| Ask yourself some questions: | | | | And it will be easier for everyone to put things away. I |
| When did you use it last? How much would it cost to | | | | often hear, "Oh, I'd forgotten I had this." And a |
| get another one, if you should need it in the future? | | | | wonderful memory follows. Now imagine taking your |
| Will the clothing still be in vogue once you get back to | | | | favorite objects and putting them back in use -- for |
| that smaller size? Has your lifestyle changed? | | | | their original purpose or a new and creative use. |
| Has the product expired? Do you use a new favorite | | | | Repurpose! |
| brand ? | | | | Once you live with a bit less, you'll realize the joy of |
| Does everyone love it? If it needs repair, how long has | | | | simplifying your life, so you do it again. It's quite |
| it been in the repair pile - vis a vis the guilt you feel at | | | | common to go through two rounds of sorting out what |
| not having repaired it yet. | | | | you want to keep. |
| Who else would enjoy the items you're getting rid of, | | | | Children's and grandchildren's artwork and toys - same |
| as much as you have? The best idea is to think about | | | | ideas apply. You'll notice the best artwork if you display |
| this person as you're going through your ... books? | | | | your favorites (or they choose their favorites). |
| Collectibles? When you can picture someone loving | | | | Keep only the best each school year; you'll know them |
| the item as you have, it's far easier to winnow down | | | | when you see them. Keep 3 papers weekly and by |
| and out. | | | | 6th grade, you'll have over 800 pieces of paper! |
| Someday is now: If not now, when? | | | | Sobering fact. |
| What deserving group, perhaps one you belong to, | | | | And toys - weed out by helping children go through |
| would appreciate your gifts? Beautiful crafts supplies | | | | toys that are too young for them. Figure out together |
| can be given to an art school or adult day care | | | | which friends or organization would like the toys that |
| program. | | | | are like new. What a great lesson for them to learn |
| Keep a photograph of the item instead of the item | | | | about giving. |
| itself (and all the space it takes up). Think "reduce" | | | | Too much mail? Too much paperwork? Take your |
| instead of "eliminate" here. Decide how many you can | | | | name off mailing lists and off magazine subscriptions |
| reasonably and comfortably display - if not displayed, | | | | you no longer find the time to read. Make decisions |
| you don't get to enjoy them inside a box. | | | | quickly about the next step for papers. You'll winnow |
| Or keep one or two favorites in your collection, instead | | | | down those piles into smaller ones. And aren't smaller |
| of all of them. One teenage, young woman had over | | | | piles easier to deal with. |
| 100 stuffed animals. As she turned 13, she wanted a | | | | Having a system in place to manage paperwork for |
| different, cooler bedroom design. We displayed 12 of | | | | you, your family and your business will make this less |
| her favorites on a shelf. All the rest she kept in an | | | | overwhelming. |
| under-the-bed storage bin, until she decides whether | | | | Take some of these ideas to heart and implement |
| she really wants to keep all of them. | | | | your new systems. |
| Realize that you will notice and appreciate more of | | | | You'll be creating more time for yourself - can't beat |
| your favorite items, once you weed out. You'll have | | | | that! |
| easier and faster access to what you use everyday. | | | | |