With the introduction of the Hoarder's television show, so many people are asking themselves, "Am I a Hoarder?" The honest answer is "doubtful" although studies indicate that 7% of the population suffers from Chronic Hoarding Disorder. I usually include tips on how to be more organized yet today I want to help you know more about the type of clutter you experience. First of all let me say that anyone with Chronic Hoarding Disorder would require far more assistance than "loving" family members or a professional organizer alone could help. This is a verified psychological condition that should be treated by a mental health professional. Now that we have that out of the way, let me briefly describe some of the key outward symptoms of CHD. Pathways…most people with CHD acquire so much stuff that they run out of places to put it, so it ends up on the floor. Once it makes the transition to the floor, it begins to pile there, thus creating pathways to move about the home that decrease in size as time passes.
If it weren't for my smart phone, I would have had to actually write his number down then put it in a place where I could find it later. I would have to more accurately plan when going on an outing to ensure that I had all of my information and to-do lists in order. Basically, I would have to plan better. I have often wondered why our culture is so much more disorganized now than we once were and perhaps this line of thinking has brought me one step closer to the answer. Being organized takes planning and it takes work. An app won't get you organized just as a book can tell you all day long how to do it but it won't do it for you. We have become an immediate gratification culture and, let's face it, organizing takes time. I believe I am going to try to live my life as if I did not have a smart phone at my convenience or an ipad in my bag. I encourage you to do the same and see how your life is improved. After all, isn't preparedness an asset?
Tax season is among us and I am always surprised at how many people are not prepared…at all. The ominous IRS is enough to keep me tallying my receipts all year long, but for many, this is not so. The question is, how can you be ready for the accountant once all of the W-2's and 1099's arrive? The solution is really very simple. Get a basic three-ring binder and some sheet protectors. Label the binder or purchase one different from any others you may own. Label each of the sheet protectors with its intended contents.
Clutter, by definition, is a collection of things lying around in an untidy mass. Organize, by definition, is to arrange into a structured whole. Many times the two are considered at opposite ends of the spectrum although we aren't one or the other. It is possible to be very organized while maintaining a certain level of clutter. It is also possible to be disorganized with the absence of clutter. The two are not as intermingled as one might think. Although it is certainly possible to be organized while maintaining some clutter, it is difficult to accomplish and maintain. In most cases, removing the clutter is what is required before any organizing can begin. We have all seen the tv show hoarders and while most clutter isn't quite to that degree, it can feel that way to those of us living in it. Many times the clutter is a result of owning too many things for the space we have available. Let's think about it in regard to shoes.
How to know if you are disorganized? You have take out for dinner more than you cook…or for those budget conscious – Fend For Yourself. Fend for Yourself is what dinner is called at my house when you take care of it on your own. Dinnertime can be a terrible burden, especially when you work a full-time job and manage a family and home too. If you are like my family, cooking dinner isn't nearly as laborious as trying to decide what to make. Well, here it is, a basic guide to making your menus. Whether you stick to it is up to you, but I promise it will help! Sundays are typically days that we spend with our families. This is a great day to stick to fare that is tried and true. By incorporating this step into your meal-planning you will also prevent loss of food from expiration. For example, if you have a bottle of fancy marinade left over from an unsuccessful recipe, research online to find another one. This also helps break up the monotony and hopefully find a new family favorite for an upcoming Sunday dinner.
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