Don't Organize Your Clutter

Don't run out and buy closet organizers until you've gone through EVERYTHING and know what you are going to keep. Otherwise, you will end up with very organized closets that are filled with things you don't really want or need.

This is a common mistake, and it's one reason I felt inspired to create the CFF program. I'd read so many good "how-to-get organized" books, most of which didn't address getting rid of the clutter first. Organization is the SECOND half of the picture, and should only be done after a good clutter-clearing.

"So far the OUT BAG count is 56 bags have been pitched!!!"
~ Clutter-Free Forever! support group member

Clearing Clutter Supports Your Dreams

Clutter-clearing supports you in realizing your dreams. When you clear your clutter, your own intentions and energy become clearer, so you can focus more sharply on what you want to manifest. Plus, now you have room for those new experiences to come into your life!

"I will be forever grateful for having participated in this program and I welcome all of the changes that have taken place in my life, changes that were well worth the time involved."
~ Clutter-Free Forever! support group member

Dealing with Clutter-Clearing "Yeah Buts"

If you are having trouble "paring down," it's likely that your inner voice is saying "yeah, but..." a lot as you try to make your keep-or-toss decisions. For example, you might pick something out of a closet and mentally say to yourself, "I guess I don't really need this," but before you can actually put it in a give-away box, your inner voice pipes up with "Yeah, but..."
- "It's so pretty/expensive"
- "It reminds me of Grandma"
- "I haven't used it yet"
- "I could wear it if I lose some weight" ... and so on.

Listening to your inner "yeah buts" will help you gain clarity about why you are hanging on to this stuff. For example, I can easily toss out letters and greeting cards, but getting rid of clothes that I haven't worn in five years because they are a size too small is very difficult for me. What this really means is that I am secure in knowing that the people who love me love me, but I am not at peace with my body and don't want to accept that I'm not quite as slim as I used to be.

"Thank you for providing the impetus for me to take de-cluttering seriously, and for helping me to believe it actually is possible."
~ Clutter-Free Forever! support group member

Preserving Memories without the Clutter

The reason it is so hard for mothers to let go of the toys, clothes, and boxes of papers their children have long outgrown, is that letting go of this stuff is the emotional equivalent of letting go of the children themselves -- and it's a rare mother who wants to do that!

Creating a photo album/scrapbook "Memory Book" for each child is a good way to create order and preserve the memories, without holding on to lots of clutter. Artwork, newspaper clippings, sports certificates, programs from music and ballet recitals, can all be included. Those who aren't interested in a major "scrapbook" project can use plastic page-protector sleeves in a simple 3-ring binder.

Favorite stuffed animals, clothes, or other toys can be passed on to your now-grown kids if they want them. Keep a snapshot of 3-year-old Junior with his favorite stuffed bear, and let the bear go. You can even take a photo of it now, if you don't have an old one, and put the picture in the Memory Book, instead of keeping that musty old bear in a box in the attic.

These Memory Books make a wonderful gift to pass on to your kids at the next birthday or holiday season.

"Going through the Clutter Free program made some big dents in areas that I refused to touch before."
~ Clutter-Free Forever! support group member