It’s a new year and many of you have made promises to get organized. However, before you tackle the clutter, we suggest starting at the source of your problem. This will not only help improve your cluttered lifestyle - it will help keep the clutter from coming back.  Here are some questions that you can ask yourself to determine the source of your clutter.

How can I keep things from piling up?

The first step in getting organized is prevention. Frequently our clients purchase things they really don’t need. Most of the time it can be something they already have but can’t find due to the clutter they live in. Rarely do they consider if they actually have the space for the item they are buying. We recommend thinking twice before shopping. Ask yourself, “Will the item fit?  Do I really need it?” 

Sometimes things come into our homes uninvited, like junk mail. You can prevent junk mail from coming into your home by going to www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html. It may cost a small fee but it is well worth it.

Do I have enough space?

All too often, we find our clients do not designate space for their daily tasks. We suggest making a list of every action that takes place in the space being organized. There is no sense in organizing your things if they have nowhere to be stored or if they are stored in an inappropriate place.

Is it possible I have a disorder?

A disorder can increase distractibility, hoarding, and impulsivity. All of these can contribute to a cluttered lifestyle. If you are not seeking help for your disorder, clearing the clutter will only mask the problem. You can learn more about ADD/ADHD at www.add.org and more about OCD at www.ocfoundation.org.

Did the clutter start piling up after a specific life event?

Events like a divorce, death, illness, a bad accident, brain trauma, acquiring a disability, having a baby, starting a new job, getting married or starting college can break you out of your usual routine. As a result, people become depressed, unmotivated, stressed or just too overwhelmed. Knowing if a life event forced you into disorganization allows you to stop the clutter at its roots.

As 2006 begins, you can get off to a clean and efficient start by asking yourself some difficult questions and most importantly, taking action on the answers you discover. 

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