Archives for October 2008

It came from your clutter: Elephant tusks

The first installment of our new “It came from your clutter” feature is a pretty good one — and a little creepy, scary, too. (Happy Halloween!) It comes from a reader who found himself dealing with an illegal item that his uncle had packed away for years. The contraband in question was a pair of elephant tusks. The ivory trade ban started in 1989, so I’m assuming the reader’s uncle was in receipt of the tusks prior to 1989. From the reader’s email:

I live in the US but have an uncle in Canada; he was recently moved into a nursing home and I had to clean out his apartment. Among his things were two elephant tusks. In doing my research, I discovered that I could neither bring them back with me into the US or sell them in Canada. What to do?? I ended up calling the Natural History division of the Royal Ontario Museum, and they will be acquiring the tusks for their collection. Now my uncle is happy they will not be carved up for cheap trinkets.

Calling the museum was definitely a great idea. Let’s hope that the uncle’s tusks will find a home for a long time in the Royal Ontario Museum.

For those of you who come across a rather odd item while clearing out a basement, attic, or garage, drop us an email. Also, try and take a photo or two if possible.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Posted by Matt on Oct 31, 2008 | 19 Comments | Tweet This | Tags:

Workspace of the Week: A garage transformation

This week’s Workspace of the Week is Gently Organized’s new office, which used to be her garage:

Reader Gently Organized recently remodeled her garage and turned it into a spacious home office. What used to be the overhead door to her single-car garage is now a glass door that looks out onto her garden. The desks and overhead cabinets appear to be Ikea pieces and the file cabinets and storage units below the desk look like Elfa products. Looking at another image of the room you can see a fantastic magazine rack, storage boxes behind the frosted glass, and room for her to work with clients:

Thank you, Gently Organized, for submitting your inspiring space to our flickr group.

Want to have your own workspace featured in Workspace of the Week? Submit a picture to the Unclutterer flickr pool. Check it out because we have a nice little community brewing there. Also, don’t forget that workspaces aren’t just desks. If you’re a cook, it’s a kitchen; if you’re a carpenter, it’s your workbench.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 31, 2008 | 24 Comments | Tweet This

Seeking advice for cleaning laptops and keyboards

Immediately after Apple released its new MacBook and MacBook Pro laptop computers earlier this month, my e-mail account was inundated with questions about how to clean dirt and grime off white Apple laptops and keyboards. My assumption is that these readers want to upgrade to the new machines and sell their old laptops on eBay. Machines that look like new tend to grab higher prices on the bidding site.

I own a white MacBook, so I decided to try my hand at cleaning my laptop in an effort to help our readers. After making a few calls and asking for advice from my friends, I repeatedly heard that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser was the cleaning tool for me to try.

Here is a picture of my laptop before I tried cleaning it. You’ll see that there are dark spots where my wrists rest while I type:

I then scrubbed the affected areas with the Magic Eraser:

And, it was successful at taking off a good portion of the dirt and grime:

However, I’m not going to say that it was a gleaming success. The side-by-side comparison shows that although it did get rid of a good portion of the yuck on the wrist rest, it wasn’t a perfect solution:

What have other people done to get dirt and grime off of white laptops and keyboards? I thought the Magic Eraser did an adequate job, but I’m hoping there is an even better product out there to help clean up the rest of the dirt. Let us know what you have found to clean laptops and keyboards in the comments.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 30, 2008 | 85 Comments | Tweet This

Lightbulbs next wifi hotspots?

According to Cellular-News, the College of Engineering at Boston University is launching a program aimed at developing the next generation of wireless communications based on visible light rather than radio waves. From the article:

“Imagine if your computer, iPhone, TV, radio and thermostat could all communicate with you when you walked in a room just by flipping the wall light switch and without the usual cluster of wires,” said BU Engineering Professor Thomas Little. “This could be done with an LED-based communications network that also provides light – all over existing power lines with low power consumption, high reliability and no electromagnetic interference. Ultimately, the system is expected to be applicable from existing illumination devices, like swapping light bulbs for LEDs.”

Fewer wires and increased communication with all of your devices sounds like a winning advancement to me. The technology for LED-based wifi has just begun, so I’m cheering for the labs at BU to work diligently to get this to market.

(via Engadget)

Popularity: 13% [?]

Posted by Matt on Oct 30, 2008 | 15 Comments | Tweet This | Tags: ,

Unitasker Wednesday: Tiny toe towel

All Unitasker Wednesday posts are jokes — we don’t want you to buy these items, we want you to laugh at their ridiculousness. Enjoy!

