.

1. Super Simple Banana Smoothie

• 6 ice cubes
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• skim milk to desired thickness

In a blender crush the ice and add the remaining ingredients in order. Start with just enough milk to get everything mixing together. Mix on high for at least 1 minute. Test thickness and add milk as required. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

2. Sensational Strawberry Smoothie

• 6 ice cubes
• 12 strawberries
• 4 Tbsp Vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
• skim milk to desired thickness

In a blender crush the ice and add the remaining ingredients in order. Start with just enough milk to get everything mixing together. Mix on high for at least 1 minute. Test thickness and add milk as required. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

3.  Choco-nut Smoothie

• 6 ice cubes
• 1/4 Cup plain yogurt
• 3 Tbsp Peanut Butter
• about 1 Cup chocolate milk

In a blender crush the ice and add the remaining ingredients in order. Mix on high for at least 1 minute. Add more milk a little at a time if needed. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

4. Strawberry, Banana and OJ Smoothie

• 6 ice cubes
• 1 ripe banana
• 12 strawberries
• 1/4 vanilla yogurt
• orange juice to desired taste/thickness

In a blender crush the ice and add the remaining ingredients in order. Mix on high for at least 1 minute. Add orange juice a little at a time (I start with ~1/3 C and then add a bit more if needed). Pour into a glass and enjoy.

5. Choco-latte

• 6 ice cubes
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 tsp instant coffee (TIP: crush the coffee crystals as well as you can before adding to the blender there’s nothing worse than chewing on coffee crystals in your smoothie).
• Chocolate milk  to desired thickness

In a blender crush the ice and add the remaining ingredients in order. Start with just enough milk to get everything mixing together. Mix on high for at least 1 minute. Test thickness and add milk as required. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

There are 5 easy smoothie recipes that you can easily make before you head out the door in the morning. The oatmeal may sound a little odd but trust me it’s delicious. It adds a bit of texture and thickness and makes you feel fuller longer.

Other ingredients you may want to consider experimenting with:

• almonds, walnuts or pecans
• flax seed
• ricotta cheese
• nutmeg
• other fruits like kiwi, passion fruit, apples etc …
• use coconut milk and pineapple for a tropical smoothie

You really are only limited by your imagination.

Do you have a favorite smoothie recipe? Please share in the comments!

5 Smoothie Recipes – A Tasty Alternative To Toast is a post from: Serene Journey

This post was originally published in December, 2009.

The humble Christmas stocking, a very fond memory of mine and a tradition I grew up with. Every Christmas morning my sisters and I would wake up far too early and raid the stockings that Santa had left for us. There was always really neat and interesting stuff to be found and two things that were always there without fail: a candy cane and a Christmas orange.

It was the best. There was never anything really expensive or elaborate but it was just so much fun. This is a tradition that we are keeping strong with our kids and I hope they will develop fond memories of their own.

Despite this being one of my favorite family traditions, it’s something I have the hardest time doing. What do I put in them?

Over the past couple of years I’ve kept adding ideas to a list to help me out each year when I’m a little low on inspiration. I’ve now compiled my list into the ULTIMATE stocking stuffer guide.

I’ve separated the stuffers into 7 categories which include:

• Beauty
• Gift Certificates
• Snacks
• Crafts
• Practical
• Toys
• Miscellaneous

A few ideas you’ll find inside are as follows:

Foot lotion
Perfume
Cologne
Scented hand soap
Hand sanitizer
Trial size toiletries
Massage
Taxi vouchers
Bus or train tickets
Jar of honey
Microwave popcorn
Jerky
BBQ sauce
CD
DVD
Magazine
Fabric
Book light
Gloves
Scarf
Sushi set
Apron
Candles
Sewing kit
Picture frame
Brag book (photo album with pics already in it)
Bubbles
Travel games
Cards
Figurines
Skipping rope

So keep your loved one in mind when you’re filling their stocking this year. Make them personal and you don’t need to spend a lot of money. Get creative and have fun.

You can download the complete version (pdf) of the Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Guide here or by clicking on the the image under recommended resources on the right.

Photos courtesy of:

Stocking: massdistraction

The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Guide is a post from: Serene Journey

This was originally published in April, 2009.

