Object-centered uncluttering

[snousle]

Several people have written lately about the difficulty of uncluttering. Let me say a few words about what works for me.

Stop having goals and plans. Stop making an effort. But also, stop running away from the problem.

I suggest an incremental, action-oriented approach that you can use as much or as little as you like. It's really simple:

1) Pick an object at random.
2) What is this object?
3) Where does it need to go?
4) Can I move it closer to its destination?
5) Move it in that direction.

The point is, stop having grandiose ideas about what's going to happen, and start moving things. The amount of thinking required is as much or as little as you like. You can stop or start at any time. Nobody is watching. You are not promising anything to anyone. Your mother is not there to critique. You may move as slowly as you like - there is no reason not to spend an hour on a single object if you find it necessary. The only failure is lack of movement. Even the smallest movement is a success.

Repeat as necessary. Stop when you get tired. Start again soon. It gets much easier with practice.

Comments

[bikerbaer.livejournal.com]

Very sensible. Works for me!

[danthered.livejournal.com]

This what you propose makes a lot of sense and I'm going to try it.

You've still got mail.

[snousle.livejournal.com]

Yes, I know, I'm trying valiantly to get the schedule together real soon nos!

[bluebear2.livejournal.com]

Interesting. This is the method that I have been using and didn't realize it was ideal.

Thanks.

[men-in-full.livejournal.com]

I've tried about everything else; might as well try this. Of course, Mr. B being a packrat doesn't help, either.

Stop running away from the problem.

Sounds like Suze Orman's "You've got to face it to erase it." Good advice; hard to take! :D