Out of chaos

[vaneramos]

Now it's time to refocus on Change 2 for 2011: declutter. I've looked forward for many months to concentrating on this one. Two objectives come to mind: tidying the apartment, and changing my housekeeping habits to keep it that way, moderately. I don't want to be a neat freak; just prevent the kind of mess that deters me from starting new projects, cooking a meal or entertaining friends.

I'll break this challenge down into three parts, in order of priority. I'd be happy if I made headway with the first one, but also want to tackle the second if possible. The third is serious enough it might require a change of its own at a later date, but we'll see. They are:

1. Develop a daily decluttering habit. I got this idea from osodecanela some time ago (though I can't find the posts now): every time I go out, take out one unneeded item for disposal. I pass the dumpster on my way to the car every morning, so this shouldn't require much effort besides will and concentration. Things that shouldn't go to landfill can go to recycling or donation. It should become a perpetual habit.
2. Tackle intimidating epicentres of disorder in my living space. These will be weekend projects. They include:
   • book library
   • pile of clean laundry
   • baking supplies
   • the pile of boxes that has occupied the front room since moving day, August 2009
   • the bedroom closet
   • filing cabinet, which has a great working system but hasn't been updated in 15 years
3. Develop a consistent housecleaning habit.

I'll begin today by assigning a donation box for reusable items, and making a little sign for the door—reminding me in a friendly way to remove a junk item when I exit. Daily removal will start Monday morning. Meanwhile I have dishes to do.

Comments

[blue-by-you.livejournal.com]

This is a great idea. I like the idea of tackling one area at a time the best. It's easier in smaller chunks.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

And when I start housecleaning, an attention deficit becomes apparent, leading me from one room to another. It's not entirely a bad thing, because the energy level is higher and I get a lot done. On the other hand, I never tackle the most difficult and persistent messes. So I need to set aside a couple hours at a time, put on some good music.....

[inishglora.livejournal.com]

I got into this habit awhile ago and it does work. Over time, my habit morphed into letting things slide a bit and then tackling it all in a whirlwind, usually on a Saturday or Sunday, as trash-pickup day is Monday in these parts. Best of luck! :o)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Did you post about the process? I wonder if my mind is playing name games.

[inishglora.livejournal.com]

No, you're fine. :o) I don't think I posted about it, unless it was mentioned in passing.

[apel.livejournal.com]

Oh, this sounds exciting.

Have you considered documenting the progress? I find that it's easier for me to spot things that need to be done in the garden when I take photos. It wouldn't need to be elaborate - just one or two photos of each room, maybe a couple of the problem areas. If you take those now, you could take another set when you evaluate this focus. You don't have to share them with the world, if you don't want to.

A 12-step friend of mine attends meetings in Clutterers Anonymous. It's a 12-step program for people who clutter and hoard. With their emphasis on "God" 12-step meetings probably aren't for you but there might be literature that sheds new light on some of your habits.

http://sites.google.com/site/clutterersanonymous/Home

I like some of these affirmations.
http://sites.google.com/site/clutterersanonymous/Home/what-does-cla-have-to-offer-you/tools-of-recovery/affirmations

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I appreciate the input, and I'm sorry it has taken me a while to respond. My initial reaction was something like, "Whoa, Clutterers Anonymous, that's hardcore!" I still resist delving deeply into the psychology (or spirituality) of my life-long untidiness. My parents were neat freaks, my father was/is anal retentive, and I am thoroughly happy not to be. I embrace untidiness as the blossoming of a creative mind! However, it can hinder my productivity and drag me down emotionally, so I need to limit the disorder.

As with many potentially addictive or compulsive behaviours, I view it as a choice. I seem to get good mileage from working with habits and motivations, because they feed off one another. By working on a habit related to something I want to do (e.g. make time to read books before bed in the evenings), I am able to trick myself into doing something I don't want to do (go to bed earlier), and eventually find myself enjoying the consequences (better sleep) so my motivation changes (I don't enjoy staying up late anymore), all this without delving too deeply into the psychology of the self-destructive habit (constantly depriving myself of sleep). My schemes don't always work that well, but I treat it as a game, and each time I learn something about the process of growth.

To put all this more simply: I try to avoid dwelling on what is broken, focusing instead on what I would like. I suppose that is similar to the purpose of the affirmations.