Bah humbug.
It’s that time of year again, when I get kind of crabby because I have to make New Year’s resolutions and try my very best to keep them. My intentions are always good and I start out the year full speed ahead, but somehow, someway, things seem to go by the wayside.
But 2015 is going to be different. I swear it is.
My main goal is to de-clutter my house, because my husband and kids are starting to call me a mini-hoarder. But when you’ve lived in the same for house nearly 30 years, and it’s severely lacking in closet space, what does one do?
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They get rid of stuff. Or, if the item has sentimental value and there’s emotion tied to it, they make it work within their space, said personal organizer Lettie Sullivan, of the Oak Park-based Letting Go With Lettie.
“You don’t have to cut it … improvise and make it fit the space,” said Sullivan, in business for the last eight years. “Or repurpose it or give it to someone. Then you can visit it.”
I just read an article on how clutter can be a huge energy zapper. Like many people, I enjoy shopping and also like many people, I buy things I really don’t need. Although I know where things are in my piles, the mess is still there. I get tired just looking at it!
“You have to want the free, open clearing of de-cluttering,” said Sullivan. “You gotta want it.”
This is the time of year people kind of start to look at all their clutter, said Sullivan. If you can’t de-clutter your entire house, find one spot and make it your own little paradise. And of possible, enlist a family member of friend to help.
“It all starts with the best intentions,” she said. “Maybe your resolution is to just make your bedroom a haven. Keep it in order, even if the kitchen goes to hell.
“Take those baby steps,” Sullivan said. “If we could all do a brain lobotomy and fix things immediately, we would do that.”
Now is the time to hit the sales and buy organizers, said Sullivan.
“Take advantage of Christmas sales, items to organize holiday tchotchke stuff … gift wrap, ornaments, get that stuff now.”
Since Sullivan began her career working with realtors to help their clients get their homes in order, I asked her how important it is to have a clutter-free house when trying to sell.
“It’s imperative,” she said. “Because when people are walking into the space, their mind is asking, can I live here? The more clear the environment, the easier that person can transpose themselves into the space.”
And if all fails when you’re in do-it-yourself mode?
“Hire a professional,” Sullivan suggested with a laugh.