Say Yes to Mess – Organizing Tip
Posted by Sue on Jan 1, 2007
Minus the question mark, this was the title of an article in the New York
Times Home & Garden Section on Dec 21st 2006. A good friend sent me the link
http://www.nytimes.com2006/12/21/garden/21mess.html? and a number of people have
mentioned the article to me.
It quotes David Freedman, who with co-author Eric Abrahamson has written
“A Perfect Mess: The Hidden Benefits of Disorder” which should be available
now. I will read it with interest as my own stance seems to be neither with
the “clutter busters buy containers group” nor with these authors.
To me the bottom line is whether or not your space is helping you be and do
what you want. If you are happy in your space, and your household can deal,
AND the fire department can get to you if need be, then super! Let it be!
No matter what it looks like.
It all depends on what YOU need. I’m very visual – happier if things look
beautiful to me. I like looking at the spaces I occupy, somehow
cherishing what I see. When things get too cluttered I can’t think.
On the other hand- my husband is very content in his study where he
effectively watches TV, works at his computer, or meditates, happily
surrounded by what I consider clutter. Like the folks mentioned in
the article – he can find what he wants and is very creative amidst
the chaos. More power to him.
I agree that if you work well in a mess- you should say YES to it and
carry onward! There are tons more important things in the world that
need attention.
And even if you need more order to function well – don’t run out to
buy containers before you sort the stuff out and find out what truly
is deserving of a home in your space.
For the year of 2007 if you can SAY YES TO MESS by all means do.
If you need a different look and feel to your space say yes to that!
_____________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENT:
I want to give you who get my E-Tips first dibs on my Decluttering 101
Tele-Class. As of January 6 I will announce it to others.
This class will help whether you are coming for a tune-up or are a
first-timer. It will be like my workshops, only given over the phone.
Class sessions will be Tuesdays January 16, January 23 and February 6
7-8 pm. Eastern Standard Time. Class size – limited to 9.
Fee is $90.
All you need is a phone,the desire to change something in your space,
and the willingness to share some information about your struggles with
classmates.
My mini-guide,Decluttering 101 (available on my website)is helpful but
not required. Participants who wish can email me “BEFORE” photos so I can
“see” your space.
I am including this guarantee: If you attend all three classes and do the homework
assignments but are not happy with your results – your full tuition will be
returned just as soon as I have had a chance to ask you about what didn’t
work for you. This way I will learn more and it’s a win-win for us both.
Email/call/or use my web contact form for more information or to
request an e-application. Reminder: Class space is limited to 9 so
don’t miss out by waiting to apply.