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Organize to Make Life Easier

Sue McMillin

Organizing Consultant & Speaker

719-352-5535
sue@withtimetospare.com

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You are here: Home / Free Tips / Tips for the Home / Closets / Space for new things

March 11, 2014 by Jennyce Garber

Space for new things

by Jennyce Garber

If you are a fan of With Time to Spare , perhaps you’ve become acquainted with Mel who was recently featured in two articles, “Thrive where you live” and “From Virginia to Hong Kong”. These articles describe her downsizing efforts and her new smaller apartment in a 69-story high rise in Hong Kong.

When I asked her if there were any customs or organizational tips that she has used in Hong Kong that she would want to continue if she were to move back to the States, Mel spoke about her biannual custom of purging her possessions.

Mel explains, “An organizational tip that I’ve used both in the U.S. and in Hong Kong, is to go through all of our closets and drawers every six months. Obviously, I don’t do it all in one day, but I try to clean out one closet or cabinet per day over the course of a couple weeks.”

Mel’s simple approach

Mel continues, “I take a drawer, for instance, and dump the entire thing on the floor and sort it into piles: give away, throw away, put back in this same drawer, and find a better place in the house for it. If I haven’t used something in the past six months, it normally means we don’t need it. It’s hard to motivate yourself to do the six-month purge especially if you think, “I’m pretty sure I know what’s in that drawer already.”

The results of this kind of purge, like with all spring cleaning, are freeing. Why not use this month of March to do as Mel does. Spring cleaning and organizing will free you from the useless accumulation of unneeded stuff and will give you a fresh start.

Mel concludes, “I always feel so much better after it’s done. I rediscover things I’d forgotten that I could be using, and make space for new things.”

 

 

Filed Under: Closets, Kids Room, Organize Your Home, Tips for the Home

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Sue’s Story

I've been a professional organizer most of my adult life. Who I am and why I love my work comes from how I was raised and the mysteries of DNA!

From the most humble of beginnings in Kentucky to helping businesses and organizations across the U.S., I always try my best to share both practical and inspirational principles and techniques.

I hope you enjoy your visit here and come back often. And feel free to call or email anytime.

Even though you might reach me on my porch looking out at the Colorado Rockies, a born and bred Kentucky girl enjoys a good chat.

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