So, I've decided to just throw out whatever is on my mind at the moment. Today that means CLUTTER. Some have the clutter of life on their mind which keeps them from writing and I have clutter in my office. Oh, man . . . do I have clutter in my office. So before I write another word on my novel, I have to clean and organize.
I've been spending the last two days cleaning out my office. It wouldn't be so bad (or at least that's what I tell myself) if it weren't also my library, craft room, sewing room, scrapbook room and general "throw it in there if you can't find somewhere else to put it" room. What a mess!In the process of cleaning, I've also been organizing everything. I have all my books in catagories on the shelves. All my blank notebooks and writing paper organized on another and my reference books at arms length. I've also sent 5-6 big garbage bags to the dumpster and have a pile in my garage ready for Deseret Industries. I think I'm doing pretty good.
So, just for kicks and giggles, tell me about your embarrassing spot in the house. Is it a closet? The garage? The shed? Or is it under your bed? Or under the sink in your kitchen? I'd really love to know I'm not alone.
Back to cleaning. I've got to get this done so I can sit at my computer and dream up something else that needs my attention. Am I avoiding my novel? Nah!
My office looks worse!! Thank goodness I'm not the only one!! I have found one thing that helps when it comes time to declutter: I ask myself, "If this item were to get destroyed beyond repair, how would I feel about that?" If I'd shrug my shoulders and say, "Oh, well," then is is something that can be discarded/given away. If I would be sad because it was something of sentimental value or stressed because I would have to buy a new one, then it stays. I have discovered that I can live without 20 extra junky towels "just in case" and I can definitely survive without all the boxes all my stuff came in. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me. Maybe I'll attack my office this week...
Great post, CK. Now if I could only declutter my whole house and my brain at the same time...but they seem to be mutually exclusive. Either I'm getting the story clutter out of my head by sitting my behind in a chair in front of the computer, or I am tiding and cleaning the house. Do you think there's an app for that?
ReplyDeleteWell each of my rooms has a clutter corner. I have been struggling to keep myself and my family from continuing to pile on top of those spots. It's hard to unlearn something like clutter behavior.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to assign a "room" where the clutter is the worst I would say my unfinished basement. Does that count? I have been doling a great deal of it to charity lately...maybe one day I can finally part with all the junk.
Considering the fact that only 10% of the population is naturally organized, and for the rest of us (including myself) it is a process we have to learn.
ReplyDeleteMost super creative people struggle with clutter. Creativity usually comes from a cluttered mind. It’s when the clutter overpowers your ability to express that creativity when you know you need to do something about it.
Ask yourself these questions before you save anything:
1. Do I love it?
2. Do I need it?
3. Does it serve a purpose?
4. What would be the worst thing to happen if I get rid of it?
5. Draw a picture of what your story tells.
Then picture the space you wished you had:
1. Draw a picture of your ideal space
2. Consider time and money constraints
3. Resolve to change your habits so you won’t fall back into this same situation again.
Remember clutter is delayed decisions. And a place for everything and everything in its place is only half right: a place for everything is essential, the everything in its place depends on the person and that the situation, stress doesn’t come from clutter, it comes from not knowing what to do with the clutter. When I’m working on a project the area I am working in is far from being neat and orderly, however, here is the difference: it only takes only a few minutes to get it back in shape when there’s a place for everything.
I am far from perfect and my messiest area is my pictures. Even a professional organizer such as myself has her weak points. The only solace with the pictures is they are all in the same place. At least that is accomplished.
Best of luck Megs! Great post!
Why do you have to talk about cleaning when i FINALLY sat down to write something?? I mean here I am ready to write and now I feel guilty as I look at the empty soda cans, yogurt cartons, and cereal bowls that line my computer desk at the moment. (What do you mean it sounds like I live at my computer??) But surprisingly the clutter isn't bothering me today. As long as I know that the pile of papers and notebooks on my left is my research and notes for my stories, then I am ok.
ReplyDeleteTo Clearing Space by Design, thanks for the tips! I definately like my organized messes and I realized it's because as long as I know where it is and where I think it belongs, it works for me. So thank you for your thoughts.
Good post Christine!
You have an office? I'm so jealous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your comments, guys. And "Clearing Space by Design", you gave some GREAT advice. I'm usually very organized, but as of late . . . not so much. But it is getting better. I can actually see the floor and a large portion of my desk. I do have to admit, however, the space just makes me want to get it all out again and play. I just might be in the mood to stamp some greeting cards. LOL
ReplyDeleteCleaning out rooms and closets and sorting and organizing gives me a high. I have no idea why, but it puts me in my happy place. Now, I will add that my sewing/computer/office/craft corner in our playroom is generally in a state of disarray but I love clearing everything out and then putting it all away again. I know, I know, total type A.
ReplyDeleteJust realized in my posting fury I made some gramatical/spelling errors and on a writers blog. Glad you all knew what I meant. As you can tell I am far from perfect!!
ReplyDeleteOh the clutter. My house is cluttered. I tell myself that I will get to it. But since we moved there are just things that haven't gotten a home, so they float around from room to room.
ReplyDeleteBut in truth I work so much better when the mess is under control.
You have inspired me to set a goal to conquer a little bit every day. I am not ready for a huge overhaul yet.
I've got the declutter bug - i don't know what the deal is with spring cleaning - I so love to clean around the time the kids go back to school - it's like new years or something.
ReplyDeleteAmber, try doing small projects you devote several hours a week to and before you know it, you'll have accomplished a lot.
ReplyDelete~Schedule out the time out like you would a lunchdate with a friend and dedicate a few hours until the task is completed. Block out distractions during the time as much as possible so you can stay focused on what you are working on.
~Sort in very GENERAL categories and temporarily label the piles you are working on so you can easily pick up where you left off.
~Avoid as much as possible worrying about everything at once. One piece at a time is the key.
Rome was not built in a day; your home won't be organized in a day either. Best of luck~~~