Clutter is the Enemy of Good Design

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Clutter is the enemy of good design. 

Here is what happens when our stuff gets out of control . . .

Did you ever hear the old adage ?

“A place for everything & everything in its place.”


SO WHY DO WE KEEP CLUTTER ?
  • Might need it (Possible future use)
  • It’s expensive
  • No time to declutter
  • Potential money from sale
  • Can’t maintain organization
  • Guilt
  • Gift
  • Nostalgic
  • Can’t get it back
WHAT TYPES OF CLUTTER DO WE HAVE ?
  • Trash
  • Old Encyclopedias
  • Broken or outdated collectibles?
  • Antiques?
  • Paper
WHY SHOULD WE ORGANIZE ?
  • Saves Time
  • Saves Money
  • Reduces Stress
  • Improves performance
  • Improves Self esteem
  • Health (mental clarity)
HOW DO WE GET STARTED ?
  • Set a Goal
  • Make a Plan
  • Set a Time
  • Put it in writing
  • Delegate
  • Be accountable
  • The Power of 1 (Let go of one item everyday)
PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE :
  • Short Term Component
  • Initial Cleanup
  • Create Plan for Upkeep
  • Long Term Component
  • Structure for Daily Maintenance
  • Continue Routine for Sustained Success
  • Commitment
TOOLS
  • Planner
  • Containers
  • Labeling System
  • Technology – Apps
REMEMBER THE 3D’s
  • Designate
  • Dump (or recycle)
  • Donate
AND NOW THE PAPER MONSTER :
  • Skim
  • Determine if needed
  • Sort
  • Allocate Storage Location
  • Create File Folders – Alphabetically or by date
  • Toss
  • Recycle generic material
  • Shred sensitive material
  • Minimize future paper piles
  • Open mail daily by your recycle station
  • Keep an “in-box”
  • Use your computer
FOR MAGAZINE & CATALOG READERS
  • Recycle/share the old one when the new one arrives
SUMMARY
  • Clutter
  • The enemy
  • Wastes time and money
  • Can be controlled by you with…
  • A mindset
  • A plan
  • Help if you need it
Start with the POWER OF 1 !


 

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Natalie Weinstein
Natalie Weinstein, Allied ASID, IDS, is an accredited designer, acknowledged business leader, entrepreneur, author, media personality and motivational speaker. Her interior design firm, Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, has been creating lifestyle changes in homes and public spaces, decorating for countless clients since 1973. In 2001, the Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club was launched to guide "do-it-yourselfers" with a little help from a pro. Uniquely Natalie, a quality furniture and accessory consignment boutique was opened in 2014 to give every shopper an opportunity to create a beautiful home no matter what the budget. For questions, please call 631.862.6198.