Question:
Have you ever thought, “How did I accumulate so much stuff?”?
Your answer was probably yes. But it’s okay, we all do it! It just means it’s time to tidy up and get rid of unnecessary things in your life.
If you want to successfully strive for a resolution or life goal, it starts with GETTING ORGANIZED.
As growing beings that change, oh so often, we decide that something is “in” or not and shove whatever isn’t in the corner. We also move quite a bit so things get transported or displaced all the time without REALLY deciding if it’s needed anymore. And that’s a problem. Being a senior college student at the University of Oregon, I’ve moved 3 times! Starting at the dorms, then to my sorority Pi Beta Phi, then to my house over the summer, and now to my beautiful home with 5 other awesome roomies. I FINALLY have enough space in my large basement room for all of my stuff, which I’ve organized to a T. (My room in pic below). I try to make my space very open, so there is nothing to hide. Other than my dresser and closet, to which are behind me, I try to have as little of closed storage possible so things aren’t just “put” somewhere.
– Something, I’ve recently added to my room, that was once a square rack, I got from a recycling center and transformed and refurbished it into a triangular shelf unit! (in pic below).
Tidying and organizing are crucial habits to have. That’s because they help one achieve more success in their daily lives. Having a clear mind with no worries about where something is, or if you own a certain item aren’t revolving in an organized persons’ head. Tidying daily also is a simple habit that makes for a no mess living.
I’ve learned some straightening up skills from a new book called The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. This book, which was given to me by the lovely Christianna Pierce, gave me a better perspective on why we keep things and how to properly put things away. Marie Kondo, the author, brings light her experiences with organizing and what REALLY works. This book isn’t just informational but is also a fun read, because of her writing style and how it feels like she’s talking to the reader while just catching up over coffee.
This is Marie to the left, and her book that was released this last October on the right. It’s already an International best seller!
Personally, I’ve always been a person to have these habits. I guess this is a strength I never really knew I had, until living with my random college dorm roommate that, I truthfully say, did not possess these habits. I felt overwhelmed with all of her clutter in our small space and would OFTEN be cleaning her side of the room without even thinking because I just couldn’t get things done with HER mess just laying there. I can admit I have a little OCD, but who doesn’t nowadays with certain things? Everything has its own place. So we need to make sure it’s systematically put there and will return there!
Being an American, it’s custom that consuming is practically in our blood. Not just clothes, but cosmetic and many other products as well! Then once their use has ended, sometimes nothing is disposed of. That’s why going through your things needs to be done, and pretty often. For me, tidying is every day, organizing is weekly, and disposing of unused items is a seasonal MUST. This means going through EVERYTHING and re-asking yourself if you really use or need it. After this purge, there should be at least 2 giveaway bags, a garbage bag, and a bag of things that need to be moved to different areas in your house. I take this large action as a type of cleansing that renews oneself.
There are many posts and articles about clutter and how it affects your brain. One article, that really intrigued me, was by Mikael Cho, from a website called Life Hacker. It goes into detail on why we physically and mentally collect things and why we feel so connected to tangible items. The tips and information given have changed my habits completely!
“Clutter, whether physical or digital, is something you’ll always have to deal with but it can be controlled.”- Mikael Cho
Here’s the link below to dive yourself into:
http://lifehacker.com/how-clutter-affects-your-brain-and-what-you-can-do-abo-662647035
Click it!! ^^^^^^^
My planner is one of my best friends and how I mentally stay organized.
I know we’re not all Mary Poppins… So these skills are harder for some people more than others. Just take your time and really try to learn.
PLEASE, take this post wholeheartedly and first read HOW to organize and tidy before doing the whole process to get the best results. I’ve done it, and I know you can too!
Thanks for checking out this post! Feel free to look at the rest of my blog and read about my SE Asia adventures and more 🙂
Warmest Regards,
Kelsi
life of kelsi 
