Silly common excuses we use for holding on...
I might need it someday. What are the odds? seriously. You might need it someday… but most likely …you might not. Can your easily replace it, or does someone else have it if you REALLY needed it again someday? What is the worst thing that would happen if you did NOT have it?
There’s an article I want to read. Good intention #1. If the magazine is older than 6 months – let those articles go. At he very LEAST, cut the article out and file it, then and toss the rest of the magazine.
It was a gift. Do you actually use, like, or love it? If not, and it really is the thought that counts – think of someone else who might love to have it, then give it as a gift to someone else, or a charity.
I paid good money for it. Just because you make one mistake, doesn’t mean you should make another mistake…by keeping the first mistake. What is the value of a designer suit that just hangs in your closet getting dustier every year? Zero. Donate that suit; it is worth a lot more to the person who actually needs it.
As soon as I lose 25 lbs, I’ll be able to wear it again. My personal favorite bieng a chunky girl.. Ok, so box the clothes that don’t fit, for 1 year. If they still do not fit after the year…donate them or 50% of your least favorites. After year 2 – donate the remaining 50% and let it go. When you do lose the weight – reward yourself with NEW clothes instead of old, wrinkled, and most likely- out of style clothes.
If you are one of the many who kid themselves that they “JUST wore this”- Turn ALL your hangers backwards, then when you wear something (not just trying it on again) put the hanger in correctly. In 6 months, look to see which are still facing wrong direction… Most people wear a small portion of their wardrobe and rarely, if ever touch the rest.
It’s still perfectly good. Well, if it’s so darn good, why is it buried, boxed, or covered with dust? Do you actually USE it? If not, lose it.
I inherited it. Do you love it, or even like it? You are not obligated to fill your home with items someone else enjoyed, if you do not. For all you know, they might have never liked it themselves, but felt obligated to keep it because it was given to them! Guilt; keeping houses filled with clutter since: the begining of time.
It doesn’t belong to me. If it’s not your OWN stinkin’ clutter, give the responsibility and the stuff to the rightful owner... Otherwise, starting charging. You are not a storage company.
It just needs to be fixed. Then send it out to get it fixed already. Write it down and set a deadline.
They don’t make things like that anymore. Most items – if valuable, dependable, or necessary – are STILL being made, or have been improved on. Besides, it doesn’t matter how well-made it is if you NEVER use it!
It would cost a fortune to replace. IF you really need to replace it. But just think of all the time and money you’ll save by not storing it, maintaining it, crawling over or digging under it and NOT replacing it.
It brings back old memories. Heck, my divorce papers bring back memories too, let go of the bad memories. For the rests, opt to take a photograph of the musty stuffed animal and your child with the macaroni art they made you and let go of the item.. A photo with a written note/story about it or why it is important to you will offer greater value than a box full of stuffed animals or art with no known meaning. . If you must keep keepsakes, honor them with proper care and storage or display them.
Mamasource
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The compulsive shopper vs. the Holidays - "It's the most difficult time.. of the year.."
So,why are the Holidays worse?
• Increased advertising and marketing - increasing the pressure to buy
• The desire to please others
• Percieved pressure up with the Joneses (seriously, you don't have to dip too far into the wallet to keep up with ME!)
• For some, the holiday season brings feelings of loneliness or
depression
In addition, at-home shopping opportunities -- on TV and the Internet create problems for compulsive shoppers. Before you head out shopping this Holiday Seaon – get perspective, set limits, and get help if needed. Holiday shopping is no laughing matter for people who can't control their shopping habits.
What is Compulsive Shopping?
Compulsive shopping is a “chronic, repetitive purchasing" that is often a response to negative events or feelings” In other words, shopping makes the individuals feel better and it temporarily fulfills what they are missing, and can the feeling/action can become addictive. The individuals have uncontrollable urges to purchase. It is hard for them to stop spending money even if they cannot afford to. Compulsive shopping patterns include daily shopping, occasional binge-shopping, collecting, bargain hunting and buying multiples of one item.
Don’t be fooled
Some compulsive shoppers may not actually buy anything. They may just spend all day shopping. They find it exciting, or may use it as a way to escape. Compulsive shopping is often a very secretive disorder, as many are embarrassed that thier out of control shopping is causing problems in their life. Some often try to justify the purchases because the purchase is educational; such as books, media or technology. Or because they believe they are SAVING money such as bargain shopping, or buying larger quantities or multiples.
