​Winter is upon us here in the northern hemisphere.  With that comes boots – winter, wellies, ski, Chelsea and dress. 

How big is your closet?  I imagine if you are reading this then it’s not big enough.

Whatever climate you are in though the issue remains – how much space do you have?  Most likely, you think you could do with more.

That is a common conclusion in first world countries – we need more space to house our constantly growing collections.  Even if you’re not a ‘collector’ per se, even ‘need’ items are becoming collections of a sort.

Each weather season, each season of life and indeed each season of taste comes, goes, and evolves.  Therefore, the burning issue is – what to clear out.

As this is concerning footwear, I do not feel the need to tread softly.  Let’s get in there and get it done.

1. Remove any broken or smelly shoes. The smell is here to stay and I wager you will not get them cobbled.
2. Remove any that do not fit or are not comfortable to wear for up to 4 hours minimum.
3. How many do you wear in an average week?  Keep those.
4. Those that are worn semi annually can go to the back of the line.  Set a limit of how many – hint: no more than three pair – even that is generous.
5. Repeat these steps for each season of footwear.  Slippers included.

​
This is a capsule guide so you will adapt it to your particular situation.  Keep in mind – rarely is your situation so special that an overflowing closet of shoes is justified.

Last crucial step – donate or dispose of the extras in the next 24 hours! 

This will ensure your success. 

Enjoy the space you have created and the ease with which you can now complete an outfit.

​You want to declutter.  You are sick of so much mess so you are going to become a minimalist.  You dive in and then after about 7 items you hit a wall and turn on Netflix instead.  It’s much more satisfying to watch a Marie Kondo episode then to have to push through your own stuff.
 
Sound familiar?  It probably does and you are not alone.  Everyone experiences this process to some degree.  If they deny it then maybe they need some truth serum. 
 
How do we reconcile while organising?  Broad question.  Long term success will be when we allow ourselves to accept the process and realise it is key. 
 
Let’s break it down: 
 
Clothes – You may start by having a limited number of hangers – that’s it, your wardrobe goal is for everything to fit tidily on these 50 hangers (example).  As you start to go through you find that even though some items aren’t your faves you aren’t ready to let them go.  FINE.  There is no special place of torment for anyone who likes to hang on to things.  As a first step, set them aside – in a box, suitcase or other closet.  For now just keep the basics you know you will reach for regularly in your primary closet. 
 
Decluttering is linked to many layers.  The second layer will be becoming aware of how you feel in your clothes and what you need to complete certain outfits.  Before purchasing missing outfit items, shop in your ‘aside clothes’.  Shopping may be a valid option but it will be more focussed and therefore more efficient.
 
Following layer – In time you will be ready and actually eager to let more items go as you are allowing yourself to be reassured that you don’t need them and really don’t miss them.  Re-visit the ‘aside clothes’ and you’ll be surprised at what you are comfortable letting go.
 
These steps or layers are reflected in any area or category of stuff in our space.  Be it sentimental items, books, linens or sports equipment – keep your long term goal at the forefront of your mind.  Keep a photo or saying close by to encourage you to keep re-visiting and reconciling yourself to the onion layers that will inevitably grant you more serenity.
 

If only I had a dollar for each time I am asked this question.  Asked it with a hesitant voice, a furtive glance and an expression of self condemnation – before I’ve even said a word in response.
 
Let’s get to the real crux of the matter – decluttering is a gift you decide to give yourself.  It is not synonymous with guilt, not being good enough or accepting that you can never be organised.  It is not in the power of a family member, friend or other to make us feel inadequate and a failure.
​These are the lies that keep us exactly where we are – dissatisfied with our progress and paralysed.
 
Who has the deciding vote as to what is too much, too little, ugly, beautiful, worth keeping or rubbish?  YOU.  Own it and you will feel powerful.
 
Your personality, time frame, current circumstances, motivation, standards are the factors that will determine what you act upon or stand still.  These factors are also changeable.  For some, getting rid of one item a day is huge.  For others a full on re-vamp of their house it the way they roll. 
 
Who cares which way you go as long as you actually go?
 
The logic of life dictates that continual accumulation leads to suffocation but the balance of what and how much you let go of is up to you – the master of your path.
 
Aside from that piece of logic, decluttering is not a science. It's a habit and a lifestyle of your choosing.
 
