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Blog: Organizing [Busy] Women
 In Someone Else's Shoes: Shifting My Perspective
I always say that major life transitions are what throw is into the greatest states of disorganization. Think about the last time you moved or when you had a baby or sadly a loved one passed on and you inherited their belongings. We wind up with stuff that is now our responsibility to manage, and some of it may be items that we no longer need or want, but don't know what to with.
First order of business is to make decisions, which can be tough especially when you're talking about "your" stuff. Heck, when it's someone else's, it's a lot easier to say, "Ah, you don't really need that, do you? Go ahead and get rid of it." I learned recently when a friend was helping me pack the Pod and we literally had five hours left before leaving town...so it had to be done! I found myself becoming resentful when he kept picking up my stuff and saying, "You don't need this. When was the last time you used this home made ice cream maker?" On one level, he was right.
On the other, I kept thinking about the last time I used it (my kids and I tossing the blue sphere around the yard) and how much it cost and would I ever need it again. Fortunately, I almost immediately went into the mode of remembering that it wasn't all that fun to use (we tossed that sphere way longer than we expected to), the ice cream was okay, and did I really need another item rolling around the back of my kitchen cabinets. Well, the decision to let it go was made instantly.
Although I've always been sensitive to my clients when it comes time to ask the questions, "do you love it, do you need, do you use it, do you want to be responsible for it?" I began to have a new appreciation after feeling rushed and somewhat annoyed by my friend who obviously didn't have the attachment to "my stuff" that I did (now it strikes me as a very comical situation!).
Well, here are some great questions to ask yourself and help you make decisions. I've also included steps to posting items on Craigslist.com, which is a great way to sell or even giveaway items that would be more useful in someone else's domain.
Ask yourself...
Do I love it? Does it make me feel good when I look at it or touch it?
Do I genuinely use it?
Does this serve me in my life today?
Where will I put it? Do I need a special container?
Does it require special care or extra time that I want to allot in my schedule?
Is there something I can let go of to creat space for this?
Posting on http://www.craigslist.com/: 1. Go to http://www.craigslist.com/ 2. Click on "Post to Classfifieds" 3. Click on "for sale" 4. Choose a "category" 5. Enter the requested information.
Also, include a photo of the item. Most people will want to see what they are inquiring about.
I put my telephone number a recent craigslist add so I could get a call if someone really needed to purchase a freezer (which sold that week). However, you can anonymously receive emails to scan whether or not it's an inquiry you want to pursue. Once you post the item, craigslist will send you an email to confirm your post. Remember to repsond to this so the post hits.
Good luck!
posted on: 8/11/2008 12:30:00 PM by Stacey Crew
category: Special Populations
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Organizing [Busy] Women
by Stacey Crew
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About Stacey:
I'm Stacey Crew, mom, author and professional organizer. With more than 12 years of experience in the corporate world, 10 years as a parent, and professional organizer and business owner for the past 4 years, I'm excited to share my experience with you. Since I started my business in 2003, I've published two books and serviced well over 100 organizing clients. Prior to that, I had the experience of moving five times in six years and having two children along the way. I guess you could say I've been busy. I'm passionate about my work to help ease women's stress through time and space organizing solutions. I look forward to sharing my expertise with you and answering any specific questions you may have as they relate to organizing.
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