De-Cluttering After the Holidays

Feeling overwhelmed after the holidays is quite normal.  Add to that the dismal weather and we get stuck in our clutter, not wanting to deal with it.  There is no better time, however, to get started, since it is getting lighter every day and soon we will be thinking spring!  There is no benefit from waiting to de-clutter. The piles grow and your intolerance with it.  Remember, de-cluttering is good time management.

Here are three simple things to do right away.

1.  Did you get new electronics for Christmas? 

Go to www.beyondclutter.com/resources for organizations which recycle old electronics – especially cell phones.  Although most old technologies have little practical value, an exception is the cell phone.  Many groups collect used cell phones to refurbish and redistribute to people who especially need them, from soldiers stationed overseas, to battered women who need to call 911 in an emergency.

Many manufacturers take back old electronics.  Look under Resources also for “Electronic Recycling.”

2.  One in, One Out!

For every one gift you received, let one item go. Rather than live life by “addition,” (meaning adding more and more to your inventory of possessions) give from your abundance to those less fortunate. In this economic climate the old saying “there but by the grace of God go I” rings true for all of us.

Analogy. This principle of de-cluttering follows the basic necessity of life – breathing.   One inhale, followed by one exhale. The exhale –  or letting go  – comes immediately after the inhale – or the taking in.  It’s automatic. We don’t wait for more time or until the weekend to exhale, that is let go of stale air.  We just do it.  It’s time to let go of your clutter – stale possessions you are not using and do not bring you joy.

Estimate how much “stuff” you received over the holidays and give away an equal amount.  It won’t take long.  Don’t worry about “same items.”  Focus on the amount, the quantity.

For a list of over 30 non-profit organizations and what types of items they are looking for, go to www.beyondclutter.com/passiton

Make a list of what you are donating and take a 2098 tax write-off for in-kind donations.

Note: When people ask me what do I do that helps me maintain a clutter-free existence, this is the principle I talk about –  One in, One Out!  Start now to follow it using the newly acquired abundance from the holidays. This practice along will move your forward on the uncluttered road.

3. Organize for 2008 Income Tax Preparation

1.  Create One Tax Papers Collection Folder to receive and hold 2008 tax documents until you prepare your income taxes..

• Choose one distinctive large portfolio, accordion file or other roomy organizer to keep every paper in one place
• Label it “2008 Tax Papers Collection Folder.”
• Keep it where you sort the incoming mail or in a more secure place that you can access immediately after sorting the mail.
• What goes in it?
  • Start with the 2008 tax documents that come in the mail. The first tax-related document is often the NYS Income Tax forms. Put them in the Collection Folder. As tax documents come in (W-2’s, interest and divident statements, 1099’s, etc.) put them in the tax folder. Even if you use online banking or online tax filing, there still are papers to keep track of for income tax purposes
  • Include documents you create yourself, such as: a 2008 car mileage journal (if you track mileage), your 2008 checkbook registers, receipts for charitable contributions, your business summary, etc.

2. Start a new checkbook register on January 1 — regardless of what page you are on in the register. Put  the 2008 register in your 2008 Tax Collection Folder.   IF you haven’t done this yet, do it now.  It won’t take long.  No extra registers to use?  Your bank can supply them to you.

Happy De-Cluttering!