Everyone has a routine as to how they dry off after taking a shower or bath. Those routines usually only involve one towel, or maybe two if you wrap a second around your hair. These two towels are completely insufficient for your drying needs, however, because they’re so big and cumbersome and easy to use. Thankfully, there is now a product on the market that will meet all of your drying needs. The Tiny Toe Towel reaches between the unreachable areas of your toes. No more wet socks because your toes are soaking wet because you don’t own the tiny toe towel. How else does one dry off between your toes? From the product description:

This thirsty little towel reaches between toes for quick, thorough drying — keeping them comfy and healthy! Easier to use than a bulky bath towel, its unique shape fits comfortably between toes to gently whisk away wetness. Easy-grip handle prevents bending or straining.

There you have it. No bending or straining (assuming you don’t dry your ankles). The marvels of modern technology never cease to make our daily lives easier!

Thanks to reader Amy for bringing this unitasker to our attention.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Posted by Matt on Oct 29, 2008 | 34 Comments | Tweet This | Tags: ,

A year ago on Unclutterer

Popularity: 7% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 29, 2008 | 1 Comment | Tweet This

Book review: The Experts’ Guide to Doing Things Faster

On Monday, I had my wisdom teeth pulled, and spent most of the day propped up in bed catching up on some reading. One of the books I read, The Experts’ Guide to Doing Things Faster created by Samantha Ettus, was a quick, fun, and informative read. The book is a series of 100 essays by professionals who are experts in their fields. Each essay focuses on how to be efficient at one aspect of living.

The first 16 essays address issues in the home, and the next 11 essays provide tips for work. Mind, body, love, pleasure, travel, and future round out the other subject areas of the book.

The following are some of my favorite essays and a tip or two from their content:

  • “Do Laundry” by Lucinda Ottusch: “Make laundry more tolerable by transforming your laundry room into a livable, productive workspace.” (pg. 25)
  • “Organize Your Closet” by John Trosko: “Successful closet organizing requires tough choices about what flatters your best assets and what doesn’t. Forecast what your life will hold for you in the next year. Everything in your closet should have a purpose for today and tomorrow, not yesterday.” (pg. 33)
  • “Sort Mail” by Peter Walsh: “Decrease the amount of mail coming into your home by getting your name off junk-mail lists. Phone 1-888-5OPT OUT (1-888-567-8688) to have your name removed from lists that send those annoying credit card offers. Likewise, log onto www.catalogchoice.org to remove your name from lists that stuff your mailbox with unwanted catalogs.” (pg. 37)
  • “Find a Lost Object” by Michael Solomon: “IT’S NOT LOST — YOU ARE. Accept that the problem is not with the object — it’s with you! For there are no lost objects — only unsystematic searchers.” (pg. 55).
  • “Bake a Cake” by Warren Brown: His advice is good, but the best part of this essay is that he includes his recipe for vanilla cake with chocolate glaze icing. Yum! (pg. 251)
  • “Holiday Shop” by Paco Underhill: “Make a list of people to buy for. Jot ideas or specific gifts on your list for easy reference. Don’t buy for anyone who isn’t on your list — there must be a reason why he or she didn’t make it on the first time.” (pg. 264)

I recommend checking out the book if you’re interested in reading something fun on efficiency. I certainly enjoyed this book.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 29, 2008 | 10 Comments | Tweet This

The 5-, 10-, and 15-minute unclutterer

When it’s hard to carve out an hour or two (or more) to complete an unclutter mission, sometimes we forgo organizing at all.

That’s where the speed unclutterer comes in handy. When your boss is about to drop by your cube or friends have called to say they’re coming right over, uncluttering has to take on velocity. I have found that this works best when you close off all distractions, focus solely on the targeted area, set the timer for 5-, 10- or 15-minute increments and unclutter until the timer dings.

What you do in your 5-, 10- or 15-minute increments depends, of course, on the degree of disarray in the area you plan to unclutter and the system you use. Here are some ideas to get you started. Adjust them according to your situation.

The 5-minute Unclutterer

To know where to begin on a 5-minute uncluttering project, asking yourself questions will sharpen your focus. As I wrote on page 20 in The Naked Desk:

If you have limited time to organize, ask yourself, “What single action would make the greatest impact right now?” Or, “What can I do in five minutes that will make the biggest difference?” Scan the office and choose the area that is calling out for order the most. Then take action!