As with other compulsive behaviors, shoppers tend to have underlying disorders or mental illnesses that feed or intensify their shopping behavior, turning a normal activity into an irresistible or uncontrolled urge. Underlying disorders that accompany compulsive shopping, include various types of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety, and eating disorders.
Strategies
Accountability: Have your spouse, relative or best friend monitor your checkbook and purchases each month.
Avoid Boredom: Fill your day by taking care of others
Plan outings with friends and neighbors
Get involved in your children's school events and activities.
Shopping solutions
Reduce your options: Open your wallet and pull out all the credit cards. 'Do you really need 10 or more credit cards?' " Cut in half the ones that are expendable or not needed.
Leave your checkbook at home for bill paying only
Budget: When you shop – have preset list and budget.
Be honest: Ask yourself 'Do you REALLY need that?' " "You may not be able to control your thoughts, but you can control your behavior.
If you think you need professional help for compulsive shopping:
Typically, people who are compulsive shoppers decide to get help when they either finally admit they have a problem or when someone they care about drags them into treatment.
• Read one of the many self-help books on the subject
• Talk to a mental-health professional, such as a psychiatrist or
psychologist who specializes in compulsive behaviors.
• Contact a Consumer Credit Counseling Service.
The effectiveness and type of treatment depends on the severity of the problem and the person's willingness to change.
Compulsive Shopping Test
• I feel a lack of control over my spending habits.
• I feel guilty when I shop.
• I don't know -- or want to admit -- how much I shop.
• I tend to hide purchases and shopping expeditions from my loved ones.
• Shopping is my favorite method of relieving tension and anxiety.
• I often care more about the action of buying than what I actually buy.
• My closet is full of unused things.
• I often buy things I can't afford.
• Other people would be horrified if they knew how much I shop.
• I buy myself things to make myself feel better.
Each of these statements is a warning that your shopping may be out of control.. The more statements that apply, the more serious the problem may be.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date...
Some times we joke that we are "fashionably late", when in reality lateness for many is a chronic problem, where they find themselves constantly tardy, surrounded with chaos and offering apologies to all they know. There is nothing "fashionable" about leaving people waiting, wondering, or worrying.
In most cases, lateness is caused by the underestimation of time and how much you can actually do in a day and by distractions/procrastination! (things I'd RATHER do). In addition, a person becomes so immersed in what they have to do that day, and how it is all going to get done, that they track of time, and focus on those around them.
Here are some Anti-lateness tips to help you break the late habit!
Get Real.
Time yourself if necessary to see how long something actually takes. If taking the kids to school really took 20 minutes, stop planning for 10. If you think that stopping by the grocery store on your way home from work will only take 5 minutes... time it. Did it? This should raise your time reality awareness.
Take the blinders off.
It's much easier and more comfortable to ignore how your lateness affects those around you. Listen for subtle and not-to-subtle hints, watch for reactions, make note of the consequences (loss of opportunity, respect, money, added chaos, anger, and disappointment). If you really want to know how it affects others.. ASK. You might hear some hard truths. Thinking of others, instead of just your own busy life, or being honest about real consequences for lateness is an eye opener and fosters the desire to change. Part of taking "ownership" in your lateness, is to be honest with your excuses. Don't offer dramatic play by play of your horribly busy day, or the unforeseen event that caused your tardiness. Be honest and say "I'm so sorry I am late, I didn't mean to be rude or inconvenience you" Or admit that this is a problem area in your life, and that you are working on improving your time management skills.
Practice Time Management Tips:
*Use a planner to schedule the time in your day for appointments and your to-do lists. This includes long-range plans, appointments, phone calls, outings, and even routine tasks such as bill-paying and laundry. Keep it flexible by creating buffer time between each task that can accommodate unexpected delays. Write phone numbers next to appointments, so you can call to verify the time, or if you need to reschedule.
*Avoid squeezing in "just one more" thing, especially at the last minute.
