Spring cleaning isn't just about wiping the dust off the top of the television and cleaning the windows. You also have to shove the gloves, scarves and coats to the back of the closet and pull out the warmer weather clothes.
However, if you notice all the winter gear doesn't quite fit back into its place, it might be time for an overhaul. Have you noticed how much you tend to accumulate in all aspects of your life? Your closet, your bedroom, your office, even your purse?
While doing research for a "What's Bugging You" segment on clutter, I compiled some online links that offer advice.
The cost of clutter: http://www.fellowes.com/Fellowes/site/workspace/workspace_article_org_1.aspx
Clean out your closet: http://www.onlineorganizing.com/CalendarHoliday.asp?holiday=13
http://www.fripp.com/art.cleanclosets.html
Homemade cleaning products and the case against Spring cleaning: http://organizedhome.com/
My "What's Bugging You" http://www.news12.com/CT/features/article?id=55302 ended up focusing on clutter you carry around with you. I had a specialist from Fairfield, Mazie Zdanowich, meet me and my photographer Lori Golias at Westfield Trumbull mall. Zdanowich teaches organization, and has her students weigh their purses to see how much extra weight they constantly carry around with them.
She brought her scale to the mall, and we weighed people's purses. Zdanowich says the purses of most women weigh five to ten pounds.
The average we found that day at the mall was around five. Most people claimed they had just cleaned out thier purse, yet they still had four or five lipsticks. Most also had pictures and paperwork they probably could shop without.
Zdanowich's advice is to dump your purse out once a week. She says to take every single item and ask yourself, "Do I absolutely need to have this in my bag, and to be carrying it around with me everywhere I go?"
The solution she says to have a very small shopping purse, big enough to hold your keys and wallet. Better yet, she says to try to put those items in your pocket and eliminate the bag all together. This will keep your hands free to shop!
A man who stopped by the table at which we were set up showed us all the stuff he had in his jacket and pants pockets. It seemed like a lot, but Zdanowich said since he had an even amount on both sides, he was balanced.
With a purse, She says those five to ten pounds slung across one shoulder throws your body out of whack and can cause neck and back problems.
Her advice on clearing the clutter from all areas of your life is to really understand why you keep the clutter in the first place. She says to visualize what kind of life you want to have. Do you want your house to be filled with stuff, or your bedroom to be overloaded with clothes thrown everywhere? Once you've decided that is not what you want, she says you have to really go through and unload.
Don't ask the question, "Might I need this SOMEDAY," because the answer is always,"Yes." The question is, "Do I use it or do I love it?" If not, toss it!
Good luck! I would like you to share your tips on cleaning out the clutter and staying organized. Please send them to me at bloghrkovar@news12.com. I will post them here.
Here's more on Mazie Zdanowich. She also teaches Yoga in Fairfield.http://www.lotuscircle.com/mazie.htm
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