Wed Dec 19 2007
Gold Coast-based Organizing You owner Karen Barnett said the lead up to Christmas was a perfect time to clear the space in your home to make way for new beginnings in 2008.
"Don't get caught up with all the advertising media, bargain and sale signs during the festive season," Mrs Barnett said.
"People will spend money just for the sake of spending money. If you don't need something, don't buy it. The more things you buy, the more it will hold you back in the many aspects of life. Clutter is like having a cloud at the back of your head holding you back.
"Money is a precious commodity and clutter is money."
Mrs Barnett said if people could avoid buying unnecessarily and utilise their money better, the whole purpose of Christmas would change perspective.
"You will be giving to help someone else, not just for the sake of buying," she said.
"For example, open a bank account for kids and put money in it, rather than buy them something that will end up in the back of the cupboard."
It helps, she said, if you could visualise yourself in six to 12 months time, filling up bags of unused, unwanted Christmas presents set for the nearest Op shop.
"Just think about how much money has been wasted. So instead of wasting your money, think about what you're doing and buying and add value rather than deplete energy."
Clearing the clutter can benefit your life and others by simplifying your life, helping you think clearer, giving you more time, releasing stagnant energy, eliminating stress, chaos and confusion; boosting your confidence and letting you have more fun.
"De-cluttering is empowering. It's about dealing with your emotions and psychological issues and allows a flow of energy to come into your life so you can move forward. It gives you more time.
"You will increase your productivity and experience greater peace and happiness in all that you do."
For more details, call Karen Barnett on 0418 182 075 or email organizingyou@optusnet.com.au
Top 10 Tips to a Clutter-Free Christmas
By Karen Barnett, Organizing You
1. Write down a list of people to buy for.
2. Work out your realistic budget for Christmas presents.
3. See what you have at home that you could give to others.
4. Ask people what they want for Christmas.
5. If they don't need anything, don't buy for the sake of buying. Think about donating money or goods to a charity instead. Or for a child, open up a bank account.
6. Don't get caught up with all the advertising hype when shopping. Stick to your list.
7. See what you have left from last year before you buy more Christmas wrapping, presents and cards.
8. Diarise time in your diary to tidy up your home and get rid of clutter to allow the space for a breezy, fun family gathering or party. Clear out your cupboards to get rid of the clutter to start anew and recycle whatever you can.
9. Think very carefully before buying anyone pets for Christmas. Thousands of animals are euthanized every year after being given as Christmas presents. Christmas is only one day, pets are for about 15 years and require daily feeding, vet bills and other expenses.
10. Remember, Christmas is all about having fun, not being stressed about buying presents and food or the cost of these. Again…. Christmas is only for one day, the clutter can last a lifetime.
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