Getting bogged down with stuff? Me too. It’s no secret that I love simplicity, decluttering and organizing but I’m by no means perfect in any of these regards. In fact things are starting to pile up around the house and I feel that there is stuff everywhere. But I’ve accepted that these things come and go in cycles and require periodic reworking.

I love getting rid of things either through donating, recycling or, if there’s no other option, just throwing it out. When I donate something I love the thought of my tiny treasure maybe helping someone else. I also really like all the space it creates when the item is finally gone. I feel like I can take a deep breath, I’m more relaxed and the world is right again.

If you’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the stuff piling up around you then join me in a purge this weekend. It won’t take long, it won’t hurt and it’ll be just a tiny step closer to where you want to be.

7 things. That’s it. It’s totally up to you which 7 you want to start with. Here are some ideas that you can use to inspire you to get started.

• Papers. Recycle, where appropriate, fliers, computer print-outs, brochures, old magazines, scrap papers, lists, manuals, news papers etc. If you have a pile of papers in the corner of the room somewhere now is the time to get rid of it! If you can easily come by this information again toss it and with the vastness of the internet there should be very little that you actually need to keep.
• Medicine and cosmetics. Medicine does have an expiry date. Take a minute to go through your medicine cabinet and purge all expired pills, cough medicine, ointments, make-up, and creams. If you have expired prescription medication consider taking it to a pharmacy to have them properly disposed of.
• Clothes. With summer just around the corner now’s a great time to go through all your winter clothes as you get ready to put them into storage. If those jeans are too tight, you don’t like the way that shirt fits then donate it to your local thrift store. There are many people that could benefit greatly from your generosity.
• Shoes. Pulling out the summer shoes is a great time to take stock of what you have. Do you have any pairs that are particularly ratty, uncomfortable to wear, impractical, or that you just don’t like? If yes, then there’s no reason to hang on to them they are just taking up precious space.
• Multiples. If you have multiple items that you really only need one of consider getting rid of the extra one. Donate it, sell it, regift it or just give it to someone who could use it.  If you have 2 mice (mouses?) for the computer do you really need 2? Do you really need 5 mixing bowls or 10 tupperware containers without their appropriate lids? If not keep what you need or use and get rid of the rest.
• Broken items. If you have items that are broken and in need of repair either set them aside to be  fixed and DO IT and failing that get rid of them! Don’t keep them for parts or for any other excuse you use to justify the item collecting dust on your shelf…GET RID OF IT!
• Travel sized anything. I was guilty of collecting these too. I travelled a lot for work and everytime I stayed at a hotel I would bring home the tiny travel bottles of shampoo, conditioner and lotion. I always had the intention of taking it with me the next time I travelled or to give to guests when they stayed at our place. Know what? The next time I travelled there were more tiny bottles in the hotel room so I didn’t need my stash and in terms of overnight guests…how often did we have guests stay over? Not that often, and if they did I never gave them the tiny bottles to use. So if you are a collector of tiny beauty products and they are unused and still good consider rounding them all up and dropping off at a local women’s shelter. Instead of taking up precious cupboard space you could make a huge difference to someone who really needs it.
• Cups and mugs. If your kitchen cupboards are overloaded take stock of what you’ve got. If you absolutely can not part with any of your glassware consider moving some to a different location. Be realistic with what you use on a daily basis if that’s 4 mugs, 2 glasses and a cup then perhaps keep 6 mugs, 4 glasses and 2 cups in your kitchen cupboards and store the rest in a storage closet or bin. If your cupboards are over crowded you increase the chances of breaks or chips and you’ll end up having to throw them out anyway.
• Stationary. Just like the travel sized goodies, I used to collect pens as well. If you have a million and one pens it’s a good idea to go through each and every one to make sure that they write and if not through it out! Then keep just a few of those that actually work. Choose pens or pencils that write well, feel nice in your hand and that you enjoy using. The rest can go!
• Furniture. This is a bit of biggie and will take a bit more effort to get done but if there’s a chair, a table or an ottoman that just isn’t working for you get rid of it! I’m quite certain it’s not making you happy and is taking up room that you could be putting to better use.
• Knick-knacks. We all have little bits and pieces kicking around the house whether it be wall hangings or decorative vases. Decide if they really need to be out on display and if not, do you really need them? After a while items tend to blend into the background and we don’t really notice them any more. Pay attention as you scan a room, what is unnecessarily taking up space? Can you do without it? If so get rid of it.