These questions will help you quickly home in on the area that if you unclutter it, will bring you the greatest relief, serenity or beauty. Overwhelmed? Put a bull’s eye on one corner of the table to get started, rather than trying to conquer the whole thing.

Zen Habits also has a great list of 5-minute uncluttering actions in the article 18 Five-Minute Decluttering Tips to Start Conquering Your Mess.

I love Leo’s tip #6:

Pick up 5 things, and find places for them. These should be things that you actually use, but that you just seem to put anywhere, because they don’t have good places. If you don’t know exactly where things belong, you have to designate a good spot. Take a minute to think it through where would be a good spot? Then always put those things in those spots when you’re done using them. Do this for everything in your home, a few things at a time.

Make a mental note of the new spots for items so you can retrieve them when you need them.

The 10-minute Unclutterer

You can power through a small uncluttering task in 10 minutes or make progress on a larger project.

Admittedly, the morning dishes in our home sometimes get left unwashed as family members dash out the door for work and school. I set the timer daily for 10-minute dish washing blasts — instant sink and counter uncluttering. Other things you can knock out in 10 minutes include:

  • File one inch of paper
  • Organize a book shelf
  • Start a load of laundry

From home to work, there are many 10-minute uncluttering opportunities. For example, you can reserve the last 10 minutes of the day to unclutter your desk to start fresh and clear the next day.

To fend off return-from-home clutter piles, make it a habit to use your first 10 minutes through the door to put things away, such as your umbrella in the umbrella holder, your jacket in the closet and your keys on the landing strip.

The 15-minute Unclutterer

With all that you can accomplish in five or 10 minutes, 15 minutes can make an even bigger dent in clutter. You won’t streamline a bedraggled garage, but you can clear out one box.

When you find yourself with an unexpected block of 15 minutes, you can use the time to clear out clutter from your home or office. For example, you’ve arrived 15 minutes early for a lunch appointment — unclutter your car. Additional ideas:

To unclutter and clean, check out About.com’s Sarah Aguirre article”15 Minute Cleanups.” The article provides cleaning checklists for six different rooms, from the kitchen to a kid’s room.

I put the Bedroom Cleanup checklist to the test one evening from 8:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. As I followed each of Aguierre’s steps (except I substituted vacuuming with dusting), the room took on an extra sparkle. (Earrings that had collected on my dresser got returned to their home. I also unpacked my husband’s suitcase from last week’s business trip.) It was fast and easy to run through someone else’s pre-made to-do list. I’m glad I did it and will try her suggestions for other rooms.

Some cluttering projects do take hours, days, or months to finish. But, starting with 5-, 10- or 15-minute uncluttering bursts can give you instant progress. These timed uncluttering sprints are also useful for daily maintenance.

What are you able to get done in 5-, 10- or 15-minute unclutter sprints? Let us know your regular routines in the comments.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Posted by Sue on Oct 28, 2008 | 32 Comments | Tweet This

Ikea hack for toy storage

The older your child gets, the more important it is to find great ideas for toy storage. It is always important to get rid of toys that your child doesn’t want or play with any longer to keep the toy inventory manageable. It also is important to find a storage solution that is easy for you and your child to use. Enter this idea from Ikea Hacker:

The hack uses the Ikea Pax wardrobe and Trofast storage boxes, which fit perfectly in the slots. This hack stores an incredible about of toys and is simple to create. I’m not sure if my daughter has enough toys to fill a full Pax wardrobe, but I’m sure we will be able to find use for all of the drawers.

(via ohdeedoh)

Popularity: 21% [?]

Posted by Matt on Oct 28, 2008 | 22 Comments | Tweet This | Tags: , ,

How much of your mortgage is going toward clutter storage?

If there is a room in your home that is off limits because of clutter in that space, you are not only wasting space but also wasting money. An Evening Gazette article explores the findings of a study by Ikea on the costs associated with cluttered rooms. From the article:

In a survey of UK homes, Ikea found 77% of us have a big problem with clutter, which contributes to wasting a whole room.

Squandering that space but paying for it over the years on our mortgages costs us on average an eye-watering £38,246 [$60,140] in Middlesbrough.

Research by another company, junk clearance business Any Junk?, confirmed the “wasted room” evidence and put it at only a slightly lower cost. It estimated on average householders waste around £32,000 [$50,250] worth of space – in Middlesbrough the figure is about £14,870 [$23,350].