*Use a timer if you need it, to signal how long the task actually took, or when to stop and move on, and not lose track of time. Use a stop watch, cell phone or a computer reminder. (speaking of computers, it is very good idea to have a timer next your computer -to avoid getting sucked in to the black hole of time while on the computer and then are left scrambling to make up time we lost)
*Stop arriving "with just a minute" to spare. If you have a 3:15 appointment, PLAN on arriving 10 minutes early. This will allow you to still be on time if excessive traffic, quarreling kids, or any other unforeseen delay happens.
Review.
At the end of the day look back at uncompleted tasks. Why were they not accomplished? Was too much planned for the day, what held you up? Just like planning a budget.. there is a forecast of what you think you will spend and then what you actually spent and the two must be reconciled. Write in another color in your planner, the unscheduled activities, or unforeseen delays that occurred, and at what time. Now you can SEE where your time went. Then adjust where needed:
*Create buffer times if necessary in between.
*Adjust the time for how long a task really took vs what you estimated
*Plan into your schedule tasks that you originally didn't schedule/plan for but that you note a pattern of frequency (just because you don't want to or didn't plan to drop off extra kids after school, or 30 minutes late after work) doesn't mean you should not PLAN for it.
If in your review you note patterns and frequncy of an unplanned event, PLAN for it. You will never be late, will never disappoint, and will only gain TIME that you can use as YOU choose, not as time dictates!
Still not enough time in the day? Something may have to go. There is only 24 hours in a day. Never more. You can only attend so many worthwhile events, and say yes to so many things. You may have to lighten up on possible perfectionist tendencies and ways. Look for everyday shortcuts. Is there an easier way? Look for ways that you can multi-task such as cleaning the shower while you are in it. Buy all your birthday and occasion cards at once instead of one at a time, not only will you save time shopping, but you will have the card when you need it. Group activities or locations where possible. If you are going to the post office, what is near by that you can take care of in that area instead of going there 2-3 times that week. If you have to take a kid for a routine hair cut or teeth cleaning, take them all at the same time. Saving just a few minutes here and there can free up a surprising amount of time.
Holy cow, now I'm early, and I'm wasting time just sitting here... I KNEW I could have run to the post office first! Stop it. Doing so, would have run the risk of you being late AGAIN. Instead, always have something to do with you, that you can do while you wait. Call a friend or associate, review and adjust your planner or to-do list, keep articles you've been meaning to read with you, clean out your purse or glovebox.. you know it needs it. Or do the unthinkable.... RELAX.
In most cases, lateness is caused by the underestimation of time and how much you can actually do in a day and by distractions/procrastination! (things I'd RATHER do). In addition, a person becomes so immersed in what they have to do that day, and how it is all going to get done, that they track of time, and focus on those around them.
Here are some Anti-lateness tips to help you break the late habit!
Get Real.
Time yourself if necessary to see how long something actually takes. If taking the kids to school really took 20 minutes, stop planning for 10. If you think that stopping by the grocery store on your way home from work will only take 5 minutes... time it. Did it? This should raise your time reality awareness.
Take the blinders off.
It's much easier and more comfortable to ignore how your lateness affects those around you. Listen for subtle and not-to-subtle hints, watch for reactions, make note of the consequences (loss of opportunity, respect, money, added chaos, anger, and disappointment). If you really want to know how it affects others.. ASK. You might hear some hard truths. Thinking of others, instead of just your own busy life, or being honest about real consequences for lateness is an eye opener and fosters the desire to change. Part of taking "ownership" in your lateness, is to be honest with your excuses. Don't offer dramatic play by play of your horribly busy day, or the unforeseen event that caused your tardiness. Be honest and say "I'm so sorry I am late, I didn't mean to be rude or inconvenience you" Or admit that this is a problem area in your life, and that you are working on improving your time management skills.
Practice Time Management Tips:
*Use a planner to schedule the time in your day for appointments and your to-do lists. This includes long-range plans, appointments, phone calls, outings, and even routine tasks such as bill-paying and laundry. Keep it flexible by creating buffer time between each task that can accommodate unexpected delays. Write phone numbers next to appointments, so you can call to verify the time, or if you need to reschedule.
*Avoid squeezing in "just one more" thing, especially at the last minute.
*Use a timer if you need it, to signal how long the task actually took, or when to stop and move on, and not lose track of time. Use a stop watch, cell phone or a computer reminder. (speaking of computers, it is very good idea to have a timer next your computer -to avoid getting sucked in to the black hole of time while on the computer and then are left scrambling to make up time we lost)
*Stop arriving "with just a minute" to spare. If you have a 3:15 appointment, PLAN on arriving 10 minutes early. This will allow you to still be on time if excessive traffic, quarreling kids, or any other unforeseen delay happens.
