Click on this link to access the Organizing Tips: The Island of Misfit Toys – February 2011 newsletter

PROBLEM: My closet is so full. I know that
some of the clothes don’t even fit me
anymore.

SOLUTION: Create a space to put the clothes
that you don’t like or that don’t fit. This space
can be a bag hung from a hanger or hook, a
basket on the closet floor, or a box near the
closet. The next time you try something on and
it doesn’t fit – put it in this new space. Eventually
your closet will become a place for clothes that
you like and wear.

HINT: Think through what you will do with the
items that go in this space and when you will
deal with them. For example, maybe you will you
take them to the donation center when the bag
gets full.

RROBLEM: I love to buy things but they just add to the
clutter when I bring them home.

SOLUTION: Make a list of what you are going to buy and
buy what is on your list. When you put something on your
list make sure you think through the whole process of what
needs to happen in order for that item to function in your
house. Here are some questions to ask:
1. Do you have a home for that item?
2. If something occupies the space where the new item
is going to go, what will happen to the old item.
3. Do you have time for the new item (assembling, dealing
with packaging and little pieces, deconstruction the old item)?

HINT: Stay out of stores where your impulse is to buy.

PROBLEM – I don’t like to file. My papers
build up because I can’t seem to make myself
do it.

SOLUTION – Use a timer. We can do almost
anything for a short period of time. Set the
timer for 10 minutes (or whatever amount of time
works for you) and start filing. As soon as the
timer rings – you’re done!

HINT – Start with your most recent papers and
work backwards.

PROBLEM – Things go into my purse but nothing comes
back out. It is like a black hole. My purse is so full, I
can’t find anything.

SOLUTION – Create an area in your purse where you put
thing that need to come back out.  Think of it as your
“outbox”. This area can be a pocket or a section of the
purse, which can hold your trash, receipts, papers, bill,
etc.

HINT – This “outbox” can have dividers. In the picture
the “outbox” is the zippered pocket but there is a plastic
baggie within the pocket for receipts.