Decluttery
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Clutter Clearing
"You should have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." William Morris.

What is Clutter?
Clutter is anything that doesn't belong where it is. This could mean things that are in the wrong place in your home (piles of papers that need to be filed, a bag of stuff on its way to goodwill, out-of-season clothing blocking the entrance to the closet, etc.) or it could mean stuff that doesn't belong in your home (or office) at all: clothing that doesn't fit or is otherwise unflattering, items belonging to former spouses/lovers/roommates, years-old magazines, broken technology, inappropriate gifts, etc.)

Why Clear Clutter?
Having clutter in your home blocks you, keeps you stuck, impedes your path, literally and figuratively. Having a home or office filled with clutter prevents new (and better) things and opportunities from entering your life. It saps your energy (just think of how you slump when you think about that pile of papers next to your desk).

The Results of Clearing Clutter
Clearing clutter will fill you with energy and joy. Really. Getting rid of that which doesn't belong gives you breathing room. The feeling of looking around a space and knowing that not only does it look great on the surface but everything that is there is meant to be there is double-back-flip good.

DIY v. Getting Help
Clearing clutter is difficult. Sometimes we get bursts of energy and can whip through our own clutter, but more often we need support. I believe that it is always a good idea to get help--sometimes it is enough to have a friend keep you company while you file. For many people, professional help can save time, energy, and be well worth the cost. Whether you just need help putting a plan together and staying on track or whether you'd rather work collaboratively room by room until the clutter is completely cleared, help is available.

If you do it alone, or with a cheerful friend at your side, take it slowly. Pick a small project and start there. Clearing clutter will give you a boost of energy. Use the boost to tackle a larger project. And so on. Don't push yourself too hard. Clutter Clearing is hard work--mentally, physically and spiritually, so be sure to take breaks, have yummy snacks on hand, and drink plenty of water.

Before calling in a professional, be sure that you need help. With a professional it can seem easier than you ever imagined, and it's important to know that it isn't *really* that easy, and you tried to do it on your own first. I recommend reading Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston. Kingston is incredibly inspiring, and if anyone can get you to do it on your own, she can.

What should be done with clutter?
Give it away, sell it, store it (rarely), keep it, or trash it.

When is the best time to clear clutter?
Now.

When are some times when calling in a consultant would be particularly helpful?
  • before a move (or after, as the case may be)
  • before renovating or redecorating
  • before a major life change (marriage, divorce, birth of a child, career change, etc.)
  • after a death
  • after children go off to college
  • before organizing
  • when starting a home business
  • when retiring

How do I work?
I work in a variety of ways, ranging from consultations to full-on collaborative clutter-clearing.

  • Consultations: Maybe you just don't know where to begin. Maybe you've got a bunch of free labor (friends, kids) and you need to come up with a plan of attack. Maybe you need to clarify your goals. I can talk with you on the phone, and/or visit your space to help you come up with a personal clutter clearing plan, covering everything from supplies you'll need to figuring out where the clutter will go.

  • Collaborative Clutter-Clearing:
    No one can clear your clutter for you.
    If it were just a matter of absolute rules (get rid of all a-line dresses, ditch all paperback mysteries and college textbooks) you wouldn't really have a clutter problem. When I work with a client we go through the clutter together--I help you to make your own decision. No one else can tell you if something is useful or beautiful. I help you to be honest about how things make you feel, about how the objects in your drawers and closets function in your life. I know how to ask the right questions. Clearing Clutter in this way is an exercise in clarification: who you are, what you want from your home and your life now, what is meaningful to you. I keep you on track, I keep you going when you want to quit. I help you to help yourself.