DrDeClutterBlog.com

Take advantage of this transition time - the beginning and end of seasons – for your wardrobe.

Schedule an hour or more to declutter your wardrobe, especially if you need to move clothes from room to room and try them on. Have appropriate undergarments on, fresh makeup, clean hair and all of your shoe options. Why? Because if you try clothes on you want to see yourself in the mirror “as if” you were going to go out wearing those clothes. You want to really see how they look on you for real! 

Use your bed to layer clothes from the closet and drawers one pile at a time.

GET YOUR PREP TOOLS READY

If you don’t have containers in which to put your sorted decisions you’re going to be no further along than you were before you start. Here are eight helpful sorting containers.

1. KEEP – Plastic, lidded bin:  Unless the keepers are going right back onto the hanging rod, whatever you’re keeping that may be for next season or different sizes (you may be losing weight and don’t need to buy more clothes in another 5-10 lbs, you already own them!), use bug, rodant and dust proof plastic bins*. LABEL the bins accordingly so that you don’t waste time in the future opening them to remember what’s in them.

   *If you know you might have a couple of bins worth of keepers, buy like plastic bins all at one time, keeping the receipt for returns. This helps with stacking them. If they are all alike they will stack perfectly, if they are different brands and styles, they can rock and crack lids, etc.

2. TRASH CAN:  This is for clothing that is soiled or torn, buttons or other adornments missing or so worn that truly no one else would ever wear it! (See #5)

3. FIX IT – Alterations, Mending, Repair: Buttons missing, hems needing stitching, etc. need a place to call “HOME” until you’re ready to do the job or you take them to your tailor.

4. SELL:  Consignment store, Ebay, Craigslist… there are numerous choices for selling pieces that are in good condition.

5.  DONATION* THRIFT/CHARITIES Boxes (cardboard boxes or trash bags):  Mark DONATION on the box so that it’s easy to remember which container is for what. Cardboard boxes or trash bags are best as you will not be getting them back. In order not to have to deal with a crunchy, mushy trash bag use a box first, then when it’s full put all those clothes into a trash bag, move that bag out of the room (mark it with a tag or tape a labeled piece of paper to it so that you know what it is), then start to refill the same box again.

   *Donation Tip: What to give to thrift or charities? Unless the clothing is so soiled, ripped or really worn out, give it to donation. Let them decide. Some charities sort through clothing and send to missions across the world where they are happy to take clothes with some imperfections just to have clothes. So, don’t assume anything, just put it in the donation box.

    DONATE for others wardrobe job hunting success. Read article here.

6. GIVE AWAY to friends: You might have a friend or family member who can wear them. Put their name on a container and have them come over and go through them, or ship them.

    GIVE AWAY to strangers: FreeCycle.Org  is a fun way to give and get what you’re looking for in your local community.

7. SHWAPPING PARTY! : When you put SHOPPING and SWAPPING together, you get SHWAPPING! Plan ahead with friends and their friends to get together a one house, bring all the clothes each of you have culled out of your wardrobes and then shop and swap! A nice way to enjoy others, deepen social connections and get new clothes, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and more… for free!

8. GARAGE SALE: If you’ve had a garage sale, you know that you have to really have the time and enough “stuff” to make it worthwhile, and “stuff” that can actually be sold. Clothing is not a big seller at most garage sales, so I don’t highly recommend this.

After sorting into the above containers and moving them out of your room, you will be left with the clothes that you love, that love you back, that fit and that are lovely.

REORGANIZE YOUR KEEPERS

Now, reorganize your sorted “keeps” into drawers and closets in a way that you easily get to them and use them this season. 

TAKE NOTES FOR YOUR NEW SHOPPING LIST

While looking at your newly decluttered and refreshed wardrobe, you may find that you are missing important pieces to go with slacks, tops, skirts, etc. Take notes of what you need to make “outfits” work for you. Making this list now helps you to watch for clearances, sales and other shopping deals where you can complete your wardrobe but not pay top dollar and not go another year not wearing one piece because you didn’t have the complimentary pieces.

Have fun with your happy new closet and wardrobe!!

Are you stressing and anxious about the holidays already? Only a few weeks, and then a few more to go!

Join me and all my attendees while I share tips and keys to making this holiday less stressful.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 8th – 7:00 pm Mountain time/9:00 pm Eastern. 

BY PHONE OR WEB:
This is a tele-seminar. You can call in from anywhere! You can also listen online – you’ll get the phone number and webpage to listen online if you like after your register and click on the confirmation link you will get in your inbox.

TO REGISTER: Go to www.holidaystressbegone.com/free-call/

ATTEND LIVE or GET THE REPLAY
If you can’t make it to the live call on Tuesday, you’ll get the link for the recording soon after the event. But, you need to register to get the link.

