As a professional organizer, I have the ability to visualize the potential of any space. I approach any organizing project from the positive end. However, I must admit, that for some, there is a downside. Here are some examples:
1. Stirring up dust and dander. Getting down to the nitty gritty of decluttering can mean that you might experience physical reactions to dust and dander. If you have pets (or even pests), moving items around that have been stationery for some time can cause the dust and dander to result in an allergic reaction. You can take an over-the-counter allergy medication or, in certain instances, put on a surgical mask while you are working and avoid rubbing your eyes.
2. Muscle soreness. Sometimes getting organized can be quite physical. You tend to reach, bend, clean, left and carry items. Soaking in a warm tub or getting a massage can help. Taking a mild pain reliever at the end of the day can help minimize those aches and pains as well.
3. Minor injuries. It is not uncommon to suffer cuts, bruises, chipped fingernails and other minor injuries. It is not a bad idea to keep a small first-aid kit close by to disinfect and bandage small scrapes you incur as you go. Use gloves in areas, like the garage, where you might be more susceptible to injury. Proceed cautiously to avoid serious injury.
4. Travel time. More than likely you will need to make donations to your local charity. If you already have a lot of things to do, it might be stressful to have to schedule a trip (or two) to your favorite donation site. Plan ahead before you start your project to detemine what types of donations are accepted and whether they do home pick-ups. This can save you the time and energy it takes to load up the car and travel to the site.
5. Creating more things to do. Getting organized will inevitably increase your to-do list temporarily. You find items that are broken that you want to fix, home repairs you want to make, items you need to donate, paperwork you need to file or follow up on and more. Be prepared and know that it is temporary but once completed, you will be able to maintain balance in your home which will save you time in the long run.
6. Moving on. Sometimes when decluttering and getting organized, you tend to find things that bring up the past and not always in a in a fun way. It can bring up sadness or even anger at times. It is best to take a moment or two to reflect on the object and what memories it brings up. If they are not positive memories, it is a good idea to get rid of the object and move on.
In my opinion, there is nothing better than going through the process of eliminating the clutter and getting organized. It is freeing, uplifting and motivating to do so. Although there are challenges, the end result is worth all the time, energy and effort it takes to get the job done.
If you are overwhelmed with the prospect of getting organized and are only able to focus on the downside, feel free to contact me. I am here to help you focus on the up side and show you the positive aspects of eliminating your clutter once and for all!
