I’m so happy spring is on its way. Aren’t you? I get motivated to clean out, freshen up, and organize my home in the spring. I’m not sure why this time of year motivates me, but I get the urge to get rid of stuff. Let me share some examples.
Have you ever declared, “I can’t get rid of that, it cost too much!” If you don’t use it or wear it, why does it matter how much it cost? It won’t cost any less if you hold onto it for another year or two. Let it go now! This way someone, other than you, can get some use out of it before it depreciates in value.
How are you enjoying your spring? Do you have spring cleaning and organizing projects lined up? At my house we’re getting central air conditioning installed. I’m very excited that we won’t have to deal with the window AC units anymore.
If you’d like to encourage yourself and your family to recycle more change your words. Use the word landfill instead of trash. Every time you’re about to throw something out say, “I’m putting this in the landfill.” This small change will make a difference in how you perceive discarded items.
Research shows the context of a word sways people’s judgment and decision making.
One of the most common issues people face when organizing and downsizing is deciding what to keep. Here is a tool that is helpful during the decision making process. This tool is from the book, Organizing for Dummies by Eileen Roth and Elizabeth Miles.
When deciding to save or not use the acronym WASTE.
This acronym is a great tool because it prompts us to ask questions regarding the usefulness of the items on which we’re deciding. We need to be honest with our answers and with our assessment of the items in question.
A second common issue people face when organizing and downsizing is deciding what to do with the items that aren’t being kept. The options are countless, but what I have witnessed over the years is that it’s helpful to find a donation destination that motivates us to let go of stuff. Let me share some of the most common ones that I use for myself and for my clients.
©November 2021 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO All rights reserved
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