Purge Before You Buy!

Organizing supplies are so appealing. You walk into a place like Storables and think you have just found the solution to all your organizing problems. Sadly, going on a spending spree before purging your items is not only going to add to the stressful clutter that already exists, but it will also stress out your pocketbook. Oh, and throw in a little guilt too because every time you look at those unused products, you will feel worse for having spent money on them and then not used them.

The first step in getting organized is always purging. You will be amazed at what organizing products you do NOT need when you get rid of all that you do NOT need first. So clear out that clutter. Once all the unused, unwanted or unneeded stuff is gone, you can decide if you need more organizing materials, such as boxes or containers.

Unless you are Bill Gates’ long lost child or heir, you may want to reconsider stores like Storables or the Container Store. Places like Target and Wal Mart or even the Dollar Tree have great selections of inexpensive clear containers that you can sort things in. Remember that clear boxes are key because you can see what is in them. And don’t forget to label everything. Don’t have a label maker? No worries – masking tape and a sharpie work just as well.

Enjoy getting organized without breaking the bank!

Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/