So this weekend take a look around, determine what’s bugging you the most and take action. Clean a junk drawer, simplify a bookshelf, organize your home office or declutter your kitchen cupboards. The thing to remember is keep it simple, make it quick, choose 7 things and get them out of the house! You might find that once you start you may get the “bug” and end up purging more than you initially set out to do which is fantastic! But if it’s not easy, as it isn’t for a lot of people, start small and if you can at least do 7 you’re off to a great start!

So what things are you going to purge this weekend? Let me know by following me on twitter or leaving a comment below.

See also:

Tips For Creating A Gift Wrap Station

Spring Cleaning Food: Use Up The Old, Make Way For The Fresh

Got Books? Tips To Decluttering and Organizing Your Personal Library

Eliminate Clutter Part 1: The Cost of Clutter and Where Does it Come From?

Photo courtesy of: el patojo

Purge Just 7 Things – A Weekend Challenge is a post from: Serene Journey

Listbean? What the heck is that?

Listbean is a site that is completely free and packed with value adding pre-populated checklists.

Now, before you roll your eyes and say “oh great another checklist site” let me share with you how Listbean is different and how it will be *the* checklist source online.

Benefits of Listbean:

• Checklists are great but it’s sometimes tough to know where to start. Well, we’ve done the hard part of pulling the lists together. You can use the lists as is or as inspiration to create your own personalized checklists.
• It’s annoying to have to rewrite checklists you use frequently. With Listbean you don’t have to do that. When you create an account,  you can customize any of the lists you see on the site, save them and come back time and time again. Awesome.
• Be more efficient, effective and deliberate in everything you do. With checklists addressing a lot of what you need right at your finger tips you can just get on with what needs to get done. A little work up front can save you several minutes several times a month or year.
• Don’t find what you’re looking for? Create your own. There are two ways to create your lists from scratch and have them appear on Listbean. 1) Submit a suggestion via the Feedback form using the Feedback tab at the top left of each page. 2) Add it yourself. Once you’ve customized a list on Listbean you are given the option to add your own list from scratch to save in your lists. Easy right?
• Listbean has a very simple design. It was custom designed to be simple, sleek and easy to use. Give it a try and if you have any suggestions or feedback please submit it using the feedback form via the feedback tab at the top left of each page.

That’s it really, it’s pretty simple and straight forward. I invite you all to check it out and I hope it becomes a valuable resource for you.

Decluttering – How To Get Started

There was one question I received last week that fits in perfectly with the launch of Listbean today. Julie asked:

“Any advice on decluttering? I really want to declutter and then I look at the all the stuff and become overwhelmed and frozen.”

First of all let me reassure you Julie that you are not alone! I’ve been there, I still get there from time to time. Here are some things that help to thaw me out and just get started.

1. Begin with the end in mind. Before you jump right in have a clear picture in your mind as to what you want the space to look like, what you will use it for and how it will make you feel. By doing this you’re already making a mental picture of what belongs in a room, closet, desk etc … and it makes starting a little bit easier.

2. Start small. My advice wouldn’t be to tackle the whole house at once, not even an entire room at once. I would suggest starting in one corner, a desk, or a shelf. Get it to a state that you are truly happy with and only then should you move onto another area. It’s been my experience that doing a little bit over a large area leaves me feeling dissatisfied and extremely overwhelmed. I don’t feel as though I’ve made much progress as there’s nothing finished, nothing to stare longingly at and think “aaaah that’s better”. So start small but the key is to start!

3. What goes out should stay out. Typically you create three piles when you embark on any decluttering mission.

• To keep
• To donate
• To toss

When you’ve decided on what to toss or what to donate put the items in a box or a bag and immediately move them out of your house. Store them in the garage, trunk of your car or anywhere else so you won’t be tempted to rummage through the boxes and save items. Once you’ve decided they are no longer welcome in your home, keep them out!

This is how we have approached decluttering at our place. There are a number of different strategies I’m sure so if you’ve found something else that works for you please share it in the comments to help Julie out. For some ideas on what can be purged room by room check out the declutter room by room checklist on Listbean. (Remember to sign in to customize it or add other ideas as they come to mind.)

