Clutter Awareness Week is the third week in March. That's next week so you have a week to plan and prepare for it.

I define clutter as anything that takes up space without serving any real purpose, things you don't really love, or anything unfinished. Maybe you think you "might need it someday" or it's easier just to let it pile up than to make decisions about what to do with it. Whatever the reason commit to spending time everyday next week to get control of your clutter. Start by asking "Do I use it?" and "Do I absolutely love it?" If your items don't fit one of those categories, why are you keeping them? Ask some tough questions: When did you use it last? When will you use it again? What purpose does it serve? What's the worst that would happen if I got rid of it? Use the "In/Out" rule: each time you bring in something new, you have to get rid of something old. Set limits on how much of an item you will own. Know when enough is enough. This will force you to decide what items are favorites and then you can let go of the rest.

Let me know of your success during Clutter Awareness Week. I look forward to hearing from you.

The first month of the new year just ended. Are you on track with the goals/resolutions you set? Losing weight makes the top 5 list every year in the US. Getting organized makes the top 5 list every year as well. I think one of the reasons they both keep making the top 5 list is because so many of the same people keep making the same resolution. When they don't do it one year, they move it to next year's list!

This month I challenge you to lose 30 pounds. I'm talking about 30 pounds of clutter. Shed the weight of things burdening your space and your energy and I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you start shedding the physical weight on your body that you've been wanting to lose. I know I've worked with several clients that have experienced this.

I go through my house on a regular basis to eliminate things I don't use or want anymore. Yet, when I was getting my house ready to put on the market, I decided there were a lot of things I was ready to let go of. I had a successful garage sale, listed some items on e-bay and craigslist and donated anything that didn't sell. The whole process made me feel so much lighter.

Start by getting rid of all the paper you don't need. Paper weighs a lot so that might be your 30 pounds right there! Go through your closet and get rid of anything you haven't worn in the last 12 months. Just tackling these two areas will make you feel more in control, empowered to accomplish more.

Even if you don't lose weight, I can pretty much guarantee you will feel lighter and be in a better position to be able to start living a healthier life.

Let me know how it goes.

I often say to my clients that we add things to expand to fill the space we are in. I'm finding that to be so true to my situation. Even though I regularly go through my things and get rid of what I am not using, I am realizing how much "stuff" I have. I am getting my house ready to put on the market to sell so am packing up a lot of my belongings for the staging process. I am amazed at all I have. The good news is that I am planning on moving to a smaller home so will be forced to downsize. It's always a good process for everyone to go through now and then. It is already making me feel lighter.

The end of 2009 is coming, bringing a new year. Start it off right by going through your house as if you were moving to a smaller place. What can you let go of that you will never miss? The process will help you begin 2010 with a more positive attitude and feeling good to tackle other goals you have set for yourself.

I hope you enjoy the holidays. Remember....it's a season of peace. May you find the peace of organization in your space.

I recently organized a sales person who spends a lot of time in her car and has to have a lot of information handy as she is out making calls. After organizing her office we went to her car and set up mobile systems that she could easily transport back and forth between car and office. Here are some tips to help you keep the clutter from overtaking your car space.

1. Keep some plastic bags in the car. You can store them under the seat in a paper towel tube. 2. Only keep important car-related papers in the glove compartment, such as owner's manual, maintenance register, etc. Also include a flashlight, disposable camera (in case of accident), tire gauge, car registration, and proof of insurance.

3. As you are getting out of your car at the end of every day, collect everything that needs to go in and dispose of the trash.

4. My friend keeps a crate and a thermal bag in her trunk at all times. That way she can keep things from the grocery store cold until she gets home. She uses the crate to keep things from rolling around in her trunk while she is running errands.

5. If you have young children, it's a good idea to bring along things to keep them occupied while you're out. Crayons, coloring book, books to read, travel games can all be stored in over the seat organizers.

6. I like to have a "waiting bag" with me. It holds magazines and other items I want to read. When I'm somewhere I have to wait (such as the dentist's office), I can catch up on my reading.

7. Have an emergency car kit in your trunk. Some items for this include battery powered radio, first aid kit, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, matches, and flares.

There's no reason the inside of your car can't be as organized and support your lifestyle the same way your home does. Happy motoring!

Saturday, September 19th, Blessings Resale, Inc. is celebrating their grand opening. Blessings is a non-profit benefiting women in crisis. All profits from the store go to support this mission. I am honored and proud to be a member of their newly formed board of directors.

Plan on stopping by between 10:00 and 5:00 to shop, get a massage, make-up tips, drop off your donations, win prizes, and socialize. There are some fabulous bargains in the store.

Blessings is located at 7126 E. Becker Lane, 1 block north of Shea and just west of Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. I hope I see you there!