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Decluttering Stuff and Sorting Papers

Here are summaries of strategies I've used successfully for Decluttering Stuff and for Sorting Paperwork. I have taught workshops on this - especially the paperwork. (The former accountant in me!).

FOR GENERAL DECLUTTERING OF 'STUFF'

1. Prepare 7 big labels ( colored 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper work fine) : Give Away, Return to Others, Repair, Trash, Recycle, Belongs Elsewhere and Unsure

2. Gather 7 boxes/baskets/bags and affix a label

3. Start somewhere - a small room; a closet; a cornor of a large room. Whatever you do, create a boundary to keep from becoming overwhelmed. Lay out the 7 boxes.

4. Pick up one thing at a time and either put it in one of the boxes if appropriate or set it aside if it belongs there. The 'belongs elsewhere' box might fill up quickly. When it does, decide it you want to bring the stuff to the place it belongs or if you want to put the box aside and start a new one. Save the 'Unsure' box for last. I use that category to keep from getting distracted by decisions. If I'm not sure if I want to keep the item or even if if belongs in this room, I toss it in that box and deal with them all at once.

5. Take a celebratory break! Have a snack, a walk, a rest - whatever.

FOR GENERAL SORTING OF PAPERS

Create 4 boxes, baskets etc and sort:

1. To Do

2. To Pay

3. To File

4. To Read

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