Hidden in Plain Sight
Our homes and offices can have everything in place yet still be cluttered. Why? Some of those well-organized things are actually things we seldom use. What I am saying here is that it is easier to organize what we don't use, put it away and forget about it. We may not even notice the organized clutter because we've often lived with those things for quite some time.
Our lives change, but the things with which we fill our lives don't always keep pace. All too often I hear someone tell me they could never get rid of any of their books, but when we looked carefully at their bookshelves, they found plenty of books to give away because their needs and interests had evolved.
Here are some other types of clutter that can be hiding in plain sight: collections that no longer bring you joy (maybe in the curio cabinet?), art that's no longer to your taste (or never was in the first place), and pantry items you'll never use because your style of cooking has changed (or they were hopeful purchases in the first place). A nicely labeled bin of holiday decorations in the garage, attic, or basement is just clutter if you no longer decorate for that holiday.
Similarly, you can have beautifully organized file folders full of papers that you realistically have no reason to keep. A great example: all of those cell phone bills that have spanned the corporate Ping-Pong between AT&T and Cingular wireless.
It's no surprise that we can have hidden digital clutter, too. We can have neatly organized computer files full of documents we would gladly discard, should we ever remembered they were there in the first place. We can have useful apps organized on our smartphones alongside apps we haven't used in years or will never use again.
The hidden clutter of unwanted gifts or excess linens doesn't seem to be as problematic as the more obvious clutter, but it can still be worth tackling. Remember, keeping our spaces uncluttered makes them easier to clean, easier to move, and easier to find storage space for the things we really do want.
Have a Neat day,
Jennifer Snyder, Certified Professional Organizer
Neat as a Pin Organizing Experts
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About the Author
My
name is Jennifer Snyder CPO, Chief Executive Organizer of Neat as a Pin
Organizing Experts, a Waco-based company of Professional Organizers
that is not only focused on organizing the clutter in your home or
office but also clutter of the heart and mind.
I
am happy that you are taking an interest in the benefits of getting
your home and life organized. Living an organized life is for everyone!
Our homes and offices can have everything in place yet still be cluttered. Why? Some of those well-organized things are actually things we seldom use. What I am saying here is that it is easier to organize what we don't use, put it away and forget about it. We may not even notice the organized clutter because we've often lived with those things for quite some time.
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