business name: "Unclutter" vs. "Declutter"

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business name: "Unclutter" vs. "Declutter"

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Started 7 months ago by rutheverhart
Latest reply from JuliaJayne
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rutheverhart
Member

I am thinking about making myself available to help churches with their clutter. It's kind of a specialty area, but I've helped many churches, thought maybe I could hire myself out by the hour for a side income stream, and because I enjoy it. I have written an article for a newsletter that goes out to all the Presbyterian churches around here (that's my denomination) and I am thinking about pricing/minimum hours, etc. Still working on a name. I would also be willing to work with individuals so don't want to limit myself. What is your input on a name?

"unclutter" vs. "declutter"? Please discuss.

Posted 7 months ago #
Jackthetiger
Member

I prefer "declutter" because I think it is the correct verb. I always feel wrong when I write that I am uncluttering because I feel that I am turning an adjective into a verb. On the other hand, I would always say I was undressing not dedressing! I think if you are helping people with a process you should use the verb.

Posted 7 months ago #
lottielot
Member

Either seems fine, maybe ask people who aren't on unclutterer as we are probably biased towards unclutter!

Posted 7 months ago #
susanintexas
Member

I looked up the etymology for "un" and "de" at one time -- The "un" had the connotation of un-doing. "De" is from the Latin and actually means "down from" as in de facto, de profundis or de jure. In an etymological sense, I think either could be correct. From a marketing standpoint, having a term like "unclutter" with is at one unfamiliar and easily understandable can be an advantage. It can spark conversation. The word clutter is thought to have relation to the Old English for clot, or blockage.

Sounds like a good idea! As someone who spends too much time in a lot of different churches, most of them could use some uncluttering of ancient hymnals from the storeroom if nothing else. If I may suggest, part of the "package" could be facilitating a workshop/ adult ed class on the meaning of stuff and perhaps even supply preaching a sermon on stuff.

Posted 7 months ago #
rutheverhart
Member

Susan, I love that you brought up the spiritual meaning of stuff etc. When I get my piece published in the newsletter I'll put it up on my blog, maybe link it here. I have started to compile scripture texts/stories on the theme of uncluttering too. I'm thinking my niche is the spiritual angle of paring-down.

Posted 7 months ago #
susanintexas
Member

From what I've seen, churches have added layers of complication: there's a spiritual layer (looks like the word of god is getting a little ratty around the edges -- can you chuck a damaged bible into the recycle bin?) to a community layer (the pew cushions are moth-eaten but grandma and the altar guild needlepointed them by hand .. .) to the corporate layer (especially protestant churches, which are governed by lay volunteers) -- there is an education component that would be both welcome and necessary.

Posted 7 months ago #
Jackthetiger
Member

Ruth, I was wondering if there was a business name related to the bible, but I did not want to be disrespectful of your beliefs. I am pleased to hear that there are stories/characters with an uncluttery theme.

Susan, how appropriate to think of clutter as a clot or blockage! It is certainly how I feel when I am faced with mess and it makes me understand why I sometimes tidy up before I can get on with a new task. I am not just procrastinating!

Posted 7 months ago #
rutheverhart
Member

Jack, I've been thinking about something related to "Moth & Rust" because Jesus says
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)
But when I ran it by some friends, even the clergy didn't have an immediate connection when I said "Moth & Rust" so I didn't want to be too oblique.

Posted 7 months ago #
ninakk
Member

I prefer "declutter" simply because it means one of many things depending on the state of an item; throw into landfill, recycle, donate or sell. Donate and sell would classify as "unclutter", whereas recycle and trash mean "declutter" to me :)

Posted 7 months ago #
djk
Member

I lean toward "declutter" as it simply sounds better to me. When I first found this website I thought it was being cutesy.

Posted 7 months ago #
rutheverhart
Member

Most people seem to prefer "de" to "un". Funny, because I prefer "unclutter" -- it somehow seems less cluttered to me! Just weird how we get attached to words.

I do like "Clutter-Busters" as a business name but I think it's trademarked.

Posted 7 months ago #
bandicoot
Member

that quote is perfect, ruth, but instead of "moth and rust", how about "treasures in heaven"?

Posted 7 months ago #
JuliaJayne
Member

Ruth, I like the quote. I think of attics, basement, and storage sheds full of unwanted items deteriorating from the elements.

While it might be ideal to have a quote from Jesus, there are other nice quotes.
For example:

(I love this one) "The more you have, the more you are occupied. The less you have, the more free you are." ~ Mother Teresa

Here are some more thing consider:
http://www.unclutter-organize-transform.com/clutter-quotes.html

Posted 7 months ago #
JuliaJayne
Member

I love this one too:

=="Never again clutter your days or nights with
so many menial and unimportant things
that you have no time to accept
a real challenge when it comes along.
This applies to play as well as work.
A day merely survived is no cause for celebration.
You are not here to fritter away your precious hours
when you have the ability to accomplish so much
by making a slight change in your routine.
No more busy work.
No more hiding from success.
Leave time, leave space, to grow.
Now.
Now!
Not tomorrow!"
Og Mandino

Posted 7 months ago #
rutheverhart
Member

JJ, thanks for that link, very interesting Clutter-Clearing Business! I like a simple tagline like she has: "Clear Your Clutter, Transform Your Life"

Posted 7 months ago #
JuliaJayne
Member

You are welcome, Ruth. I wish you all the best in your endeavor, and I look forward to hearing anything about it that you would like to share with us in the future. :)

Posted 7 months ago #

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