Review.
At the end of the day look back at uncompleted tasks. Why were they not accomplished? Was too much planned for the day, what held you up? Just like planning a budget.. there is a forecast of what you think you will spend and then what you actually spent and the two must be reconciled. Write in another color in your planner, the unscheduled activities, or unforeseen delays that occurred, and at what time. Now you can SEE where your time went. Then adjust where needed:
*Create buffer times if necessary in between.
*Adjust the time for how long a task really took vs what you estimated
*Plan into your schedule tasks that you originally didn't schedule/plan for but that you note a pattern of frequency (just because you don't want to or didn't plan to drop off extra kids after school, or 30 minutes late after work) doesn't mean you should not PLAN for it.
If in your review you note patterns and frequncy of an unplanned event, PLAN for it. You will never be late, will never disappoint, and will only gain TIME that you can use as YOU choose, not as time dictates!
Still not enough time in the day? Something may have to go. There is only 24 hours in a day. Never more. You can only attend so many worthwhile events, and say yes to so many things. You may have to lighten up on possible perfectionist tendencies and ways. Look for everyday shortcuts. Is there an easier way? Look for ways that you can multi-task such as cleaning the shower while you are in it. Buy all your birthday and occasion cards at once instead of one at a time, not only will you save time shopping, but you will have the card when you need it. Group activities or locations where possible. If you are going to the post office, what is near by that you can take care of in that area instead of going there 2-3 times that week. If you have to take a kid for a routine hair cut or teeth cleaning, take them all at the same time. Saving just a few minutes here and there can free up a surprising amount of time.
Holy cow, now I'm early, and I'm wasting time just sitting here... I KNEW I could have run to the post office first! Stop it. Doing so, would have run the risk of you being late AGAIN. Instead, always have something to do with you, that you can do while you wait. Call a friend or associate, review and adjust your planner or to-do list, keep articles you've been meaning to read with you, clean out your purse or glovebox.. you know it needs it. Or do the unthinkable.... RELAX.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The Organized Summer Tote
Be prepared for whatever the summer events may throw at you, by having the following tote bag packed and ready to go!
Pack a disposable camera, towel, frisbee or ball for impromptu outdoor fun.
Consider keeping a large ziplock bag to put wet clothing into(and a small change of clothes if desired).
Pack insect repellent wipes, water, sunscreen, hat and a neck cooling band like those at www.neckcoolersrus.com to protect against extended time out in the heat and elements.
Pack diapers, cleaning wipes, books/magazines or handheld games, and granola bars to keep the kids happy, fed and clean!
Have a great summer!
Pack a disposable camera, towel, frisbee or ball for impromptu outdoor fun.
Consider keeping a large ziplock bag to put wet clothing into(and a small change of clothes if desired).
Pack insect repellent wipes, water, sunscreen, hat and a neck cooling band like those at www.neckcoolersrus.com to protect against extended time out in the heat and elements.
Pack diapers, cleaning wipes, books/magazines or handheld games, and granola bars to keep the kids happy, fed and clean!
Have a great summer!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A Gift You and Mom Can Feel Good About...
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and here are five great JUNK FREE gift ideas for Mom, or for any gift giving occasion. Consider a meaningful gift that you can give that doesn't add unecessary clutter to the homes and lives of those you love just because you feel you have to wrap and give "something".
1) Give An Experience: What does mom like doing? Give her the chance to do those things, or even do them together. Take cooking classes, got to dinner and a movie, give tickets to the theater or a hot air balloon ride. Get a massage or pedicure. A thoughtful experience is something she is sure to appreciate!
2) Charitable Donations. Donating to a charity in someone elses' name let you support a cause that Mom appreciates, and keeps you from wondering if your gift ended up "re gifted" or is sitting in the garage. Everyone benefits! Charities will often send a note or card for you. One suggestion; http://www.solarcookerproject.org/
3) Your time and talent. Considering granting some of your time and talents to mom. What do you do really well, or do that Mom can not do for herself. Home repairs, cooking, babysitting, visiting with an elderly mother, or running errands. Your time or talents are most likely something that is more valuable than many other present you can give.