YOU WILL LEARN:
 
 – How to figure out what stresses you out the most about the holidays (it may not be what you think)

 – Identifying the triggers that turn things from fun and joy to frustration and disappointment

 – One word that will set you free to really enjoy the holidays – your way

 – The 3 secrets to making it a stress-free holiday (really)

When you think about all the time you’re likely to spend in the coming months preparing for the holidays (cooking, writing cards, going to parties, shopping), this 45-minute call can make it all worthwhile. See you there!

The holiday season can kick up the spam phone calls  that waste your time and energy. You can stop this insanity quickly by making just one phone call.

“Cell Phone Numbers Go Public This Month!” This may be an urban legend, but just to make sure, you can take action now and stop them in their tracks!

To prevent spam calls, take just 20 seconds and call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time.. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the phone number you want to have blocked.You cannot call from a different phone number.

You can however go online and type in numbers there. https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

Please help your family and friends stay less stressed too, pass this on!

 Having fun comes on all kinds of levels. It’s normal at Christmas to drive around and see spectacular displays of ornaments on front lawns. But, autumn has them too!

From the gory to the cute, lots of people take time to decorate and have fun. Enjoy it too! It’s free! Some yard decorations will let you go stand amongst them and be in the photo too, like the one above.

Make sure to appreciate the pumpkins, festivals, lawn art, scarecrows and graveyards! on display the next week or so too. It’ll be gone in a wink and a freeze!

No, this is not a push to buy, buy, BUY! If you follow my teachings you know that I’m not about buying any more than is necessary and practical, plus a little extra here and there! However, if you’re going to buy gifts for the holidays, which you know you are, then start early, plan it out and enjoy the process!

I just talked to my friend Jean in Florida, she’s already done buying her 43 Christmas gifts – for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, plus a few friends! She loves it and it works just fine for her. It’s never too early to start thinking about holiday giving – one of the tips in my ebook Holiday Stress BE GONE!

Use this keys to keep your holiday focus enjoyable and less stressful:

1. Plan: Who are you shopping for and for what?

2. Ask: Ask them what they want, don’t guess.

3. Sales: Take advantage of sales with your plan and requested list of ideas.

4. Shop to Give Smart: Keep receipts and ask for GIFT RECEIPTS to include in the gift if they need or want to return. Know the return policy of the store so that a gift can actually be returned after Christmas, or they’ll be stuck with it!

5. Enjoy!: If you find yourself complaining, griping and stressing, it’s time to  stop, breathe and ask yourself why. This is your “choice” to shop and to give the way that you do. Take charge of your  shopping and giving experience, it should always be fun.

Think “zip it!” while you get ahead of possible chaos, drama and stress over gift buying, giving AND receiving!

GIFT RECEIVING 

People can sometimes be unconscious when receiving gifts. You know those moments, “Oh, I have ten of these already!” Or, “I don’t like this kind of ______.” Or, “You got me this? Why?”

When we give and receive gifts I think it’s very important (if we want to enjoy our experience and love others) that we organize our thoughts and emotions before the gift is opened, before our mouths engage, to avoid blurting out something tacky, rude, unfeeling, negating, embarrassing and hurtful.

Re-set and sharpen up your “attitude of gratitude”, compassion, care, unconditional love, acceptance and humility for every gift receiving event.

GIFT GIVING

It’s important too that when you’re giving a gift not to negate your giving. Don’t put yourself or your gift down, “Oh, I couldn’t afford the better one, I hope this one works.” Give with an open heart and with love, for yourself and the receiver. Very seldom can we know exactly what another wants or likes, even after we’ve asked them to tell us! At the very least, have the GIFT RECEIPT included in the gift box for them to return and/or exchange as they like.

Here’s a list that may be of help to review before the holidays.

Seven Things You Shouldn’t Say About a Christmas Gift You’ve Given

7. I just know this belongs in your house! Here, I’ll show you where.
6. It was on sale!
5. Not very many people like these, but I thought you would.
4. I had three of these, I thought you might like one.
3. Oh, I just picked it up at the last minute.
2. I made it, but it’s not that great.
1. You’re probably not going to like it.

GIFT RECEIVING
Here are some gems to delete from your holiday gift receiving vocabulary.

Seven Things You Probably Shouldn’t Say About a Christmas Gift You Don’t Like

7. Hey! There’s a gift!
6. Oh, look at this. I’ve heard about this on the news.
5. This is perfect for wearing around the basement.
4. Oh, you didn’t have to! Really, you didn’t have to.
3. I love it — I’ll put it away so it doesn’t get ruined.
2. Oh!? I’ve seen these before but didn’t know what they were! What are they?
1. This is great. I know somebody who’d really like this!

Assume… that all gifts are given with care, love, friendship or just plain old kindness, so accept them with kindness, surprise and joy. If they were given for any other reason, accept them with kindness, surprise and joy anyway. Period.

TIP: If you don’t want gifts, let all your friends and family know months ahead of time, or tell them exactly what you like. Tthink “perishable gifts” like food, restaurant gifts certificates, movie or theatre tickets, concerts tickets, etc. or give them the address of your favorite charity and let them donate the money they would have spent on your gift to charity. Bottom-line, make gift-giving easy, kind and fun!