In these tough economic times, it can be important to take stock of what you own. If your possessions are filling up a room in your home, then it is probably a good time to clear it out and purge the items that are wasting an entire room. Downsizing or finding a more utilitarian way to use the space may help you out financially over the long term.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Posted by Matt on Oct 27, 2008 | 30 Comments | Tweet This | Tags:

When previous decluttering can come back to haunt you

Recently, my husband and I were filling out forms for a background check and the forms required that we list all of our previous addresses. My husband can count the number of his residences on his fingers and recite all of them from memory. It took him about two minutes to complete his portion of the forms.

It took me about an hour to remember all of my previous places of residence, and then another two hours to track down the information. To count my addresses I need to use my fingers, toes, and maybe an elbow, knee, and ear. For example, during the decade of the 1990s, I had 10 different residences. In the year 2000, I had three residences. It was my first year living in D.C. and I moved three times in a single year. In my defense, though, my first apartment that year had snakes in the ceiling. SNAKES!

I have purged all of my pay stubs and tax documents from before 1998, so the years from 1991 to 1998 were the most difficult for me to obtain. And, of course, these were the years I was in college when every fall meant a new dorm room or apartment. I also imagine that if I did have these documents, that my parents’ address would be listed on them as my “permanent” address, anyway. I searched my home for old address books (to no avail), e-mailed former roommates (one address was found this way), and called my mom (she produced another one). I even discovered an address on a ski lift receipt I had pasted to a page in a scrapbook.

I eventually found the remainder of my previous addresses in a box of old love letters I had forgotten I had saved. My husband was laughing as I transcribed information off the fronts of the envelopes.

“You should write about this on Unclutterer,” my husband said when his laughter had subsided enough that he could speak. “Advise your readers to hold onto their old love letters so that they’ll have a record of where they used to live.”

“I think it would be easier to recommend that they keep a list of their previous addresses,” I countered.

“Yes,” he agreed, “but these letters are hysterical! This one guy talks for an entire page about how your souls are connected by invisible forces, like bungee cords.”

“Old letters from you are in that box,” I reminded him. “I could write about them on Unclutterer.”

“The list idea you mentioned sounds like a good idea to me,” he said.

“I thought you would like it.”

When purging papers from your home or office, let me recommend that you keep a list in a file in your filing cabinet or on your computer of all your previous addresses and addresses of your former places of employment. Even if you don’t have a need for them now, things could change and you might one day need the information.

Now I’m off to either scan and purge or find a more preservation-friendly storage option for my old love letters … well, after my husband and I get a few more laughs from them. Let us know in the comments if you have ever been too eager with decluttering and what lessons you can share with our readers!

Popularity: 15% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 27, 2008 | 48 Comments | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

Popularity: 7% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 26, 2008 | Comment | Tweet This

Easy listening: Are products the solution to getting organized?

Want to listen to a little decluttering inspiration? Need a break from your regular Saturday morning routine?

If you’re looking for a motivating diversion, check out Erin being interviewed yesterday on The O Myth, a weekly online radio show and podcast that explores the myths and misconceptions about being organized. On their show, Portland-based professional organizers Krista Colvin and Brandie Kajino debunk organizing stereotypes, and this week they specifically ask Erin if products are the solution to getting organized.

You also might want to check out the upcoming O Myth episode scheduled for November 14, which will feature organizing superstar Peter Walsh.

Note: The hard boiled egg method I discuss in the interview is from Alton Brown’s cookbook I’m Just Here for the Food.

Thank you, too, to Krista and Brandie for being the hosts of such a fun and fabulous podcast on organizing.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 25, 2008 | 4 Comments | Tweet This

Being an organized worker is essential in today’s market

As I’m writing this, I’m waiting for a video conference call to start. It was scheduled to begin at 9:15 a.m., but it’s 10:30 a.m. and the call hasn’t happened.

I have received four e-mail messages, however, saying that the people on the call are running late and they expect the call to begin in 10 minutes. I’ve been given no further explanation, and no efforts have been made to reschedule the call.

This is a play-by-play of the thoughts going through my mind:

  • Since I’m receiving e-mails, there must not be an emergency. Everyone is probably safe and okay.
  • I bet the other people on the call believe that their time is more important than my time.
  • It could also mean that the people on the call are completely disorganized and could really use my help, so I should be more compassionate.
  • Wow, it’s now 10:45 and I’m still waiting. This call is an hour and a half late. I find this to be incredibly rude.
  • If I don’t leave my office in the next two minutes I’m going to be late for my 11:00 appointment.
  • I’m leaving.

