Clutter out - living in

Let’s face it, we’ve been hearing about it on Oprah and HGTV, clutter isn’t about the clutter, it’s about the emotion within the clutter. It could be gramma’s knitted scarf or china that’s been passed down from family member to family member, ok maybe from the back of your Mom’s garage to the back of your garage. Or the five pound yearbook that you are storing in your attic or back bedroom for 30 years so that someday you can show someone that giant hairdo or evidence that you once wore a smaller size. But does it really serve us and why can’t we let go?

Americans spend millions of dollars each year to put stuff they ‘need’ in a metal shed miles from their home so that it’s there when they need it. But really, if we needed it wouldn’t we have it in our homes in a place that serves us? We cannot fathom getting rid of these things, what if I need it someday? It’s OK to let it go.

There are some exceptions to the offsite storage dilemma. If it takes a motor home or boat off your driveway for the off season then do it. If you have the boat or motor home offsite and never use it – it’s a waste of money – sell it and use the money for something current in our life; pay off a bill, take a vacation, put it into savings. Storage should be temporary or seasonal.

You can also listen to the way you talk about stuff. Is it in the present tense or past tense? "Oh yes, I love that dress, it looks great on me" or "I use to look great in that dress." There’s a big difference in those two statements. If it ‘use’ to do something for you, let it go.

Living In

The first step to getting organized is admitting that clutter is winning the battle in your home. Whether it’s paper, collectables, or a variety of items, it’s winning. Right? Acceptance about where you are is key to moving forward. Decide to create it differently but be very clear it’s an inside job as much as it is external cleaning up.

The inside job asks; "How is clutter serving me?", "How am I using clutter as an excuse?" or maybe "Who do I keep away with my disorganization?" Write about these questions.

The external clean up is deciding to let go of the ‘stuff’ that is closing in on you, making you late or keeping you isolated from the rest of the world. Ask a professional organizer for help. You can get coaching or hands on help with what blocks you off from the life you are meant to live.

Give yourself the gift of organization. The journey through the inside job can be challenging but you’re worth it!

Organizing expert Kelli Wilson works with clients at a deeper level to get to the heart of their clutter issues. The fresh perspective in her articles addresses the inside job of dealing with clutter and disorganization. With a more manageable life as the goal, Kelli guides clients through the steps to getting their life back. Kelli lives in Sacramento but works with clients all over the country. She can be reached at