(Guest Post: Debbie Tremblay)
Looking for a little treasure? I'm not talking about diving in the deep blue sea or climbing up the Himalayas Mountains in search of lost buried treasure.
While that may sound fun, finding true treasures begins at home in the darkest corner of your basement or attic.
Need proof? Let me share with you the treasure my client recently uncovered during one of our de-cluttering expeditions that took place in her basement.
Dawn's goal was to clear out space in her basement to create an exercise room. She was terrified to go through the overwhelming piles of musty boxes that had been accumulating in her basement for over 10 years. Dawn felt too overwhelmed to tackle her fear alone because she had no idea where or how to start.
As her coach, I simply asked her to choose one box to work with - any box would do. As an old Chinese proverb states "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step".
Slowly piles of boxes began to magically disappear as Dawn eliminated old manuals, brochures paperwork and mementos that served no purpose in her life today.
Six boxes later, she startled me with a huge cry. "What is it, I asked?" She began to cry as she picked up a small medal container and explained "These are my grandmother's recipes from the Ukraine. I have searched for this container for years; I truly believed I had lost this box of treasured recipes."
For 10 years, this treasure remained waiting to be discovered among the boxes of clutter.
This de-cluttering exercise quickly taught Dawn how to differentiate between clutter and treasure. Dawn not only found the true meaning of what is important in life, she has now found the motivation and desire to de-clutter the rest of her home.
SCHEDULE YOUR VERY OWN TREASURE HUNT -
Would you like to know what treasure is waiting for you to uncover in your basement or attic?
The following simple steps will guide you in the right direction.
- Always begin any de-cluttering project with an end goal in mind such as clearing out space for a family or exercise room. Maybe you are planning to move soon and simply wish to downsize.
- Allow yourself a reasonable time period to complete you expedition (say, one box a day or by the end of the month) and schedule regular time intervals to work on this project on your calendar/palm.
- Set up 5 boxes for items uncovered that will need to be recycled, shredded, tossed, donated and repacked.
- Let the treasure hunt begin. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, simply choose one box from your pile and empty its entire contents into one of the 5 boxes listed above. I promise this process will become easier if you remain focused on one box at a time.
- Learn to distinguish trash from treasure and keep your treasured keep pile to a minimum. I'll be honest; this process may take you on an emotional roller coaster but keep reminding yourself of your desired end goal.
How to distinguish between clutter and treasure
CLUTTER/TRASH:
- Outdated material, such as old manuals, brochures, computer program books, paperwork, etc.
- Items that remind you of unfinished projects, unpleasant events,etc.
- Don't get too caught up in the moment of any mementos you found. It's ok to relish in the memories this item represented but if it serves no purpose today, donate or eliminate the item.
TREASURE:
- Simply any item that surrounds you with positive feelings, sings to you heart or brings tears to your eyes. For example, Dawn's recipe box is irreplaceable and one that can never be duplicated.
- Once you uncover your lost true treasures be sure to honor these items with the respect they deserve. My wish to you is that you find true treasure within your piles of clutter.
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Debbie Tremblay is the owner of the Organizing Genie, a professional Organizing Coach and Clutter Consultant for everyday life. Blessed with a lifetime of organizing skills, the Organizing Genie provides virtual and on-site organizing & coaching services to individuals who wish to simplify and organize their personal and professional lives. She has worked her organizing magic by helping many clients transform their homes from chaos & clutter to one that's organized, tranquil & balanced. Debbie is a member of NAPO. You can find more information about her services at http://www.organizinggenie.com If your ready to transform your home into the clutter free and organized haven you've been dreaming of - SUMMON THE GENIE today to schedule your free Neat and Greet Consultation |
