Clutter Reduction

During April, Chile's been having a De-cluttering challenge. An interesting experience-primarily because I've realized what a de-cluttered life I try to live. One goal was getting rid of 3 cans of paint in my trunk, although I'm still deciding whether or not to get rid of them. An interesting component of the challenge have been Chile's thoughts about whether or not some stuff should really be turned away. This is especially relevant in our current times. The best way to have a de-cluttered life is to NOT bring more home and/or to have organizational systems for using it or passing it on. One of my pet peeves with organizational/decluttering/remodeling shows is the amount of stuff thrown out. Instead of throwing stuff away we should be finding ways to incorporate it into new uses or give it to someone who needs it. (Which this whole concept also ties into issues with our current industry that manufacture junk that no one actually needs and/or without any life years in them.)

In trying to figure out why clutter has not been as difficult for me, I have realized it's in part due to a) personality (I'm a closet control freak) b) upbringing (from 10 on my organized retired military father influenced me the most) and c) the organizational systems I have created. A week or two ago my sister and I had a conversation on this very topic. She mentioned wanting better organizational routine in her house, and she discovered just how anal-retentive I am about my own space. ;-)

Since I was a kid, I remember keeping all similar objects together and organizing my notebooks by subject. These traits have carried over into my adult life. I have always weeded out my closet every so often in order to pass on clothes that no longer fit and to use all objects that I have in there. But just how anally organized am I?

-Upon coming home I hang my coat up and put my shoes in the closet, change into slippers (warm & quieter for neighbors), drop my bag on "the bench," and empty my pockets onto the tray established for that purpose.

-At the end of each term, I go through my one organized 5 subject spiral notebook (now on grad term #10), recycle what is not needed, clip together materials by subject, and notes & books are placed in my wood chest. (This is until comprehensive exams are over, then 80% will be recycled and most books will be sold back.)

-All mail is opened the day it arrives. If it's junk, it's recycled in the lobby w/o coming upstairs. Bills are paid on the spot, put in the next day's mail, and statements are filed in the appropriate folder (w/ paid date, amount, & check #) in my financial file box. Personal mail is recycled or put for shredding. The 10x/yr magazine/newsletter each are put in a specific location to read later.

-My calendar is organized at the beginning of every year with family & friends bdays and anniversaries. Each term it's organized with every assignment, social event, and lecture. When something new comes up it's added to the wall and phone calendars. Bills not automatically deducted are circled on the calendar in case they arrive late.

-Before bed each night, I walk around my apartment and put things back where they belong. I wash all dishes for overnight drying, get coffee ready for the morning, and put out what needs to be worked on the next day.

-I routinely go through my email sent and inboxes to make sure what I hang onto is actually needed or is still current. My computer has established folders for different types of documents (ex school by term and subject, professional documents, pictures, music).

-When it comes to items, generally I only have items with an actual purpose. I try not to have multiples of the same item and to keep what I DO have at a minimum. I will stockpile some items like soap or TP, as these get used more frequently. Most items have a location where they belong and are grouped with other like items. When I get done using something, it goes back where it belongs OR it gets put back at night.

Since joining Chile's challenge I have gotten rid of a couple of things. I finally dropped off clothes for a friend of mine and I gave some art paint to my new artist neighbor. I will give some other art supplies to a friend's child and a couple other items will go to the church rummage sale. Still not sure about the wall paint.....

One additional reason that I am this organized goes back to a comment from an old coworker. He wanted to be a cop and had noticed that frequently cops pull over vehicles that are not well maintained-the reason being that the car can be a symbol of the state of the individual. In that moment I realized that for me, my surroundings and my being are an expression of myself to others. I want to have a home that is comfy and organized so that other people feel comfortable and can relax here. (Although I may seem overly anal, that's just me and doesn't adhere to others in my home. I still LIVE here-especially since the organization makes it easier to just live rather than to worry about it all. :-)) And since then I've also recognized that I feel calmer and more organized as a person when my surroundings are that way as well.

Just some insights....to each their own. Although I can't help but wonder how other people live? We all have our own routines....:-)