Oct 05 2008
Organizing, But Taking the Scenic Route
Mister and I know that we still have some things to organize here - boxes to unpack, stuff to go through, things to donate, etc. It’s happening, but on a painfully slow pace. Not only do we have the things that will get the house closer to being done, but there are other little things. Today I went through my computer and deleted the duplicate photos that managed to clone themselves when I moved stuff from my old computer to the new computer. I still need to organize them, which has been a long time coming. I’ve been so disorganized for so long now, and I want to be organized, but you know how it is when life gets in the way. Plus, I’ve discovered that there is a definite time limit when it comes to that sort of thing. I might start the day out organizing, but eventually I get to a point in the day when my brain can’t handle any more and I need to stop. Then I have a bunch of half-done organizing projects around.
A couple weeks ago I was cleaning out all the files from when I wanted to be an organizer. I threw pretty much all of it away except one thing: a list of questions to ask yourself when you are deciding whether or not to keep an item. Mister likes the list, so whenever we get around to actually going through stuff (and who knows when that will be - we’re both great procrastinators) we will use this list. I don’t remember where I got it. I probably just culled the information from a number of sources and put what I liked into a word doc, which I didn’t save a digital copy of. But I have the once piece of paper, and considering how excellent the information is, I’m going to list it here for you. So, when you are going through stuff and deciding whether to get rid of it or not, ask yourself:
- Do I love it?
- Do I need it?
- Can I live without it?
- When did I last use it?
- What is the worst case scenario if I got rid of it?
- Is it damaged?
- Do I have duplicates?
- Would I buy it if I saw it in a store today?
- Is it expired?
- Is it out of style?
- Is it missing pieces or broken?
Mister and I are going to use this list when we get around to going through things, and hopefully we won’t let our vision get clouded by emotions or perceived usefulness. In the meantime, I’ll continue reading blogs about organizing such as Monica Ricci’s and lusting after the pretty organizing tools that can be found at the Container Store.
I love organizing! To me, it’s like cleaning my mind. I’m not a neat freak but I like to have my paperworks organized, as well as my pictures, online stuffs, blog etc. Makes life easier on the long run.
I love being organized and feeling like I’ve got every last detail under control. I’ve fallen off the wagon in the last couple years, but I’m determined to get back on track. Plus, I can’t wait to actually be as organized as I keep professing to Mister that I am.
This list is great! haha however I can never seem to part with anything for many reasons, especially sentimental and perceived use in the future reasons.
Great list, I will share that with my better half. He could use something like that, lol. I like to get rid of things fast, he likes to hang onto things forever. Robin
RR, are some of the sentimental items things you could take pictures of and save the picture rather than the object? If it’s not an heirloom item, this might be a choice. Also, for perceived future use, is it something that you can easily and inexpensively replace when the time comes? I have a lot of things that can come in handy some day, but unless it’s currenly in use or has a definite scheduled plan, I’m good with letting it go.
Robin, definitely share it with him! And maybe you can find that book I gave him and help him put it to use - it’s Clearing the Clutter for Good Feng Shui. That reminds me, I should pull out my copy of that book to show Mister.
I saved that list on my computer and I am going to use it to help my husband go through his “things” in the garage. It is just out of control out there, and I would like to actually park a car in it.
I know the feeling! We can currently get 1 car in our 2-car garage, and I’d like to be able to host someone in our guest room. One of these years…