Organize and Clear the Clutter - 6 Simple Tips to Clear Your Clutter

After a major windstorm last week, I faced the significant task of "de-cluttering" my front yard. As I surveyed my yard covered with large branches, I felt overwhelmed and unsure how to start. Then I took a deep breath, chose a place to start, steadily sawed the boughs, and deposited them into waste bags for the garbage collector.
These tips will help you discover how to tackle the overwhelming task of de-cluttering your space ... whether it's your office, kitchen, or garage. The key is breaking down the project into manageable chunks, so you can dig in and complete your project - just like I did with the tree branches.

1. Set realistic expectations. De-cluttering can take a lot of physical and mental energy. It may be unrealistic to conquer your project all at once. Be gentle on yourself and recognize that your project may involve multiple phases.
2. Have the necessary supplies on hand. Once you start organizing, you don't want to interrupt yourself to hunt for supplies. Having everything on hand will make it easier to stay focused. Supplies you might need include:
• Boxes for sorting
? Cleaning supplies
? Trash bags
? File folders
? Pens, paper and markers
? Water and a healthy snack
3. Determine where to dig in first. Even if your entire home or workspace is an organizational disaster, you need to start your organizing crusade somewhere. Here are some pointers:
• Which area or room bothers you the most?
• Which area will have the biggest impact on your life?
• What embarrasses you most when a visitor comes to your home or workspace?
• What small area can you start with, so you can get quick results?
4. Avoid meandering as you organize. Break your organizing project into sections - bookshelves, closet, desk, etc. - and focus on organizing each section completely before you move on. If you zigzag around the room, it will be difficult to work systematically and see your progress. Here's a tip: Cover everything (except your current project area) with a bed sheet so you won't be distracted!
5. Chip away at it. If you get tired or lose focus, it's time to take a break. If you've concentrated on one area, it should be easy to pick up where you left off. And don't be afraid to ask for help if someone else can help you quickly wrap up the project.
6. Stick with it. I've found that, like many self-improvement endeavors, people often start off gung-ho with getting organized, but soon other things in life get in the way of completing the project. There's nothing more frustrating than a half-done organizing project! Therefore, consider scheduling weekly organizing sessions on your calendar. This way, you make a commitment to yourself to stick with it and get it done.
It's surprising how much de-cluttering helps you clear your physical space - and your head. Plus, with a clean, organized space, you can navigate life's windstorms with less stress. So choose a place to start and dig in!