I hope this helps, Julie.

If you like Listbean please share it on your favorite social networking sites, or email the link to a couple of your list loving friends so we can all be awesome.

Listbean Revealed and Decluttering – How To Get Started is a post from: Serene Journey

There are a lot of things we can do to create an outside space that is inviting and comfortable. Sure you could go all out and do a complete backyard overhaul but that’s not in the cards for a lot of people – especially me

Here are 5 things you can do today to get your backyard a little bit closer to that summer time oasis you dream of.

1. Cut the grass. Whip out the lawn mower and trim the grass. Although it may be quicker to just run over the lawn and leave the clippings behind I think it actually look a bit nicer if you leave nothing behind. If you have a small enough yard use a bagger attachment for your mower or at least rake up the clippings after. Spend a bit of time going around the fence, flower beds and pathways with a weed whacker (or yes a pair of scissors) and finish the job.

2. Pull weeds. Flower beds and rocky areas look their best when there are no weeds to be found. Spend some time pulling the big obvious ones and then move onto the smaller ones. I find using a hoe is the easiest and quickest way to weed a flower bed. It’s fast and it really saves my back.

3. Instant color with flowers. If you’re free and clear of the frost date (ours is coming soon yay!) then plant some brightly colored flowers in prominent areas through out your yard. If gardens aren’t your thing or if you’d rather save the space for vegetables consider a few flower pots filled with annuals placed where you spend most of your time outside.

4. Wildlife. As I type this I can hear a dozen or more birds chirping away outside. It’s lovely. Wildlife is what brings a yard to life IMHO. Hang a couple of bird feeders in a tree and set up a bird bath. It won’t take long for them to figure out where the food is and become regular visitors. Do a bit of research on which flowers attract butterflies and plant some of these. Before you know it your yard and garden will be teeming with life.

5. Light it up. Make a fire pit, light some tiki torches or string up some patio lights whatever it is lighting can help set the mood and create a very welcoming environment. One of my favorite ideas is half filling a few glass jars with sand, rocks or rice and putting tea lights in them. Use some wire and hang them from tree limbs or hooks, or simply set them on your patio table, deck railing or stairs for nice soft glow.

These are just a few easy things that you can do today to make getting outside even more enjoyable.

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Here’s a note from our sponsor Simplify-101 in case you’re like me and didn’t get allll your organizing done in the winter months.

That paper mountain growing on your countertop represents a loss of freedom, a loss of control, and a nagging feeling that something important isn’t getting done. There is a better way! With the right paper organizing systems in place you can free yourself from paper clutter and the stress that comes along with it. In the online workshop Organize Your Paper Clutter, you’ll learn a step-by-step process to decide if you need a piece of paper and how to organize it so you’ll find it again. Replace your paper clutter with systems that provide you feelings of confidence, relief and peace of mind!

Best of all–you won’t go it alone. Throughout this six-lesson / seven-week online workshop, you’ll enjoy support, ideas and motivation from professional organizer Aby Garvey and the simplify 101 online community. The workshop begins June 8th. Click here to view the entire workshop syllabus.

Photo courtesy of: Alvaro Carnicero

5 Things To Do Today To Get Your Yard in Gear is a post from: Serene Journey

I’m very excited to be able to introduce you to Serene Journey’s very first sponsor! The folks over at Simplify 101 are lovely and really know their stuff. You can check them out by following any of the links in this post and you will see them all month long over on the right as part of our featured resources.

Here’s more information about what they have to offer:

There’s a new way to get organized! It’s online. It’s effective. And it’s fun! It’s simplify 101’s online organizing workshops. Rich with content and student interaction, these workshops give you everything you need to get your next organizing project done! If you’re a visual learner you’ll love the online photo gallery and written lesson materials. If you learn best by listening, the audio lessons are just for you—listen online or download the files to your MP3 player. If you learn best by doing—you’ll thrive in these action-oriented workshops. With clear-cut lesson content and bite-sized actions steps, every workshop gives you the chance to implement what you learn by organizing an area in your home. Plus, the private workshop forum and direct access to your instructor ensures you have the information, ideas, accountability, and motivation you need to get organized—and love your results when you’re done!