4) Consumables. Ok, so not every gift given ends up as clutter... Give mom something she can and WILL use. Food, beverages, plants, flowers, candles, & chocolate are all great. The important thing is to really take the time to consider what they like. Remember quality is often better than quantity. Idea: Personalized M&M's from http://www.mymms.com/.
5) Gift Certificates. Although they are often considered the "last minute" gift, if thought is truly given, they are actually the perfect way to give Mom exactly what she WANTS. If you are really clueless, then consider a pre-paid card, which can be used almost anywhere along with a special note. Gift Certificate Ideas: Favorite restaurant, movies, lessons, or give the gift of organization, with a gift certificate from Simply Organized by Sandy at http://www.organizedbysandy.com/
1) Give An Experience: What does mom like doing? Give her the chance to do those things, or even do them together. Take cooking classes, got to dinner and a movie, give tickets to the theater or a hot air balloon ride. Get a massage or pedicure. A thoughtful experience is something she is sure to appreciate!
2) Charitable Donations. Donating to a charity in someone elses' name let you support a cause that Mom appreciates, and keeps you from wondering if your gift ended up "re gifted" or is sitting in the garage. Everyone benefits! Charities will often send a note or card for you. One suggestion; http://www.solarcookerproject.org/
3) Your time and talent. Considering granting some of your time and talents to mom. What do you do really well, or do that Mom can not do for herself. Home repairs, cooking, babysitting, visiting with an elderly mother, or running errands. Your time or talents are most likely something that is more valuable than many other present you can give.
4) Consumables. Ok, so not every gift given ends up as clutter... Give mom something she can and WILL use. Food, beverages, plants, flowers, candles, & chocolate are all great. The important thing is to really take the time to consider what they like. Remember quality is often better than quantity. Idea: Personalized M&M's from http://www.mymms.com/.
5) Gift Certificates. Although they are often considered the "last minute" gift, if thought is truly given, they are actually the perfect way to give Mom exactly what she WANTS. If you are really clueless, then consider a pre-paid card, which can be used almost anywhere along with a special note. Gift Certificate Ideas: Favorite restaurant, movies, lessons, or give the gift of organization, with a gift certificate from Simply Organized by Sandy at http://www.organizedbysandy.com/
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring
It was 33 last night, and tomorrow will be 82. Spring has arrived in Texas! That means it is time to Spring Clean before it gets too stinkin' hot! If you are a Spring Cleaner, you are in good company. A 2005 Harris Interactive survey indicated that 3 out of 4 adults in the U.S. (72%) were gearing up for Spring Cleaning.
How did the custom of Spring Cleaning Originate? It began back when people had coal-burning fireplaces and houses were coated with soot by spring. Our homes may not be covered in soot, but in the winter months, well, things get "funky". Luckily, just like Mother Nature, we can renew and refresh ourselves and our homes.
But before you can effectively banish the dust bunnies, and spider webs, you most likely need to de-clutter it first. You can't clean under the bed when stuff is stashed under it. And instead of dusting the dusty nic-nacs, books and keepsakes, know that is is OK to change your style. You are not obligated to keep items that you were given when you were 16 , when they no longer represent who you are and what makes you most happy. It is YOUR home and life. People grow and change, and if you have, then consider donating it. Reduce the piles, and get rid of what doesn't work, what no longer fits, what your kids no longer play with. I know you have some... Let the light in, take a deep breath - " It's going to be a bright, bright, bright -sunshiny day!"
Here are some tips and common areas for spring cleaning:
Make the most of the day. There is nothing like taking in a breath of fresh air. Open the windows to invigorate yourself and remove lingering winter odors.
Get rid of the excess "stuff". Is the "stuff in your home useful, does it make you happy, do you truly need it? If they don't pass any three of those questions, it may be time to let it go. The end result will be a home full of only things that are meaningful and useful.
#1 Spring Cleaning area... the Garage. Pick a fabulous day and pull all the contents out. Survey the stuff, and get rid of broken equipment, outgrown clothing and sports gear and unused belongings. When putting it back, create zones in the garage for lawn/garden equipment, tools/home maintenance, sports, seasonal item. If your car still doesn't fit in the garage, keep purging and then go up-take advantage of overhead space and wall storage!