Holiday shopping is in the news, stores and advertisements already of course. Enjoy the roll down the hill into Happy Holidays! Do what it takes to make them better this year!

For extra help, I suggest my ebook Holiday Stress BE GONE!, it’s packed with tips, ideas, guides and lists to help you out! Click here to find out more and order.

My friend Jan just did. I told her about my cashing in my gold crowns recently – see blog post about it here - and she said, “Boy, I’m writing my gold crowns - that are still in my mouth - into my Will before cremation!”

And you were worried about who gets your 1979 almond toaster!

What’s in your Will?

Who gets what after you pass?

Make sure to add your gold and silver too, from teeth, jewelry, flatware and otherwise. Who knows how high the price of precious metals will go by then, whenever you “then” is.

By the way, Jan is healthy and fine, but great at getting things accomplished and thinking ahead.

Get Holiday Stress Be Gone!

The Complete Self-Help Guide
on How to Change Your Holiday Experiences for GOOD!  

Stop Your Holiday Stress and Simplify in these 44 pages packed with mind and life altering tips for re-deciding for choice and balance. Great for use all year round. (Original title: Simplify Your Holidays)

Overflowing with check lists, to dos, ideas, tips and even assignments to help you enjoy your holidays more. Get waaaaaaaaaay ahead of them now!!

Click here to find out more and to order yours today.

“Kim, this book was just like being in one of your programs. The “BOC” breaks in your book are so fun and cute! HA! Great idea! I LOVE THE PICTURES, and suggesting the use of crayons instead of a pen on the worksheets was terrific. It really lightened me up!!”
~ Paula, School Teacher, Flint, MI

Have you ever ruined a perfectly good weekend or holiday by having expectations that just would not, could not and didn’t get met? These expectations are of ourselves and others. We do it all the time.

So, let’s not do that anymore, okay?

1. Decide what you truly want out of the weekend.

2. Resist making an exhaustive wish list, instead, pinpoint one or two things you’re really after.

PROJECT

a. Be realistic and accept that not every project can be finished by sundown the last day before work or school resumes.

b. If you have a project to do and really want it done by the end of the weekend, plan it out ahead of time. Get everything you’ll need to accomplish the task. Plan your time. Remind or ask others if you want help.

c. Schedule uninterrupted time.

d. Stick to your plan.

ACTIVITIES and EVENTS

a. Again, be realistic.

b. Not everyone wants to do what you may want, or can’t. Plan ahead and invite, ask and tell others the plan and see if it works for them.

c. Is there drive time? Plan it in!

d. Is money involved? Plan it in.

NOTHING

a. Planning to do “nothing” still needs a plan! Plan out your schedule, food, phone or computer time, etc. so that you don’t waste minutes and hours of time and days by doing what you’d normally do, or futsing around feeling guilty!

b. Write it out! What does “nothing” look like to you? Identify it and then do it!

Whatever you plan to do this weekend or any weekend or holiday, get ahead of it and really enjoy it. No regrets next week!!

Flexing your ‘No thanks’ muscle  is something you want to practice, practice, practice to get it big and strong!

ORGANIZING INNER CLUTTER AND CLEARING OUT OLD PROGRAMMING

This tip is about organizing your thoughts and beliefs about your money and spending, buying and lying – to yourself about your money, spending and buying! It will help you to

a) keep your sanity,

b) keep your money in your bank, and

c) to save time and limit problems later.

“YOU’LL SAVE 10 %!”

How many times have you been shopping in a department store and when you get to the cash register to pay the cashier says, (has to say, as they are required by management to and get commissions for getting you to sign up) “You can save 10% on  your purchase today by signing up for our credit card!” Don’t go there!

Organizing your mind and thoughts about how you save money and how you use credit, get “good deals” and such is very important to do before you hear that siren song one more time that may likely dash you upon the rocks!

There are many ways to say “no thanks”, it’s good to practice up so that your ‘No Thanks’ Muscle ??is a lean, mean ‘No Thank You’ machine!

Here is a well thought out list of why you want to say “No Thanks” in different situations. Peter Bregman, author of 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done, says we need to clear out our mind clutter and place our attention where it matters most, which requires three steps:

1. Know your focus.

This is critical and rarely done well. Knowing exactly where to place your attention is a challenge, especially given the barrage of nonstop offers, opportunities, requests, and needs that compete against each other.

2. Sustain your focus.
Knowing where you want to place your attention is one thing. Actually placing and keeping it there day after day is another.

3. Protect your focus.
Defending yourself from being distracted by mind clutter is a moment-by-moment discipline. You need to become a master at choosing when to say, “no thanks,” even when it seems like there’s no downside to saying, “why not?” Because there’s almost always a downside.
See Rick’s NO THANK YOU list  to get a few nuggets of gold!

For an extra clever helper, to keep “plastic” in its place, use MyPocketSafe!