Faux Organizing

What do you do when you have just recovered from a bout of illness, clutter has gotten out of hand, AND you are expecting guests for dinner? How about some faux organizing accompanied by some light topical cleaning?

Faux organizing is the term we use for making a defined space look like it is not cluttered, even though there may be lots of chaos under the surface. The way to achieve it is to contain, cover and stow.

Contain those things that are scattered all over the place. For instance, mail my have accumulated on a counter and can be put in a basket on a shelf until after the party. Kids’ toys can be put in a plastic bin in the corner of the family room. Wayward plants can be grouped on a tray.

Cover by shutting all cabinet doors; place other loose items like cosmetics, jewelry, and other miscellaneous items in attractive stackable boxes.

Stow larger items in a closet or room that will not be seen by the guests. I have never met anyone who did not have a secret space they occasionally used for this purpose.

Then, do some basic cleaning. Make sure to dust surfaces and, if necessary, vacuum floors in the rooms that will be used for the gathering. Invest some time in thoroughly cleaning surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom. Sanitize the sinks and toilet bowls.

This routine takes about an hour to complete in an average house. The real trick is to recognize it for what it is—an emergency measure. When the guests leave and your energy returns, take the time to do it right, and find the right system to manage the mail, the toys and whatever else you had to hide.

A space that stays really organized is always easier to put back in order after brief lapses.

Beverly and Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net

The Clutter Whisperer

I’ve got clutter and I must clean up!

It started when I got a virus on New Years Eve that lingered for three weeks. When I recovered, I was washed out and easily tired. There was no time to take care of the little things as I caught up with clients, did speaking engagements and checked on a sick mother. The mail went unsorted, dirty clothes piled up and the detritus of living went unattended. In other words, clutter happened. It happened in the way clutter usually happens. Some life event prevented me from performing usual routines that keep me organized.

While I was sick, the only thing that did not hurt was my eyeballs, so I watched television programs I seldom see. On one of them, I became acquainted with Cesar Milan, known as The Dog Whisperer. The psychology he uses to rehabilitate aggressive, scared, lazy, or compulsive dogs struck me as relevant to organizing. During one feverish period I even fancied myself as a “ clutter whisperer” taming piles of unruly items into organized spaces that stayed that way.

The reality is that much of the psychology Milan applies to rehabilitating dogs can be applied to getting organized. In fact, he says he rehabilitates dogs and trains people. That is a true statement for organizers. We rehabilitate spaces but educate and train clients in organizing techniques. There are some other parallels I found interesting. Milan advocates a three-step process of exercise, discipline and affection. My philosophy for organizing is get started, stay focused, and celebrate the successes. Sounds similar to me.

Milan also advocates setting rules, maintaining boundaries and recognizing limitations. All are important concepts in organizing, especially when organizing for groups like families or office staff.

The more I think about it, “clutter whisperer” is a good title. Although clutter is inanimate, it often takes on a life of its own. It causes us no end of trouble and we invest it with a whole host of emotions.

So try a little “Whisper” psychology and see if it tames your mess. Mine is almost back in order. One more day of focused discipline should do it. Then it will be time to celebrate with a little treat for myself. Maybe I will watch the Dog Whisperer.

Beverly & Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net

Christmas Clean-up

This is the week most folks pack away their Christmas decorations and find a place for the Christmas gifts. In with the new crockpot; out with the old.

Here are a few suggestions to help you start the New Year with a little less clutter.

Throw away damaged ornaments, burned out bulbs and wreaths that looked bad this Christmas and will look worse next year. You will waste energy packing them and take up space you could use for other things. Don’t listen to that little voice that lists all the crafty things you will be able to do with the rejects unless you ACTUALLY do those crafty things and do not have other boxes of damaged goods waiting for your creative talents to flourish.

If you received a gift that doesn’t fit your body or your style, decide what to do with it now. Don’t stick in the closet or stuff it in a drawer just to get it out of the way. Return it, sell it, donate it or start a re-gifting box, if you are so inclined. Make the decision and act on it.

If you receive something new to replace older or outgrown possessions, find a home for the older items. Charitable organizations are grateful for winter apparel, used pots and pans, and even crockpots. Mine will be going to a local church that runs a soup kitchen.

If you discover that your closet is getting too full or your jewelry box can't hold one more pair of earrings, consider getting rid of your least favorite thing. A crowded closet or drawer is much harder to maintain than one where everything fits comfortably.

The key is to do it now. Make a decision while you are dealing with the item and carry out your decision. It is a very effective way to stem the accumulation of clutter and to maintain an organized space. What a great way to end the year!

Beverly & Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net