Organizing Questions & Answers – Part 1

As the author of 11 books on how to declutter, organize and simplify your life, I get a lot of questions from my readers. I thought it might be helpful to share some of these organizing questions and answers with you in a series of blog posts. Here’s part one.

Q. Help! I’m moving after 42+ years and struggling with the process.

I am in the process of trying to move after living here for over 42 years five weeks from today. It’s a VERY frustrating process. I have many, many boxes, but most are still not filled. I still haven’t gone through any of the drawers in every room and have four more clothes closets to clean out.

To say I feel very overwhelmed is an understatement. My husband, who passed away 6 years ago, never threw anything away and I haven’t been much better. Any help and advice you can give me will be GREATLY appreciated. I do enjoy your newsletters and look forward to someday being organized even at the age of 73!! I know my life would be much better.

A. Purge first, then pack.

If you have four-plus closets of clothes, I’m pretty sure you have way more clothes than you need. What I would do is pull out your favorites – the ones you wear 80% of the time – and maybe a few for special occasions. Give away the rest.

Just think of the good you will be doing for someone, somewhere who maybe has only the clothes on her back – perhaps a victim of domestic violence who finally decided to get out of a bad situation, leaving all of her possessions behind. Regardless, clothes you never wear are just cluttering up your closets and your life – and making the process of packing up more difficult.

I know that this might be hard, but it’s time to let go of all those things your husband was saving. It was his choice to keep them, but you can make a different choice. It’s okay. As you go through his things and yours, ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love it? If no, let it go.

Spend the next day or two filling up as many trash bags as you can. Trash or recycle anything that’s not worth fixing or has seen better days. Bring the rest to your nearest donation center or schedule a free pickup.

Choose to keep only things that are important to YOU right now, at this time in your life. Packing will be so much easier when you are packing with just what you need to start the living the organized life you’ve always wanted.

Q. I really need physical help [to get organized], but I am afraid to ask for it.

I need an “ump” to start things that need to be organized or gone through. Every day, I think that today might be the day, and then I remember I have another doctor’s appointment or something else that is more urgent. I have been thinking this way for a few years now, since I got ill. These are not excuses, just reality. I’ve even thought that moving might be the answer! I really need physical help, but I am afraid to ask for it.

A. I always say, “It never hurts to ask.”

Think of it this way: If you don’t ask, then you are denying someone who cares about you an opportunity to show how much they care!

Think about a project that you would love to accomplish and then think of the best person to ask for help. You can say, “I hate to even ask, but I’ve been wanting to [do whatever] for some time now and I really can’t do it myself. Would you be willing to give me a hand?” I’m guessing you’ll get a “yes.” Then set a date and time to get started.

Alternatively, if you have the means, consider hiring a professional organizer who can not only help you get organized, but also teach you a few tricks for staying organized.

Q. The minute I get rid of something, I miss it.

I am the most cluttered person you could meet. I can’t get rid of items, because I attach feelings to them for one reason or another. And then I can’t part with them. The area in my house that people see is very presentable, but my closets are a wreck and my garage is beginning to look like a used furniture store. My husband and two children are super organized and do not have any problem getting rid of things. But me, the minute I get rid of something, I am missing it or needing it. And I dwell on it for days.

A. You are not alone.

First, stop beating yourself up. You are not alone. Once we bring stuff into our lives, it becomes a part of who we are, which explains the attachment you feel for your things. Some people are just more attached than others. I’m willing to bet that you are also an extremely loyal person who is very attached to family and friends!

That said, clutter is creating a problem for you, so it’s time to do something about it. Don’t focus on what you are getting rid of; it’s just stuff. Old stuff that is cluttering up your home! Think about how wonderful it will feel not to have to worry about it anymore.

What’s the worst thing that could happen if you let go of things you no longer love or use? IF you need a thing again someday (and that’s a big IF, especially for all that furniture in the garage), could you get it again pretty easily and inexpensively? Probably. Let that thought comfort you.

Give yourself permission to let go of the clutter. Be the wonderful person you are and donate it to help others who are less fortunate. That’s something you can feel good about. Focus on that. I think you know in your heart that the best things in life are not things.

Do you have organizing questions?

What’s your organizing question for me? Leave a comment!

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