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It’s that time…summer camp, backyard BBQs, pool parties and just plain keeping cool.  Full on SUMMERTIME… 4^th of July is here and we say OOOHHHHH….AHHHHHHHH…to the fireworks.  Now, it’s time to get back to your regularly scheduled activities.

If you have TMS* (too much stuff), your independence can feel a bit stilted…not so free…perhaps even debilitating…hardly independent, right?  When we have distracting piles of old magazines, unopened delivery boxes, inherited furnishings (that we never asked for in the first place), we can feel overwhelmed with indecision and temporary paralysis.

This column offers some relief.   For you and your loved ones, the key to INDEPENDENCE is  freedom from the stuff that weighs you down.

So, let’s get started.

First you need to ask yourself, “What’s going on…what’s the scope of my cluttered space?”

 -Is it a loved one that doesn’t recognize the value of hangers?

-Is it the kids that keep missing the toy chest when play time is over?

-Is it ME thinking, I can’t keep up with all the laundry, cooking, cleaning?

For some, it’s all these things.  For others, not so much … but being overwhelmed in any regard keeps you from forging ahead and getting to the things that REALLY get you motivated.

This July, try getting free of the very basics…  starting with PAPER CLUTTER.  Usually (PAPER) CLUTTER happens for two basic reasons….

1. Procrastination
2. Indecision

So, out with procrastination and in with ACTION.   You have papers, old recipes, magazines and bills.  It’s time to tackle them.  What?  No place to file (because the file cabs are filled with outdated old papers!) …so start there.

Go through the file cabinets and start recycling and / or shredding old FP&L bills, old credit card statements, water bills and the like.  They are all accessible online.  If you’re not saving paper receipts for taxes, expenses or framing on the wall, then WHY ARE YOU COLLECTING THEM?   Get rid of old receipts.

By reviewing your old papers, you’re actually moving from procrastination towards organization.  The result may be that you may find yourself with empty or near empty file drawers. VIOLA, this is where the most recent papers (if you insist on keeping them) can be stored for a future purge.

If you have old Nat Geo magazines (with those great pix) but have no place to store them…guess what?  It’s time to say ADIOS and donate them to a school library, house of worship, Salvation Army or the recycling bin.   Same with old articles, recipes, hobby and craft magazines and so forth.

I’m not saying these things are not valuable to you for future reference, I’m just saying with TMS* (too much stuff) we need to start being judicious with value.

For example, old family photos – SUPER VALUABLE and one of a kind – KEEP and CHERISH.   Old Oprah magazine recipes for browning that Thanksgiving turkey … guess what, if you google ‘brown skin turkey ideas’, you’ll find plenty of options!  DITCH the old articles you’ve never read and you will feel more independent, lighter and in control.

Finally, wif you haven’t yet opened old mail, guess what??? The doctor’s bill or CC bill will be resent (they won’t forget to remind you!!) so get rid of them.  If you choose to look at each envelope, fine, but procrastinating is not the way to freedom…get that pile down to the latest reports, invoices and issues.

Find FREEDOM and INDEPENDENCE by releasing the bonds of paper and general household chaos.  You’ll find this task to be easier done than you thought. Maybe you are filled with fear, what ifs and doubt…so, get started, make a few decisions and let me know how you make out.  Contact me at David@aplusclutterclearing.com or call 561-706-7779.

Clear the Clutter…Clear the Mind ™