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If you have a product or service you would like to share with over 1800 people who are motivated and looking to create a fulfilling, relaxed, organized, positive, and more enjoyable life for themselves and their families, email me at sherri.serenejourney@gmail.com or visit our advertising page to find out more information on becoming a sponsor of Serene Journey.

A New Way To Get Organized is a post from: Serene Journey

At just a mention of spring cleaning  there seems to be a collective groan of disappointment. The pure dread of scrubbing and moving and washing and dusting and purging and organizing the list seems pretty endless.

Spring cleaning can be fun if you decide ahead of time that it will be.

Here are some ideas I have on how to make this years annual spring cleaning marathon a lot more enjoyable.

1. Talk with your family and plan. Talk with your spouse, children and anyone else you may recruit into helping you get the job done. Discuss what you would like done, lay out your expectations and be ready for some serious negotiating. Remember not everyone is as pumped about this as you are … err I am.

2. Make a list of responsibilities. Write a list of all the things you need done and take turns choosing what responsibilities you’ll each take on board. You’re more likely to get a bigger buy in when you let people choose where they will help you as opposed to strict delegation.

3. Have everything you need. There is nothing more annoying than just getting started only to find you’ve run out of all purpose cleaner, vinegar or sponges. Double and triple check that you have everything you need and the right quantities (let’s just say three people cleaning and only one sponge, not ideal). Start the week before so you’re ready to hit the ground running.

4. Spread it out. Don’t try to accomplish everything in one day or in one weekend. Spread it out over a couple or a few weekends so nobody is burning out. When people start getting annoyed, tired or sore it’s time to stop.

5. Have a reward. We all like working towards and end goal and a sink you can see your face in isn’t a reward to everybody. Consider taking the family out for dinner or all cooking your favorite meal together at the end of a busy day. Let the kids stay up a bit later, watch a movie, go for a walk or just relax outside.

6. Gratitude. They are your family, they do live there too but don’t miss an opportunity to show how grateful you are for their help. A simple “thank you”, “the yard looks fabulous” or “look at how much more room you have, awesome!” goes a long way.

Other ways to make spring cleaning fun:

• play music – L O U D
• use a kitchen timer and clean in 5 minute bursts with a water break or dance party break in between
• make it a competition to see who can get their chores done first (still need to have a quality clean though
• put on some funky cleaning clothes and bedazzle your rubber gloves and apron

Whatever you can do to make this a fun and energetic time is awesome. Time will fly and before you know it you’ll have your whole place looking like new and be able to eat off the floors.

What ideas do you have for making spring cleaning fun?

I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that I am now on facebook.  An early adopter I am not but I’m there now none the less. So you can find me by clicking on the facebook icon at the top right hand side of any page on Serene Journey or by clicking here. As always you can follow me on twitter, sign up for free updates delivered to your email or your RSS reader.

Only two more days until I can tell you a bit more about my big e-book release coming up this Monday. Woo hoo.    

See also:

House Maintenance: Spring

Spring Cleaning Food: Use Up The Old, Make Way For The Fresh

Quick Clean Your Home In Under 20 Minutes

When Life Gives You Lemons…Use Them!

Photo courtesy of: daveaustria . com

Put Some Spring in Your Spring Cleaning Step is a post from: Serene Journey

I’ve experimented with setting directions as opposed to specific goals. I found it didn’t work so well for me. While I know what direction I’m heading and where I’d like to eventually end up I find I’m completely inefficient and get a lot less done than normal. It probably takes me twice as long to accomplish things than if I had set out specific goals and deliverables.

So how do I keep track of 5-6 roles or responsibilities and keep things moving along at a decent pace? A task grid.

Here’s an example:

This is the easiest way for me to see at a glance everything I have going on. I leave enough space between projects so I can add new tasks as they come up. It’s easy enough to delete tasks or cross them out as I complete them.

I try not to take a specific project all the way through to completion. A lot of time what I set out to do initially changes course several times before I actually finish it. I would likely be spending more time keeping my list up to date than actually doing the work.

I keep the 2-3 tasks or ideas in each project and as they’re completed I remove them and add the next 2-3 tasks to keep the projects moving along.

I like to keep mine on a physical piece of paper so I can refer to it whether I’m on the computer or not. But you can choose to keep it online, on a white board, in a calendar or stuck to your fridge.

