BoomerGirl Diary

We all know that clutter drags you down. It zaps your energy as well as the energy of your environment. But that doesn’t seem to prevent us from making it, collecting it and nurturing it. Clutter grows, like the kudzu vine, out of control. So why do we have it? An answer can be found in something a friend

said to me with a look of delight in his eyes … "If one is good, two is better."

This belief and philosophy of “more more more” has contributed to packed homes and cramped closets. Garages, basements and attics are full of the broken, unused and forever banned articles that we tremble over parting with. Our stuff identifies us and we identify with our stuff and although we might feel an

elevated sense of worthiness the more we acquire, when you get control of your stuff, you get control of your life.

I have been involved in the clutter-clearing business my entire life. I was the little girl who would suggest organizing friend’s closets or drawers instead of playing house. For me, playing in the “real” house was so much more satisfying than pretending to play house. What I have come to recognize is that my childhood compulsion is truly my passion turned mission: Clearing the planet, one closet at a time!

So here are some tips for dealing with the stuff that crowds your closets, fills your basements and garages…and cramps your style.

When clearing clutter, one rule applies. Like things with like things. When your items are categorized into subjects you will never again wonder where they are. Take any room in the house; this rule applies. Canned goods with canned goods. Tools with tools. Games with games. This sounds so simple, but you’d be surprised at how many drawers I’ve opened that have been dedicated to the likes of unused film, miscellaneous receipts, silk panties, out of style belts, the dog’s bone and battery operated massagers.

Small toys

When storing small toys, get rid of those giant toy boxes - the stuff on the bottom of a large box stays on the bottom, never to be seen again. Put Legos, Bristle Blocks and other small items in medium-sized containers. Children’s little hands can more easily access small pieces when they are in child-sized containers. Children thrive on order and it’s easier for them to participate in the clean-up process when they know where things go. Studies show that children do better in school when they come from an orderly environment, so downsize your containers and invest in an inexpensive label-maker. Your children and their teachers will thank you!

Tips for teens

Teen-agers are difficult to deal with when it comes to clutter because once they hit those tender adolescent years, there are boundary issues of what’s appropriate in their private space. Having lived through both my daughter and son’s teen-age years I know from personal experience that getting them to put their stuff away can be a constant battleground.

Here’s an idea for handling the piles your teen-ager creates around the home — the Stuff Box. As you walk around your home, cursing the stuff, just pick it up and throw it in the box. Don’t put it away and don’t take it into your teen-ager’s room. Just throw it in the box.

Now what do you do with the stuff in the box? You can have your teen-ager pay to redeem an item or you can give your teen-ager a time limit attached to a consequence, i.e. clean your room by this time and the stuff in the box is returned. After “said” amount of time has passed — well, it’s time to trash the stuff or donate to a worthy cause — harsh, but effective. My own mother used to sweep my brother’s things into a pile on the floor and say, “You’ve got five minutes to pick out anything from this pile you want, after that I’m throwing it away.” Sibling rivalry caused me to secretly love this game.

Ideally, getting your teen-ager on board is the most loving and helpful thing you can do, Try planning a date and offer to do it with them. You may never change their habits, at least while they’re living in your home, but you can shut the door and focus in on your own clutter. They might enjoy the role modeling, and who knows, become inspired!

The stuff they leave behind

Whether you live in the same home your children grew up in or whether you are moving out and downsizing, you are probably faced with the task of storing or getting rid of your grown children’s things. Here’s a wonderful way to rid yourself of their stuff and your guilt while honoring them at the same time.

Create a memory trunk for them. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. Fill the trunk with only the articles that are truly meaningful, i.e. artwork, handmade pottery, videotapes of skating shows, or several articles of their baby clothing. Remember, you don’t need to save an entire box load from every school year. Be selective and intentional. When the trunk is full ... you’re done. Your children will appreciate the time and attention, and it will be an event when they or their children take the time to go through it.

Even if you didn’t grow up in an orderly environment, the peace of mind that order can bring to you is indescribable. It will save you time and money and you will discover a newfound freedom and respect for the material things you bring into your home. Your life will change and you will have the time to do things you’ve only dreamed about. Remember, your stuff can work for you or against you. Get control of your stuff and you get control of your life.