The Enlighten Directory Project

Clean House, Clean Head

When you walk in the front door of your home after a long, hard day, do you feel soothed, comfortable, and truly at home?  Or does it look like a scene from the film Animal House?

Imagine looking around you and only seeing, feeling, hearing, smelling appealing things.   Imagine coming home from work to a home where you love every single thing you see.  Where every single thing has a purpose and a space, and you know exactly where everything is, and it all functions beautifully.  

You CAN live this way! 

Do you have clutter in your home or office?  Are you behind on bills? Are there stacks of papers or other items that have been there since the 80’s, and you are waiting to get “a round tuit?”  Are you simply a busy person, or are you a packrat or a hoarder? If you are a chronic packrat or hoarder, you may consider seeking professional help and/or medication to feel safe without the “protection” that all your “stuff” provides.

Well, there is a direct psychological parallel to “stuff” out there; whatever is going on in your head is generally reflected in your house.  Certainly some of us are more affected by our environments than others….some of us are more sensitive than others…some seem to frankly be completely oblivious to mess. Some actually swear that they do better with a mess, but it is generally an organized mess, yet they’d be even more functional if their environment were more efficient.

Yet underneath it all, they are simply comfortable with the familiar.

Many people would love to have an organized environment, but keep procrastinating while their piles of stuff and their guilt/fear/anxiety increase!  Here are Ten Tips – - some really simple steps to help you get started on a cleaner house, head, and life: 

1. Make a list of every closet, drawer, etc. that needs to be cleared.  For example, master bathroom: 8 drawers, one linen closet.   Home office: 6 desk drawers, 5 filing cabinets drawers, sofa stacked with papers.   This crucial first step is not to overwhelm you; quite the contrary, it’s to give you the big picture so you can break it down into easily manageable baby steps.    Allow yourself all the time you need…..one or two hours a day or a week.  This entire project may take you weeks or even months to complete.   But you will feel better every single step of the way…..just imagine the burden being lifted by simply starting!   Some couples and families find creative ways to do this together.

2. Next, prioritize which area needs to be tackled first.  If you are close to bankruptcy, you might want to handle your office first.  If your spouse is researching divorce attorneys because of the bedroom clutter, you might want to start there.   Get your list in order, and choose one room, one area to make your debut.  Pick your favorite time of day and day of the week to work on this project.   Write it in your calendar/datebook/Blackberry and honor this date with yourself as if it were as important as a DDS or MD appointment so you are psychologically geared up for it. If letting go is already difficult, why not set yourself up for success by making it easier in every way possible?  Enroll a friend of family member to help you, but only if he/she can be lovingly decisive. If you have children, allow them to help you. Know that you are modeling excellent behaviors for them to take on and pass on to their children.  You are training them to be more decisive, organized, and let the small stuff go.  Wear comfy clothes, put on your favorite upbeat music, and have your favorite meal and beverage (or fresh flowers, etc.) ready for you as a reward when you complete this.

3. On D-Day (De-clutter Day): Take every single thing out of the closet or drawer. Vacuum and/or clean out all dust and dirt. Thoroughly.  Have rags and antibacterial cleansers handy and perhaps an air freshener. Polish the furniture.  You may wish to line drawers with paper, and/or add organizational dividers.

4.         Next, sort items into piles of (A) must keep because I use it frequently, (B) not sure, haven’t used in a while, and (C) haven’t used in years and frankly forgot I had it.  Remember, nothing is gone forever.  If you find later that you discarded something you still need, you can get another….perhaps an updated, better one.  When we hold onto the past, we deny the future possibilities of improvement.

5.    Put all of C items in a garbage bag and label for your favorite church, charity, homeless people, shelter, mission, or Salvation Army. OR, label for the garage sale you will plan when complete with the clearing phase.

6.   Sort A items in an organized fashion: color code, size, etc.  You can get very inexpensive racks and containers for drawers and closets that will keep all your items neat and orderly. Call me anal, but my closet is arranged (and labeled) DRESSES, SUITS, BLOUSES, PANTS, SWEATERS, and all color coded within the category.  A REAL time saver when I want to mix and match.

7. Revisit B items and rate each on a scale of 1-10 in attachment, 10 being you really feel attached/scared to let it go.   Anything scoring 5 or lower goes you know where…….in with the C items for recycling or garage sale.  Another way to deal with the Bs is by asking yourself:  Is this item a reminder of my past, or in line with my future?

8. Repeat this cycle in every area of your home or office.  You will probably feel like your home has “lost weight,” as indeed it has.  Enjoy the feeling!  Celebrate with that favorite meal, beverage, flowers, etc.  You’ve earned a treat.

