Posts Tagged ‘clutter’

Posted on: December 19th, 2014 by Jana Hartwell | No Comments

‘Twas just weeks before Christmas, when I looked ’round my house…

And feelings were stirring that I just couldn’t douse.
The clutter was piled up in mounds all around,
While piles, dust and overwhelm all did abound.

No visions of sugarplums danced in my head,
Just feelings of angst and confusion and dread.
The papers were piled on the table so high
“There’s no chance of mealtime,” I thought with a sigh.

Just thinking of guests that would come all too soon
Had made me panic and wish it was June.
Aackk! People are coming! Oh, where will they stay?
I must move this clutter. It’s all in the way.

I want to have family and friends to enjoy,BEFORE-Close up of Sete by Window
To entertain, decorate, bake and…oh, boy.
“I meant to get to it”, I heard myself whine,
But now it’s December and we’re down to the line.

I thought I could do it myself if I tried,
But it was too much and my brain felt so fried.
I needed some help and knew whom to call
A Professional Organizer who’s on the ball.

My organizer friend was so lively and quick
Before I knew it, we were ready for St. Nick!
She helped me to think in a rational way.
I still had some time; they’re not coming today.

She settled me down and said, “You’ll be alright.
Now take a deep breath and this clutter we’ll fight.
We’ll start in one room and just put things away
Stuff with no ‘home’ won’t be able to stay.”

2014-12-06 08.14.32We cleared and we sorted, we put things away
I was so glad I had not waited just one more day!
We purged and we sorted and made such a clatter
The donation bags got fatter and fatter.”

Soon tabletops showed up and floors all got clearedAFTER-Close up of Sete by Window
There’s so much more room now, it almost feels weird.
With Karen’s help I got so much more done,
She’s taught me the process, we even had fun.

I love it!  I said as I looked all around.
I couldn’t believe all the lost stuff I’d found!
I’d managed okay while the stuff was all lost
But realized I’d be fine if most just got tossed.

I could go on but I think I’ll stop here
And wish every one of you holiday cheer.
Oh, and by the way, if your shopping’s not done-
Choose gifts they’ll want, need or use up and you’ve all won!

Wishing you joy and peace inside of your home.
And so I’ll exclaim as I send my newsletter
Merry Christmas to all! Be a clutter go-getter!

All rights to this poem go to my New York NAPO colleague:
© 2014 Karen Sheesley

Jana Hartwell, CPO®
Sensible Organizing Solutions, Inc.
(858) 300-5757 or (619) 302-5254
www.sensibleorganizing.com

SOS…    Helping smart, busy people make room for what they love best!

Posted on: September 2nd, 2014 by Jana Hartwell | No Comments

Before SOS

Before SOS-2001 Cluttered Office Floor

Do you have an insatiable need to constantly acquire an abundance of stuff? Perhaps you find yourself frequently shopping as a form of relaxation or distraction from hurt, anger, boredom or a feeling of lack.

Take a look around. Is your living room open and inviting with plenty of room on the sofa and chairs should you have guests? Or are toys, games, electronics, clothes, leftover food, kitchenware and other clutter usurping most of the furniture?

Are you floors and hallways filled with obstacles to trip over?

Are you kitchen counter-tops filled with paper and other items that have nothing to do with eating or preparing food?

Do you have trouble thinking straight because your office is too cluttered?  These are some of the many reasons smart, busy people like you call me for help.

Most of you have invited me out to help with one or more of the above mentioned situations. But perhaps we never finished the project or you have simply allowed old habits to slip back in.

Need another kick start?  No matter how bad the clutter has gotten since we last worked together, there is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Priorities constantly shift and “life happens”. You will not be lectured or judged. My goal is to simply help you get back on track — wherever you are  — whenever you are ready. We all have setbacks.

Now isn’t this better?     After

The beginning of Fall is a good time to remove all of the excess from your path, your work-space, your home, your brain, your life!.

Jana Hartwell, CPO®
Certified Professional Organizer; Time Management & Productivity Consultant
President, Sensible Organizing Solutions, Inc. (SOS)
NAPO-San Diego Chapter President / 2012-14 and 2001-03
NAPO-SD Immediate Past President & Membership Director / 2014-15
www.sensibleorganizing.com
https://facebook.com/SensibleOrganizingSolutions
https://www.youtube.com/user/JanaHartwell/about
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sensible-organizing-solutions-el-cajon
Office/Fax:  619-334-8767
Mobile:  858-300-5757