For me, decluttering is now a daily reflex like brushing my teeth or having a shower.  Not on a monumental scale but on a maintenance wave.  That has come about over time.  I’m not a warrior, I’m better at slow and steady.  That is me.  You are you.  Work out what your comfort level is and do not justify it to others.  Be kind with your expectations and just keep on keepin’ on.
 
 

​What makes you feel secure?  Your job, your routine, 3 meals a day, knowing what to expect in the near future? 
 
By way of contrast, what makes you feel insecure?  Being unemployed, not always able to afford groceries, not knowing where you’ll be living next month or next year?
 
The link to clutter and chaos is this – they have the undesired effect of making us feel anxious, ashamed and out of control.
 
An inherent part of our selves is to be ordered. There are many variances of order but they are still order nonetheless.  When you are able to find your keys, bills to pay, clean clothes – these all make us feel that we are in control of our own personal bubble and not the unintended victim of some random anarchy.
 
Think of 3 things or habits that lend to your day feeling manageable.  Now think of 3 things or habits that leave you feeling stressed, unsure or questioning.  Which do you prefer?
 
Doing your best to maintain the first 3 will be your anchor.  Adding 1 or 2 over time will reinforce that order which leads to calm.  When you stumble make the decision to carry on. 
 
Write them down if need be, put them on your phone as a reminder.  They may seem too insignificant to mention but what we are after is the feeling they create within you. 
Order is reassuring.  It’s a free luxury – gift it to yourself.

​Is there such a thing?  The opinions are divided, jury is still out. 
 
There is the rare child that enjoys and seeks opportunities to explore the satisfaction of organising spaces, toys, clothes, crayons etc.  Think Marie Kondo for example.  The sense of achievement that they crave is satiated by the neat rows, colour coordinated blocks of items and the feeling of control.
 
Most though are not pre-disposed to this extent.  The majority of ‘organised people’ are so because they have realised the benefits and the peace of mind that ensues from being organised.  The trial and error, stress and angst of trying to get everything done sans organisation has landed them in an ongoing panic. 
 
Too late for you your inner voice may say.  Alas, it is not so.  Regardless of which point in your life you are at, regardless of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles you see as brick walls, I assure you there is light at the end of the organising tunnel.
 
Reflect on your personality and be real about what style will best benefit you in a sustainable way.  It’s too discouraging to go full on and then burn out mid project.
 
Options:
 

• Plan to set your timer for 15 minutes a day, start small but keep on swimming. 

 

• Block off a chunk of time depending on your schedule, ex 2 or 4 hours.  Choose one area that is do-able in that time frame.  Prep a meal for after as you will be drained.  Get stuck in and enjoy the feeling of having made a significant difference.  If the area is not finished at the end of the time, book another chunk within 3 days to wrap it up once and for all.

 

• Have a deadline that is reasonable to have a certain segment of space or category completed.  Make realistic steps in order to make it happen instead of setting yourself up for failure.

 

• Use the services available in your area.  If you can afford it, hire a professional organiser to help you through it.  We always say it’s important to ask for help – when was the last time you actually did? 

 
A key motivator when you hit a wall is to think about why you are doing this in the first place.  Is it for you?  Is it for someone else?  Reduce stress?  Less stimulation?  Easier cleaning?  More air?  Ability to entertain?  Time to do what you want?
 
As always, the choice is yours.
 

It’s January aka resolution obsession time.  Don’t panic, I’m not against a good resolution.  I feel about it as I do about the non sensical and over abundance of anything, except of course, champagne.  Babysteps.
 
If, however you are mulling through your recently curated though perhaps exhaustive list of self improvements take a moment to ponder. 
 
Are you being fair to yourself?  Are these reasonable expectations?  If in doubt, would you put this pressure on someone you love? – No?  Then maybe it gets a thought stop vote.  End of.
 
Exercise more, eat healthier, be more patient, remember everyone’s special occasions, keep your house cleaner, spend more time with your family etc etc…
 
These are all noble, wise choices but are they going to make the year better for you or will they overwhelm you so you will feel like a failure after a week of too much effort being demanded of you?
 
Choose one.
 
Decide what thing, mindset, habit you would like to incorporate into your lifestyle.  Work on doing that once or twice a week or whatever works positively for you.  If you get involved in the day to day and eventually forget about your new project, so be it.  Eventually you will be reminded of it again and then the secret is to pick up where you left off.  No guilt, shame or surrender.  Just take the next step and don’t look back.
 
