March 25, 2005

Put the SPRING into spring cleaning

By Diane Sharp
Special to the Times

Spring is a great time to get your home and business paperwork organized in preparation for warmer weather ahead.

“Americans waste nine million hours per day searching for misplaced items,” according to the American Demographics Society.

Each year on an annual basis I go through each room in the house and reorganize, donate unused or no longer needed items and make a list of what needs to be fixed or replaced. This includes every drawer, closet, nook and cranny.

Diane Sharp, CEO of Get Organized and More, Inc.

This is a good time to rearrange the furniture if you want a change or if your current set-up isn’t working for you. You can also start a wish list for items you would like to have replaced or added to your current décor.

The hardest part for most people is to get started. The project seems overwhelming and there are so many other things that we would rather be doing.

The reason piles begin to build is because there is no home for the item. Piles drain our energy, add stress to our days and cause sleepless nights.

Make it fun
The best way to start is to make it fun. Open windows and air out the house when the weather is nice. Play your favorite CD or listen to music to make the time more enjoyable.

Set a timer for two or three hours and dedicate that time to your organization project.

Keep in mind the benefits of getting organized. Being able to find what you need—when you need it—will give you a feeling of contentment and control.

Reward yourself when you’ve completed what you set out to do.

Unclutter and let go
Put items that are no longer relevant, loved or appreciated in a box to donate or sell.

Everything we have has an emotion or memory attached to it. If the item is bulky and you want to save the memory but not the item, consider taking a photograph of the item to keep for future reference.

As you go through the uncluttering process you will open the way for new opportunities to come into your life. When one area is organized, hope is renewed and you are on your way to turning chaos into calm.

Systems, processes
Once the decluttering has been completed, you need to put systems in place and processes to follow.

Experts agree that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. You are replacing old habits with new ones.

Keep the mental image of living clutter-free in your mind, and take one day at a time.

Staying organized
Have a home for your items, and put them back when you are finished using them.

At the end of the day, have the kids pick up their toys, books and other clutter and put everything away. Sign the school papers and have the backpacks packed for the next day. Have them pick out their clothes the night before to make it easier in the morning.

Then make a list of what needs to be accomplished the next day.

“Obstacles can’t stop you. Problems can’t stop you. Most of all, other people can’t stop you. Only you can stop you,” says Jeffrey Gitomer.

The choice is yours.

Diane Sharp is the CEO of Get Organized and More, Inc. and a resident of Evergreen. She specializes in residential and corporate organization and can be reached at (408) 410-3395 or by e-mail at getorganized2@earthlink.net. Her Web site is http://www.getorganizedandmore.com.

Donation Locations

Once you’ve done your spring cleaning, here are some organizations that could benefit from your efforts:

- San Jose Family Shelter, http://www.sjfamilyshelter.org, (408) 926-8885. Easter baskets for the children at the shelter, blankets, sheets, bedspreads, pillows and area rugs.

- Second Harvest Food Bank, http://www.2ndharvest.net, (408) 266-8866. Fresh and canned fruit and vegetables.

- Today’s Youth Matter, http://www.tymkids.org, (408) 719-9125. Sleeping bags, baseballs, bats, tennis racquets, tents, kayaks and canoes.

- Neighbor Helping Neighbor, http://www.samaritanhouse.com, (650) 347-3648 ext. 23. Food, clothing, household goods, medical supplies and office supplies.

- Support Network for Battered Women, http://www.snbw.org, (650) 940-4375 Household items, toiletries, baby items, gift certificates, clothing, office supplies, appliances, furniture (including mattresses), party/art supplies and kitchen items.

- Bicycle Exchange of Mountain View, http://www.romp.org/bicycle-exchange, (650) 968-0836. Bicycles and helmets are repaired and donated to needy families.

- Music in Schools Today, http://www.mustcreate.org, (415) 392-9010. Flutes, guitars and other musical instruments are given to needy Bay Area students through the Adopt an Instrument Program.

- Humane Society of Silicon Valley in Santa Clara, http://www.hssv.org, (408) 727-3383 Pet food, pet toys and large towels.