This is a new system for me that I’m experimenting with. So far it’s working really well and I’m able to keep track of a lot of things and keep them all advancing as well.

Now I know I’m not alone in having a ton of things to do and keep track of so what system do you use? How do you keep track of all your projects and various tasks? Please share your ideas in the comments.

See also:

A Legend For Mind Maps – Keeping It Short And Sweet

Getting Things Done – Keeping It Short And Sweet

A Personal Mid-Year Review: How Are YOU Doing?

Photo courtesy of: anselm23

How I Keep Things Moving Merrily Along is a post from: Serene Journey

This post was first published on January 21, 2009.

It’s 7:36 am and I’m already 10 minutes late. Now where did I leave my keys? Where is my wallet? I’m supposed to mail that letter but where the heck are my stamps? I’m starting to get a headache and I’ve not had time for breakfast. Sound familiar? That used to be a fairly typical morning for me about 7 years ago, madly running around trying to get out the door. And then one day it just seemed to hit me right out of the blue: I had too much stuff!

My stuff was everywhere. Closets, drawers, dressers, shelves, tables, bins, boxes you name it, I likely had stuff in it. Stuff that I didn’t really need  but of course I might need it “one day”.

Whether you’re mornings go something like mine did or you hear yourself saying “Don’t touch anything I know exactly where everything is!” the clutter in your life may be costing you more than you realize. Here are some things to think about as you consider your current clutter state.

The Cost of Clutter

• Time. The one commodity that we can’t get back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. You will invariably spend more time looking for things (keys, wallets, gloves, letters, phone numbers etc.). Then there is the time spent pulling stuff out to see if what you’re looking for is there and then putting it back.
• Money. Missing payments, not cashing cheques, replacing items that have been misplaced can all be very costly and add up in the long run. Some people have so much clutter that they feel the need to build a bigger house, expand a closet, add a shed or even rent storage lockers. These “solutions” to house more stuff than you actually need are pricey.
• Health. The morning I described above still makes me tense up some 7 years later. Clutter can introduce a lot of stress into your life. Your home should be your sanctuary, a place where, at the end of the day, you can relax and unwind. But how can you do that when there are reminders in every room of things that need to be done (Piles of papers that need filing, piles of clothes that need putting away, dishes in the sink, a carpet that needs vacuuming). Even events that are supposed to be fun, like having friends over for a dinner party, become stressful as it can take all day to prepare (this also links into the first point – Time).

But Where Does the Clutter Come From?

• Print. In a society where the term “paperless” is being used more frequently I can’t help but notice an abundance of it and it’s adding to our clutter levels. Whether we print documents for reference purposes, clip newspaper or magazine articles for interest sake, cut coupons to save money these items are of little value if they are not stored in a meaningful way and not readily accessible.
• Purchasing and Giveaways. Accumulating more and more stuff, whether you need things or not, adds to your clutter. Be careful of sales. Suddenly you’re not looking at what you initially entered the store for but instead at what the store wants you buy. And when it comes to freebies…think to yourself do I really need another hotel pen? Or a coffee mug? Also think about where these freebies will live in your home, do they add to the overall vision for that space? Or will they just end up collecting dust and adding to your clutter? Just because it’s free doesn’t mean you need it so don’t feel obligated to “please take one”- what is it costing you?
• Gifts. This is a toughie and one that I’ve struggled with over the years. A gift is invariably something you did not choose but rather something that someone else thought you should have. This makes it difficult to get rid of as there is some irrational attachment to it. Return items that won’t work for you in your space, donate items that cannot be returned and dare I suggest re-gifting as an option?
• Keepsakes. Souvenirs, brochures, tickets all to help you remember a trip likely end up in drawers or boxes a month later taking up valuable space is a closet or cupboard. Unless you actually use these items, say to make a scrapbook of your vacation (and actually make one not just say you’re going to make one), tucking these items away in a box is not particularly useful.

Photo courtesy of ioerro.

See also:

Eliminate Clutter Part 2: 4 Steps To Organize Just About Anything

Eliminate Clutter Part 3: Strategies to Getting Started.

Eliminate Clutter Part 1: The Cost of Clutter and Where Does it Come From? is a post from: Serene Journey