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? Because we believe if one is good, two is better. At least that’s what a friend of mine said. I had to agree.

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. I preferred playing in the “real” house rather than pretending. 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, 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

Teenagers are difficult to deal with when it comes to clutter because once they hit those adolescent years, there are boundary issues in their private space. Having lived through both my daughter and son’s teenage 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 teenager creates around the home. Call it 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 teenager’s room. Just throw it in the box.

Now what do you do with the stuff in the box? You have choices. You could have your son or daughter pay to redeem an item or having a time limit attached to a consequence, i.e. clean your room by tonight and the stuff is returned, if not it goes in the garbage. Harsh, but effective. My own mother used to sweep my brother’s things into a pile on the floor and say, “You’ve got 5 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 teenager 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 while they’re living in your home, but you can shut the door and focus in on your own clutter. By being a good role model, who knows, they might become inspired.

The stuff they leave behind

Whether you live in the same home your children grew up in or whether you intend to move and downsize, you are probably faced with the task of getting rid of your grown children’s belongings. Here’s a wonderful way to rid yourself of their stuff and your guilt all at the same time.

Create a memory trunk. 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 from every school year. Be selective and intentional. When the trunk is full ... you’re done. Your children will appreciate the time and attention you spent, 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 do choose to bring into your home. Your life will change. Remember, your stuff can work for you or against you.

Get control of your stuff and you get control of your life.

— See more of Linda's advice at www.clearyourspace.com.