 

​I am no maths genius but this one is a no brainer.  Consider the real estate that is being used by you or someone you love to store stuff.  A room, a storey, a garage, a storage unit.  Now, what are other options for the very same space?
 
-Rental with you as the landlord
-Space for your family to actually live
-Room to park your cars or someone else to park theirs – willing to pay for the privilege
-Saved money 
 
A professional organising session averages $70/hour.  An average session is 4 hours so $280.  Do the math as far as the value of what you would gain:
 
A room to rent per month at $900 = $10 800 per annum
A storey per month $2500 = $30 000 per annum
A storage unit per month $100 = $1200 per annum
 
Let the facts decide:   $280 v $10 800
                                        $280 v $30 000
                                        $280 v $1200
 
Contact a local organiser and make your money work for you – FOR THE LOVE OF STUFF – you won’t regret it!
 

This is it!  Last task to cross off your list this weekend before La Rentrée.  FOOD.  Yes, the crucial detail that guarantees success! 
 
Let’s start by doing a 10 minute purge of our fridge or most used cupboard.  This is not cleaning just clearing out what is old or will not be eaten.  Add items to your list that you need to replenish. 
 
Choose 3 go-to meals for next week that you know your family loves.  Make sure all the ingredients necessary are there and if not add them to the list. 
 
Now let’s consider school lunches and snacks.  Just the basics, you can get more inventive after the first week.  Right now, the new schedule structure will be enough to deal with. 
 
Ensuring there will be no need for late night shopping trips for a missed ingredient is plenty fine for now.
 
As you are making your list, take a quick trip to the bathroom and see what daily supplies are running low – floss, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, conditioner etc.
 
Armed with your list I suggest going online and ordering what you need.  This way it’s one less errand to run.  Also, it does save money in the long run, even if there is a delivery fee because in my experience you stick to your list without being swayed by specials, your cravings or your kids asking for stuff.
 
Now my friends, you are ready for Back to School.  You have a handle on what you have, what you need, a list to follow and a plan.  Brilliant!
 

Command Centre/Launch Pad/Dispatch Zone – whatever it’s called in your house is a crucial part of staying on top of the day to day.  If your house doesn’t have one then today is the day!
 
This is an area of the home that holds all the things you need to take with you on your way out the door.  Your bag/backpack, permissions slips, lunches, paraphernalia for after school activities or sports, items to return to the store, dry cleaning, items to be repaired etc. 
 
It is also where you train your children to put the things they need you to take care of – school supplies lists, permission slips, and extracurricular activities information. 
 
This area works hand in hand with the tomorrow box.  That’s in their room and the Command Centre is somewhere accessible for all in the household on their way in or out.  In this way your family members can prepare their outfits for the next day and consider what other preparations need to be done so there is less thinking and panic in the morning.  Get their lunches in their backpacks; pull out whatever gear is necessary for the weather – nothing more aggravating then looking for a lone mitten when you’re already 10 minutes late.
 
This kind of organisation is such a simple and easily achieved way of teaching, guiding and helping your children become self sufficient and confident.  You are doing them and yourself a favour.
 
Go for it!

​We’re on a roll!  Let’s get going on today’s task.  Its supplies.  Don’t panic – I can hear the groans and see the eye rolls.  Images of harried mums and whining kids in the Staples aisles come to mind but don’t despair!
 
This is a pre-cursor to the actual hellish shopping experience.  Take 10 minutes to go through the house, art cupboard, desks that are now covered in stuffies and see what supplies you already have on hand.  Of course your children will want new stuff but often, depending on their ages, for some of it they may not care or notice.  Example, glue sticks.  See what kind of supplies booty you can put together. 
 
Ask your kids if they know of anything stashed away that can be used or if anything from last year is still useable.  Depending on the child and age, geometry sets, binders etc may still be good for another year.
 
Keep adding to your master list as you realise the needs.  You probably won’t have a complete list until next week from their specific teacher but at least knowing what you already have will help you feel more in control and ready for a quick shop to complete the gaps.
 
Here are some items you may want to include in your list that the teacher won’t specify but may make your life easier:
 
Water bottle (extra one)
Lunch containers
Lunch kit
Backpack
Transit pass (buy ahead this week or online)
 
Please add other items you think of in the comments!
 
See you tomorrow!