Vacation Packing

I've been on family vacation, sorry for the lapse in posts.  Can I share with you a confession?  I'm an 'over-packer'!  We went to the lake for a week and I needed only half of the clothes I packed.  This seems disgraceful because as an organizer, I bring efficiency to the environment.  In a rare month, I will be on vacation again next week with some girlfriends. 

How about we talk about packing better?  I need to follow these tips as well as anyone!

1.  Is this piece of clothing versatile? Can I use it more than once?  I have some sun dresses that are appropriate for throwing over a swimsuit, and are still appropriate if I chose to wear it to dinner in the evening.  Look for those kinds of pieces in your own wardrobe.

2.  What is the weather going to be like?  No need to throw in a bulky sweatshirt on the off chance you need it in the summer.  It was over 100 degrees where we vacationed, that should have been my first clue.

3.  Shoes (this is a big one for me)!  Do I need shoes that match every single outfit I take?  It's so tempting.  Or can some pull double duty?  I am going to the beach next week, and I pledge to only take one pair of shoes - my flip flops - which I will wear on the plane so they don't take up room in my luggage.

4.  Can you lift the bag yourself?  This is a practical one for me.  I had my husband for the last trip, but I'm on my own this trip.  I have a nice piece of smaller luggage with wheels that would work perfectly if I control what I put in it.

5.  Do you need all those personal products?  I brought my make up to the lake and didn't use it once.  The beach I am headed to is more upscale and I will use it there for the evenings. 

Just take time to re-evaluate the way you pack for a trip and you can cut the amount you take drastically.  Hope your summer is going well!

Task of the Week

How did everyone do on getting through their winter clothes and thinning down?  Did you get all your summer clothes out?  If not, keep working on this task, a little at a time.  Todays task is one most women dread - bathing suits!

Set a timer for 30 minutes and let's get started!

 

It's time to pull them out, see if the elastic is still working, everything is still covered up when you wear it.  If not, it's time to shop for new and pitch the old.  Good luck and have fun!

Task of the Week

You survived Monday!  Yea! 

Each Monday, I plan to give you a task to do at home, some project that will work you toward a clutter-free home.  I live in a clutter-free home, and yet, there are areas that need weeding and controlling once or twice a year.  Clothes are one that I find as a personal challenge.  As we are finally switching seasons here in Kansas, it's time to put away the winter clothes and get out the summer clothes. 

Can you set aside one hour this week to work on it? 

Here's what I'd recommend you do:  Empty your entire closet and/or dresser.  As you pick up each item of clothing, ask yourself:  When was the last time I wore it?  Do I love it?  If you are like me, I end up wearing about the same 5 outfits over and over.  If you wore it this winter and you love it, put it back into the closet, starting from the farthest point, working your way toward the front with your summer clothing.  If not, stack it inside a trash bag to donate. You should be able to weed out at least a few pieces of clothing if not more, depending how often you do this.  I do this twice a year faithfully, so I only had four pieces of clothing to donate this season. 

Do you have a bag to go to Goodwill?  Great job!  Put it in your car NOW and next time you are out running errands, drop it off.  I recommend this same technique with shoes, scarves, jackets, hats, flip-flops .... pretty much anything that lives in your closet and/or dresser. Every little bit helps! 

I'd love to hear how your task goes!

Define Clutter

 

When you look at a picture like this, what is the first thing you see?  Do you see clutter?  Or do you see a sink that is still usable and functioning and the stuff around at least belongs in the bathroom? 

 

 

Did you know that what you see actually defines the word 'clutter'?  Here is MY definition of clutter: 

 

 If it interferes with your life, it's clutter. 

 

We all are in different seasons of our lives.  Only YOU can decide if it's clutter or if it's just life.  If you see clutter here in this picture, you will pick up tips on how to handle it as we go along. 

 

For now, ponder what physical stuff is interfering with your life today?







 

Welcome!

 

  

Glad to meet you!  Thank you for reading my new blog on how to handle clutter in real life!  I hope to bring you ideas, motivation, and inspiration to rid yourself of clutter - both physical as well as mental clutter, as I tend to write from emotion.  I look forward to getting to know you and hear about your challenges and triumphs. 

 

I'll start with a nice before/after picture of a two hour job.  I promise not to brag with those very often.  I love having a positive influence on the people I work with and love the chance to change lives with a skill I am passionate about.  See you soon!