Purge the paper. The taxes are filed, so now is great time to purge your files. If you don't already have a system for archiving papers that you need to keep (such as past tax returns, medical records and real estate records, now is good time. While you are at it, toss or donate the pile of old magazines!
Clear out the clothes and shoes. Now is the time to stash away heavy winter clothes and take your lighter clothing out of storage. This year, as you make the swap, take the time to do some serious sorting and purging, especially children's outgrown clothing and your parachute pants or stirrup leggings!
Happy Spring to all!
How did the custom of Spring Cleaning Originate? It began back when people had coal-burning fireplaces and houses were coated with soot by spring. Our homes may not be covered in soot, but in the winter months, well, things get "funky". Luckily, just like Mother Nature, we can renew and refresh ourselves and our homes.
But before you can effectively banish the dust bunnies, and spider webs, you most likely need to de-clutter it first. You can't clean under the bed when stuff is stashed under it. And instead of dusting the dusty nic-nacs, books and keepsakes, know that is is OK to change your style. You are not obligated to keep items that you were given when you were 16 , when they no longer represent who you are and what makes you most happy. It is YOUR home and life. People grow and change, and if you have, then consider donating it. Reduce the piles, and get rid of what doesn't work, what no longer fits, what your kids no longer play with. I know you have some... Let the light in, take a deep breath - " It's going to be a bright, bright, bright -sunshiny day!"
Here are some tips and common areas for spring cleaning:
Make the most of the day. There is nothing like taking in a breath of fresh air. Open the windows to invigorate yourself and remove lingering winter odors.
Get rid of the excess "stuff". Is the "stuff in your home useful, does it make you happy, do you truly need it? If they don't pass any three of those questions, it may be time to let it go. The end result will be a home full of only things that are meaningful and useful.
#1 Spring Cleaning area... the Garage. Pick a fabulous day and pull all the contents out. Survey the stuff, and get rid of broken equipment, outgrown clothing and sports gear and unused belongings. When putting it back, create zones in the garage for lawn/garden equipment, tools/home maintenance, sports, seasonal item. If your car still doesn't fit in the garage, keep purging and then go up-take advantage of overhead space and wall storage!
Purge the paper. The taxes are filed, so now is great time to purge your files. If you don't already have a system for archiving papers that you need to keep (such as past tax returns, medical records and real estate records, now is good time. While you are at it, toss or donate the pile of old magazines!
Clear out the clothes and shoes. Now is the time to stash away heavy winter clothes and take your lighter clothing out of storage. This year, as you make the swap, take the time to do some serious sorting and purging, especially children's outgrown clothing and your parachute pants or stirrup leggings!
Happy Spring to all!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
It's a Family Affair
Here are a few ways to include the entire family in helping to get and keep your home more organized...
IDENTIFY FAMILY MEMBER ACCOUNTABILITY:
Does everyone in the home insist the clutter isn't theirs, but rather is someone else's? Do you get tired of pointing out the items to each family member? If so, one way to help members of your family become more aware of their contributions to the clutter is to assign and buy a colored dot or fun character sticker (that is easily removable) to represent each family member. Be sure to include yourself! Each day place a sticker on items that are left lying around, that needs to be put back "home". This can help each member become more aware of their contribution to the clutter including the volume or frequency. The stickers serve as a silent reminder and cuts back on the nagging requests to put things away.
MAKE IT FUN:
If your family has a game night, consider a scavenger junk hunt. Give each family 10-15 items to find. Your lists may include orphaned socks, containers with no lids, broken toys, battered books, outgrown clothing, old phone books, last year's homework, t-shirts with holes, you name it. Set an amount of time to find the objects. At the end of the game, toss the junk and have a treat for the family and if desired award prizes.
