Stumped as to what to keep and what to get rid of? Try asking yourself these questions to help you define what should be in your closet:

1. Do I love it and feel good when I wear it? We want to feel good and empowered when we leave the house in the morning for work or head out for our leisure activities. We should be comfortable and confident.
2. Does it flatter my figure or did I just buy it because it was on sale, it fit me, I was depressed, I was celebrating or it’s the latest trend? We have to know our bodies and what really looks good on us. Forcing a trend on an unsuitable figure is just not attractive.

3. Am I really going to get it altered or repaired? Many times we think we will get around to making the alteration and it just doesn’t happen. If we so decide to take it to a professional there is still the risk that some alterations just won’t work. Simple things like hemming or buttons will, but when we’re talking full makeovers there is a bit of a gamble of paying the money for something that still may not look right and is wearable in the end.
4. Is it a classic piece of clothing that I can wear again and again or is it actually just memorabilia with sentimental attachment? Often we hang on to our expensive classic pieces long afterward everyone has stopped wearing them. We also have the tendency to keep things related to special occasions. Our closets are prime real estate for the clothing we wear everyday. Memorabilia should be stored elsewhere or in a keepsake box.
5. When was the last time I wore it? Am I currently wearing it and when will I wear it in the future? If it has been hanging around and the only thing that has touched it is a layer of dust let it go.
6. How many other articles of clothing does it go with? One article of clothing should be purchased knowing it is flexible within your wardrobe and can go with several things.

7. Can I wear it through many seasons? Buy items you can wear for the majority of the year.

8. Does it reflect who I am now and who I would like to be? We grow both professionally and personally throughout our lives. Make sure you are not stuck in the past and that your wardrobe has grown with you.

9. How may duplicates do I have in my closet? Make an inventory of how many pairs of jeans, black pants, white t-shirts or sweatshirts do you have that you no longer wear? When there are too many ofone item, you will only wear your favorites anyway. Do yourself a favor and just get rid of extras to make more space for the ones you do enjoy and wear frequently.

Have some fun and invite friends and family over to have first pick of clothes that you don’t want anymore. They can also give you an honest answer as to whether something should stay or go.

By asking yourself these questions you will have an easier time navigating your closet, finding what you want to wear and getting to where you are going faster and more self assured.

Colette Robicheau is an organizing consultant and coach. You can reach her at www.organizeanything.com

It seems that a lot of our excess clutter can fall in to two categories: things from the past or things that we might do in the future. The most important things in our lives are those that are with us in the present: those items we use frequently and enjoy regularly. These are items we use for daily tasks as well as items we actually use for self-improvement (not hope to or plan to use). Being stuck in the past or dreaming of the future creates mental and physical clutter.

Do you hear yourself saying?

I can’t let that go, it belonged to…

That was a gift, so I have to keep it…

I loved that…

I used that all the time…

That was my favorite…

I paid a lot of money for that

These are statements related to your past. Our emotions tied to our past or someone else’s in the case of inherited goods leads us to cling to these items.

The occasional trip down memory lane is pleasant but when we overly surround ourselves with the thoughts and feelings of the past we stifle our growth as individuals. Examples of these items are baby clothes, wedding videos/paraphernalia from failed marriages, gifts and inherited items that do not suit our taste/needs. Clothes, toys, records/tapes from youth are others.

When you say:

I’m going to do that…

As soon as _____, I’m starting that…

I could use that sometime…

What if my ____ breaks – then I will need this.

It would be really nice to …

Just in case…

I should ….

These are future statements. Being prepared for every possible contingency might seem like a wise approach to life. However, if we spend all of our time planning, we have no time for doing. If you hang on to extra things, “Just in case” you will have a harder time finding and using the items you do need today.

All these future “maybes” aren’t getting you closer to your goals. Brochures, guides, and videos get quickly out-of-date. Move these “maybes” into the present by actively reading up on the subject, taking a class, or getting out there and doing it.

Much research has been done today on the area of happiness. Those people who live more in the now are much happier. Listen to your self talk – is it primarily about memories or maybe? Take a look around your home and see where you are living: past, present or future.

Colette Robicheau is an Organizing Consultant and Coach and President of Organize Anything. Organize Anything experts understand the needs of seniors who love their homes and their things. We provide caring and confidential services so you feel secure knowing your comfort and health is our priority. We evaluate and adjust your space and services to meet your individual needs.

We assist with all aspects of moving and help create an independent living environment that is safe and easily functional. Colette is the first and only Certified Professional Organizer – CD in Canada, an Accredited Staging Professional and a Certified Redesign Specialist. For a complete list of seniors services you can contact her at www.organizeanything.com or call 902-233-1577

This  morning found me up an hour early and my day seems off to a great start. While getting caught up with some emails I stumbled across a great little contest I though I wold share.

Organize 1 2 3 is offering a back to school contest giving away their books:

Three Steps to Decluttering
Three Steps to Organizing Your Child’s Room
Three Steps to Organizing Your Kitchen
Three Steps to Planning Dinner (ebook)
Hassle Free Dinners (ebook)

Click Here to enter

To launch my 35th year, this almost always organized mom needs some inspiration, organization, and new goals. This week is all about inspiration  for a tired mom who needs to increase her energy and to that she needs some motivation!

Although I have made some great leaps organizing my children’s schedules, my personal space has suffered as a result. My yard is a tad overgrown, my room lacks an inviting feel and some days my ‘almost always organized’ feels like we may be on time but my home is no longer my respite.

When I tell others how to find my home my response for the last year has been ‘You can’t miss my home. Its the single mom home with the use to be brown picket fence and overgrown shrubbery.’

Standing by the Declutter Guide’s advice of letting go of perfectionism. I started painting that use to be brown fence yesterday. My mother arrived to help and I let my children get messy with me.

It was a great evening of ‘family time’ and even though only the first coat is done on the front of the yard this morning I have a sense of motivation to keep going knowing I accomplished that one to do task that hasn’t made it to the top of my list in four years !

I love paint. If you let go of ‘perfection’ painting is a quick and easy way to brighten up your home and make it feel new again. What could be a better motivator for positive changes ? Pick a room, pick a day, and paint. Or if the weather is nice pick something outside and make it new.