Reclaim your space, reclaim your life

Q. I don’t think my home got dirty in one day. I know it has been a result of living without time to clean and de-clutter. Any tips as to how to remedy this without a lot of time or effort?

A. But of course! Consider this very easy process that will take only minutes out of your day. If you want to change the energy in your home from a hectic and unsettled space, take 15-30 minutes of your day and do the following: Go through your home with a box and gather up things you see which serve no useful (or sentimental) purpose in your household and are just taking up valuable counter, shelf or hanging space. Once done, put the box into your car and deliver it to your local non-profit organization. Next, get a trash bag (yes, a trash bag!) and gather things that are beyond repair, unrecognizable or never could to be used by society again. (Why should these things be in your lovely home?) Go through the whole house! Then? Toss that bag into the trash or recycling bin. With this process you have combined two steps into one-- you have cleansed your home and you’ve provided for others.

Don’t second-guess yourself on any of this. Go with your gut (isn’t that what they used to tell us when we took tests?). You’ll feel lighter and more humane - not a bad result!

Q. I know I have clutter but I don’t have time to take care of it. It drives me crazy! I am tired of knocking over my snow skis when I’m trying to get to the lawn equipment in the middle of summer.

A. Things that you only need on an occasional or seasonal basis can clutter up your current space and become downright annoying (instead of conjuring up happy memories of some rather cool moguls the last time you used them). If you know you will use these skis in the future, but they are cluttering your current space, consider re-organizing your garage or storage area to include a spot for ‘sports equipment’. By designating a certain area for skis, golf clubs, racquets, footballs or soccer equipment, you are reclaiming your sense of order. You will have created a unique environment for a specific interest, and in the process you might actually get rid of some of those ‘dead’ tennis balls or ratty old sneakers. Then? Go out and enjoy the sunshine for you deserve it!

Q. I have some valuable antiques that were left to me by my family. The problem? They are not my style at all and they actually make me feel depressed. Do I have to keep them?

A. Absolutely not! Why would you want something in your space that creates negative energy? You want your home and all that you are surrounded with to be an inviting and positive environment for all who enter. If you believe they should stay within the family, consult with relatives and see if they would appreciate an "heirloom" item or two. If not, then you are free to consign, sell or donate them. Any of these options will bring you to a sense of closure and fulfillment.

Q. Admittedly, I am a "bookaholic" and I have more CDs than I can listen to. The problem is I have to get rid of them. It seems wrong, somehow, to toss books or music out. How can I free up space and still know that my collections will not be relegated to the dumpster?

A. I love this question! As a "recovering librarian" I, too, have had many moving or simply cleansing situations in which I’ve had to decide which books or CDs to clear from my home. My solution is simple and very positive. First let’s talk about your books. Are you a voracious reader, and buy more paperbacks than hardbacks? If the answer is yes, consider donating some of these to places that often seek donations— hospices, childcare centers (if you have a lot of children’s books), or assisted-living facilities. They will appreciate the donation and you will feel satisfied that your reading experience will be passed on to others. Another option is to exchange books at retail establishments in the area that offer in-store credit for your paperbacks. You can continue to read but keep your living space relatively free as you are basically creating a "revolving door" for literature.

The same thing applies to CDs and even DVDs. Donate them if you have the opportunity. Non-profits embrace the donations of supporters and have many avenues with which to disperse them.

Q. Bet you’ve never had this question before. Aren’t I being wasteful if I get rid of so much when there are people who have so little?

A. Truthfully? I’ve never had this question, but at the same time I’ve never had to have this question and I’ll tell you why. A large part of being a professional organizer is learning how to take my clients’ things that no longer have meaning or use in their lives and figure out where to best send them. Being wasteful is not part of the mantra. Cleansing homes and providing others with things they need from my clients’ homes is crucial to the philosophy of "less is more" in one’s life. If we have the opportunity to cleanse one home of excesses, then it is certainly a positive to give it to a home that is need. The cycle is healthy and all benefit.

Q. What if I "cleanse" my home and think I’ve thrown away something important?

A. This rarely happens and I’ll tell you why. The process of clearing clutter from one’s home, garage, or office, is not a "blindfolded" activity. An organizer works with you in terms of identifying what is relevant to life—be it for records, business, school, etc. - and sorts those papers or materials that still hold importance in your world. This is imperative to a healthy cleansing of the home. The goal is to remove that which is taking up space and is no longer of use or importance in your daily living. If, however, you do believe something of importance was removed, consider replacing it and see if it still holds the same value. I can’t stress enough the beauty of releasing material things to free up the mind, body and soul. Your life can only become more open and healthy.

Karen A. Joseph is the owner of Ordered Bliss, a professional organizing company on Daniel Island. A former librarian, Karen offers her clients positive strategies for creating an ordered’ lifestyle for all areas of your home. Ordered Bliss is a company in good standing with NAPO, the National Association of Professional Organizers. Contact Karen at 843-345-2592 or www.orderedbliss.com; she will truly ‘bliss your life’.