DEVELOP DAILY HABITS:
Implement the 5 minute clean up. Before bedtime establish a 5-minute clean up as part of the bedtime ritual. Have each child spend 5 minutes picking up items lying around the house. The morning of the day you start, let them know that after the 5 minutes are up, you will be gathering any remaining items that have not been picked up. All of the items will be going into a "earn back" or "service" box. They will be able to earn them back by having to perform a service by doing a simple chore (requiring no more than 5 minutes). To encourage items not continuously going into or staying in the box indefinitely, set the last day of the month as the day all items in the box go away as donations. On the first day, remind them that they will only have 5 minutes before bed, and encourage to pick up during the day if needed if you see that the clutter is WELL beyond a 5 min pick up. After the first or 2nd day, don't remind during the day, but let them learn by doing. Be sure that when someone has nothing put in the box that night or earns their belongings back that they are praised. You should see a decrease in the items that are taken out and not put away. When they get mad or frustrated that they can't get it all done in 5 minutes, be sure to teach/remind them that if they clean up as they go, or put away something before they take another item out, they will always be able to clean up in 5 minutes. Be consistent with this method. Pick up the items, do not give back until it has been earned, donate at the end of the month. If you are not consistent, you will have no credibility.
ENCOURAGE COOPERATION:
Make it clear you are not searching for perfection, but do insist that everyone cooperates and tries. You do not want to turn into a nag who makes coming home miserable. There may be many well established habits to break so you need to be patient but firm. Consider starting with establishing 3 basic rules such as:
* Remove dirty dishes from table or other area they were consumed in, rinse and put in
dishwasher.
* Put dirty clothes and towels in the hamper.
* Clean up 5 minutes before bed.
When you include the entire family, you not only are teaching good habits, and relieving yourself of some of the burden, but family members will find that when they are going to be part of cleaning up, they will be more careful about MESSING it up, and they will share more fully in the pride of a cleaner / more organized home.
IDENTIFY FAMILY MEMBER ACCOUNTABILITY:
Does everyone in the home insist the clutter isn't theirs, but rather is someone else's? Do you get tired of pointing out the items to each family member? If so, one way to help members of your family become more aware of their contributions to the clutter is to assign and buy a colored dot or fun character sticker (that is easily removable) to represent each family member. Be sure to include yourself! Each day place a sticker on items that are left lying around, that needs to be put back "home". This can help each member become more aware of their contribution to the clutter including the volume or frequency. The stickers serve as a silent reminder and cuts back on the nagging requests to put things away.
MAKE IT FUN:
If your family has a game night, consider a scavenger junk hunt. Give each family 10-15 items to find. Your lists may include orphaned socks, containers with no lids, broken toys, battered books, outgrown clothing, old phone books, last year's homework, t-shirts with holes, you name it. Set an amount of time to find the objects. At the end of the game, toss the junk and have a treat for the family and if desired award prizes.
DEVELOP DAILY HABITS:
Implement the 5 minute clean up. Before bedtime establish a 5-minute clean up as part of the bedtime ritual. Have each child spend 5 minutes picking up items lying around the house. The morning of the day you start, let them know that after the 5 minutes are up, you will be gathering any remaining items that have not been picked up. All of the items will be going into a "earn back" or "service" box. They will be able to earn them back by having to perform a service by doing a simple chore (requiring no more than 5 minutes). To encourage items not continuously going into or staying in the box indefinitely, set the last day of the month as the day all items in the box go away as donations. On the first day, remind them that they will only have 5 minutes before bed, and encourage to pick up during the day if needed if you see that the clutter is WELL beyond a 5 min pick up. After the first or 2nd day, don't remind during the day, but let them learn by doing. Be sure that when someone has nothing put in the box that night or earns their belongings back that they are praised. You should see a decrease in the items that are taken out and not put away. When they get mad or frustrated that they can't get it all done in 5 minutes, be sure to teach/remind them that if they clean up as they go, or put away something before they take another item out, they will always be able to clean up in 5 minutes. Be consistent with this method. Pick up the items, do not give back until it has been earned, donate at the end of the month. If you are not consistent, you will have no credibility.
ENCOURAGE COOPERATION:
Make it clear you are not searching for perfection, but do insist that everyone cooperates and tries. You do not want to turn into a nag who makes coming home miserable. There may be many well established habits to break so you need to be patient but firm. Consider starting with establishing 3 basic rules such as:
* Remove dirty dishes from table or other area they were consumed in, rinse and put in
dishwasher.
* Put dirty clothes and towels in the hamper.
* Clean up 5 minutes before bed.
When you include the entire family, you not only are teaching good habits, and relieving yourself of some of the burden, but family members will find that when they are going to be part of cleaning up, they will be more careful about MESSING it up, and they will share more fully in the pride of a cleaner / more organized home.
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