***
It’s now 1:15, I’ve gone to my appointment, returned to my desk, and the call still hasn’t happened. There is, however, an e-mail in my inbox asking if the call can be rescheduled for 5:00 p.m. Anyone want to take bets on what time tonight the call begins? (Added later: It started at 5:18 p.m.)

***
Situations like this are unfortunately common practice in the business world. Disorganization flourishes in many corporate cultures. One person misses a deadline and that missed deadline is like a stone thrown into a pond where the ripples eventually reach everyone and everything in the water.

If you look back over my thoughts from when I was waiting, you’ll see that my frustration clearly builds. I went from worrying about the people’s safety to finding the delay to be extremely rude. The people involved obviously aren’t rude, they just have poor time management skills, but their lack of time management skills speaks to their work. At the very least, it says, “Be on guard when working with this company!”

In today’s economy, employees can’t afford to be disorganized. It’s no longer a matter of personality, it’s a matter of keeping one’s job and retaining or obtaining clients. If an employer is trying to decide whom to layoff and whom to keep, the most organized, profitable, and productive workers usually get to keep their jobs. Workers who consistently miss deadlines, run projects over budget, and upset clients and vendors with their inconsiderate behavior are the people who are let go. Additionally, current and potential clients won’t do business with your company if they don’t receive the product they expect on time and on budget.

If you’re worried about the level of disorganization in your work, here are a few items that may help you:

What additional suggestions would you add to this list? What are your favorite ways to stay organized at work?

Popularity: 16% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 24, 2008 | 21 Comments | Tweet This

Workspace of the Week: Dorm room diligence

This week’s Workspace of the Week is Xeraphine’s collegiate corner:

Keeping a desk in a dorm room in an uncluttered state is difficult work, even for the most organized of students. Reader Xeraphine keeps this Yale University space well maintained and efficient. The wireless keyboard gets rid of cord clutter, the dual purpose task lighting and pen cup saves space, and the sliding shelf provides storage for notebooks and paper. To the right of the desk is a printer and stand with four drawers (I imagine Xeraphine’s books are kept in the drawers). Recently, Xeraphine added a DIY cardboard computer stand that hides cables and props up the computer. Thank you, Xeraphine, for sharing your inspiring dorm room office with us.

Want to have your own workspace featured in Workspace of the Week? Submit a picture to the Unclutterer flickr pool. Check it out because we have a nice little community brewing there. Also, don’t forget that workspaces aren’t just desks. If you’re a cook, it’s a kitchen; if you’re a carpenter, it’s your workbench.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 24, 2008 | 11 Comments | Tweet This

Reader question: Closet clustering separators

Reader Te sent us the following question:

I was just “hipped” to using clustering to organize the clothes in your closet. I really like the idea, however I am trying to imagine a neat looking closet that is organized in that fashion. And I also cant see an efficient (visually pleasing) way to see the distinctions between the clusters. I know people use those little round things that they have in department stores but I think there should be something better, maybe longer like a piece of material that can make a cleaner distinction.

What are your thoughts on this method of closet organization and making it so that it is not visually cluttering?

Clustering by type of clothing can easily make a visual distinction between groups of clothing in your closet and you probably won’t need a separator to indicate the start of a new section. This is how I organize my closet and, moving left to right, I have suit coats, slacks/pants, short sleeve tops, skirts, long sleeve tops, and dresses. The types of clothing are different enough that it is an abrupt change and no extra identification is necessary.

I’ve also seen fabulously designed wardrobes built out of the Elfa system where different clusters are hung at different heights so that no group hangs immediately next to another group. If you have such a system, then simply rearrange the hanging rod heights to eliminate the side-by-side confusion.

When people cluster items, however, they don’t always cluster slacks with slacks, short sleeve shirts with short sleeve shirts, and suit coats with suit coats. Some people cluster by color, season, type of situation where they would wear the clothing (office, client site, home, garden, exercise), or another clustering system that makes the most sense for his or her life. When this is the case, I can see a desire to use a more formal separation system on a single hanging rod.

The following list contains just a few ideas I’ve seen successfully used in the past. I think the possibilities are endless, so be creative and go where your style leads you!

