Is your life in a mess? Well maybe it’s time to get rid of the clutter.
YOUR OFFICE
Some people need help, others can do it alone. If you believe you can, set a goal for each day, but don’t try and do it all at once or you’ll be overwhelmed and give up. Commit to half an hour or an hour a day. The filing system is up to you, but do keep a Fire File — the one file you’ll grab if the office burns down, and which contains documents such as passports, birth and marriage certificates and policies. Shred confidential documents (or those containing your bank account or ID number), before throwing them away.
YOUR HOME
Clearing out cupboards, drawers and messy tabletops is like eating an elephant — you need to take one bite at a time. Tackle just one drawer or shelf a day, and remember your three piles (“keep”, “throw away” and “give away”). When you have a pile of “keeps”, put them in their correct location before walking away or starting the next task.
YOUR WARDROBE
Start small. Pull out all your shoes, and make three piles: “keep”, “throw away” and “give away”. Do the same with belts, underwear and socks, then gym gear. By now you’ll be nicely warmed up. Now start on your clothes, but do it methodically: T-shirts, shorts, then pants, jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. If you haven’t worn an item for a full year, toss it! There are countless needy people out there. If you’re a size 12, throw away the size 8 items. This is a wonderful, freeing moment — you’ll no longer open the cupboard, spot the size 8 clothing and hear the words “I’m fat” screaming back at you. Invite an organised friend over to help. Making yourself accountable to someone will ensure you get it done.
YOUR FAMILY
Buy a desk calendar with big daily squares. On each day write down your fixed tasks and extra-mural activities. Once it’s written out and visible, it’s easy to tackle and not so scary anymore. Next, write in pencil what else needs to be done. At the start of each day, write down all the things you need to do, in order of importance, on a Post-it note. Stick it to your handbag (so you don’t leave without it) and then onto the passenger seat of your car. Refer to it during the day and tick off what you’ve done — it’ll give you a sense of achievement. I use my phone as my helper: it has a good calendar and reminder function and beeps at me all day. It drives my husband nuts, but I get things done and arrive on time!
FIVE STRESS-LESS TIPS
1. If you need help, get help. If you’re not organised, it’s fine. Other people are, so enlist their help. People like to be needed.
2. Plan on a daily basis, taking each day as it comes. Then life is less overwhelming and can be handled in bite-sized chunks.
3. Schedule in exercise like you would a business appointment — it’s essential and will clear your mind. But do something you like.
4. Make your bed every morning. What’s your biggest messy habite Change that one thing. Start small and go slowly. Children who are raised in neat homes get better results at school, have successful careers and live positive lives.
5. Be kind to yourself. A lot of our clutter and disorganisation comes from within. If you start telling yourself you’re neat and tidy, you will be.
More info: magillett@mweb.co.za or 083 411 0520
Truly intriguing. Keep those topic pouring in.