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Tag Archive for: reducing

You’re in control

October 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Tip of the Month/by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

One effective way to stay organized is to remove (or reduce) anything in our homes that we can’t keep under control. Items that fall into this category are usually things we have in large quantities or excess. Some examples are an excessive amount of clothes, books, toys, shoes, paperwork, or collections. Think of an amount that is manageable and work towards achieving that amount.

https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/recycle-all.jpg 1020 1532 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO® https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®2024-10-01 01:42:042024-09-30 15:47:44You’re in control
3D Character and question mark

Everything has potential

September 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Tip of the Month/by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

Potential usefulness is not the same as actual usefulness. It’s easy to hold on to things because they have potential, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about their true value. Ask yourself:

  • How realistic is the potential of this item?
  • What condition is it in?
  • What is the likelihood that I’ll actually use it?
  • Will I use it within the next 6 months?
  • If it were damaged, would I replace it?
  • Would someone else get more value from it than I do?

The world is full of items with potential, but if you’re not using or appreciating them, consider letting them go to someone who will.

https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/question-mark.jpg 4000 4000 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO® https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®2024-09-01 01:31:562025-01-08 20:47:42Everything has potential
this or that sweater

Compare instead of decide

July 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Tip of the Month/by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

When deciding what to keep and what not to keep, compare two items at a time. Do you like this item more than that item? Which one do I use more? Wear more? Feel better about?

Other helpful tips:

  • Keep or not keep
  • Most important question when deciding to keep
  • Paper: what to keep and for how long
https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/This-or-that.jpg 512 840 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO® https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®2024-07-01 01:29:412024-05-23 14:47:30Compare instead of decide
photo albums on shelf

Keep only your favorites

June 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Tip of the Month/by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

Identify your favorite things and make space to enjoy those things. This will probably require the removal of unused, outdated, and unwanted stuff. By reducing those possessions, your favorite things have breathing room, and you have less to organize and maintain.

Here are a few suggestions:

  • How to get rid of stuff
  • 10 not scary things to toss
  • Get rid of stuff
https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/photo-albums.jpg 256 256 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO® https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®2024-06-01 01:23:082024-05-23 14:50:18Keep only your favorites
How many is enough?

Use instead of store

April 1, 2024/in Tip of the Month/by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

There is a distinction between using things and storing things. One signifies action and the other signifies stockpiling. For example, using up the big jug of laundry detergent you bought vs. storing the 5 jugs of laundry detergent you bought. Which situation requires less effort to organize and maintain? Go with that one!

https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/bottles-jugs-containers.png 558 762 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO® https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®2024-04-01 01:10:242024-03-21 20:10:51Use instead of store
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