  • Ribbons. Tie a piece of ribbon around the hanging rod and make it loose enough that it can move, but tight enough that it doesn’t slide around when you don’t want it to slide. Frilly types might want to make it into a bow, others might want to tie a knot and nothing more.
  • Cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Using one of these items, you can ward off pests and separate your clothes.
  • Clear suit bag. The person I saw who did this with her closet had a suit start every cluster of items. You wouldn’t have to use them for suits, though, and simply put the first item of each section in one of these.

If any of our readers have more ideas, please share them in the comments!

Popularity: 9% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 23, 2008 | 27 Comments | Tweet This

Clutter alert: Ridiculous Rock Band add-on

I warned about Rock Band clutter last year and Erin provided a possible solution to keeping Rock Band accessories in order, but neither of us could have foreseen such an incredibly ridiculous add-on to the Rock Band “experience.” The new add-ons for Rock Band 2 are a smoke machine and a strobe light. The Stage Kit from Performance Designed Products (PDP) is $99. The release date is November 2008, which makes it perfect timing to clutter up your holiday season! 

I’m not exactly sure what the Stage Kit will do for improving your game play (won’t it decrease visibility of the TV screen?), but it may increase your need to hire a Rock Band roadie. The roadie could carry all your Rock Band peripherals along with your new Stage Kit. He or she could even set up your Premium Drum Set. 

Check out Crave for more information and a cringe inducing video for the Stage Kit.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Posted by Matt on Oct 23, 2008 | 20 Comments | Tweet This | Tags: ,

Unitasker Wednesday: Mascara warmer

All Unitasker Wednesday posts are jokes — we don’t want you to buy these items, we want you to laugh at their ridiculousness. Enjoy!

Hey ladies and male fans of Social Distortion, do you want to know the secret behind the perfect eyelashes of Hollywood stars? Of course you do. The secret, according to the makers of the Mascara Warmer, is warm mascara. From the product description:

NEW! Unlock the secret to movie-star eyelashes. How do you create long, lovely, clump-free lashes? Warm the mascara. For many years, Hollywood makeup artists used hot blow dryers to get the smoothest consistency. Now they–and you–can do it the easy way with this revoutionary new beauty tool. It quickly and safely warms all brands of mascara in less than five minutes, in any plastic or metal packaging. So small and light, you can take it anywhere.

Hmm, so makeup artists use blow dryers to warm their mascara? But you and I both know the blow dryer is so 1990s. Step into the 21st century and go for the Mascara Warmer. 

Thanks to reader Elspeth for bringing this unitasker to our attention.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Posted by Matt on Oct 22, 2008 | 47 Comments | Tweet This | Tags: ,

A year ago on Unclutterer

Popularity: 2% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 22, 2008 | 1 Comment | Tweet This

Five classic clutter-busting strategies

These are the strategies we repeat over and over again — to others and to ourselves — to keep clutter under control.

  1. A place for everything, and everything in its place. If an object doesn’t have an official home, then it will always be out of place. Every screw, photograph, business card, and piece of clothing needs an official place to live. Additionally, once you’re finished using an object, immediately put it back in its place.
  2. Establish routines. Set up a regular schedule for tasks that have to be completed daily and weekly: laundry, mail sorting, cleaning, cooking, meal planning, organizing, filing, decluttering, home and auto maintenance, etc. The more methodical you are, the simpler it is to maintain your home and office. You’re never overwhelmed by your environment because you have consistent progress.
  3. Pick the quintessential item, and pass on the rest. If your grandmother leaves you her cherished grand piano in her Will, and you would love to own her grand piano, then accept the grand piano. However, you don’t also need her collection of plastic butter tubs, a box of used twist ties, and a rusty carving knife. The grand piano reminds you of your grandmother and her love and generosity, the other objects don’t.
  4. If you don’t use it, need it, love it, or feel inspired by it, get rid of it. Just because you might have space to store something, doesn’t mean you have to keep it. Your home and office should be filled with useful and inspiring things, not objects that cause you stress and anger. Plus, the less you own, the less you have to worry about, clean, organize, finance, and maintain.
  5. Inventory and educate. If you know what you have, and you fully know how to use what you own, then you don’t accidentally buy or own duplicates or overlapping products. Understanding how to use the software on your computer, reading the complete instructions about your appliances, and imagining the possibilities of your wardrobe means that you can get more use out of what you already have. It also means that you know the best way to care for what you have so that you get more years of use out of your possessions.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Posted by Erin on Oct 22, 2008 | 33 Comments | Tweet This