9. With all the items you are letting go, have a garage sale and make a few extra bucks.  Or take to a local eBay seller and have them do it for you.  Or give away the items to a friend, a college student, to a shelter or Salvation Army or a church.  Remember, you are not losing these things…..you are recycling, sharing with others who can really use them.   You’ve outgrown them.  Others need them more than you do.

10. If even the thought of this is overwhelming, you might consider hiring a master of Feng Shui, a personal organizer, or a clutter buster, to come in and work with you patiently through every step of the process.  Be prepared for emotions to come up.  A good Feng Shui master or organizer will know how to walk you through this crucial phase.  Keep a journal close by if you are working this alone, and write out your feelings. Bottling them inside you is exactly what is bottlenecking your home’s energy.

After you’re done, you want to put a maintenance plan in effect to insure continual comfort and psychological health.  Once a week, more or less, check in and survey your home or office.  Throw away or file away everything you can.   Organize bills in a chronological fashion and keep in some sort of TO BE PAID stack.  Look at it every week and see what needs to be paid.  Debts (like excess pounds!) are definitely a form of clutter.   Check out your closets and clothes drawers with every season’s change, or just at the New Year, to clear out the C items, and survey the B items.

A healthy psyche can flow as easily as a ship on an open sea.  Imagine how difficult it would be for a ship to sail through cluttered waters.  It would take enormous energy and time to maneuver around obstacle after obstacle.  

Here’s to smooth sailing on the sea of life!

About the Author

Dr. Irwin is a psychotherapist/therapeutic hypnotist, author (YOU-TURN: CHANGING DIRECTION IN MIDLIFE) and speaker based in Los Angeles, CA.

http://www.drnancyirwin.com

www.makeayou-turn.com

http://www.youtube.com/DrNancyIrwin

An Introduction To Feng Shui DVD $19.98 Feng shui means “wind and water.” This ancient Chinese practice recognizes that our lives can be directly affected by our surroundings. Health, wealth and happiness can be related to the flow of ch’i (positive energy) around us. The most popular aspect of feng shui is the arrangement of furniture and fittings in the home. This informative program hosted by Rod Rodrigo provides a general overview of this aspect and explains how certain color schemes, shapes and positioning can be beneficial to you – and your luck. (DVD) approx. 52 mins.

Feng Shui Your Life $24.95 Jayme Barrett, the feng shui consultant to the rich and powerful of Beverly Hills, has written the most comprehensive and life-changing book on the subject. Taking us on a personal tour of the homes she has transformed, Ms. Barrett explains the techniques she uses to create positive space. Room by room, she illustrates the deeper purpose of every aspect of design; she demonstrates how the simplest adjustment-moving a plant from one corner to another-ultimately, your life. Lush photography and hundreds upon hundreds of facts, ideas, tips, and suggestions-from her own experience and gleaned from the wisdom of the ages-take us ever closer to the revitalization of home, health, and spirit.

The Feng Shui Bible $14.95 The idea behind feng shui is simple to improve any aspect of your life, create the right atmosphere to support it. All the strands of this ancient practice come together in this intelligently organized, visual reference that emphasizes feng shui and 39;s practical benefits. Real life applications and examples enhance lucid explanations of the fundamental concepts chi energy, yin and yang, the five elements, and eight trigrams. All the essential tools are laid out, too–everyday objects like mirrors, plants, and fountains that keep the energy flowing smoothly. A comprehensive directory shows how these principles can enhance relationships, finances, creativity, career, health, and spiritual connections.

Feng Shui Pure 2 Fountain $3210 The?Feng Shui Pure?2 Tabletop?Fountain?will relax any home or office. This?Tabletop?or Floor?Fountain?is available with a?stainless?steel frame and glass bowl for ultimate relaxation.

Personalized Baby Carriage Room Sign (Available in Blue or Pink) $29.99 Our personalized carriage sign is ideal for a baby or toddlers room. Printed in vibrant color, this sign will hang proudly on her wall for years. Measures 9″” x 12″”. Personalized with first, middle and last names and birth date and any message you want at the bottom (where Sweet Dreams is currently). Features and Facts: Color(s):Pink or BlueMaterials: N/ADetails: Personalized with first, middle and last names and birth date and any message you want at the bottom (where Sweet Dreams is currently). Dimensions: Measures 9″” x 12″”Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: OneAssembly Required: No

Feng Shui Ceramic Tabletop Fountain $39.95 This beautiful, high quality glazed ceramic tabletop fountain is perfect for any home or office setting. The water pump sits in the pool of water beneath the sphere and circulates the water up to the

Personalized Cowboy Room Sign $29.99 Ride-em Cowboy…our personalized cowboy sign is perfect for the Wild-West fan. Printed in vibrant color, this sign will hang proudly on his wall for years. Measures 9″” x 12″”. Personalized with first name and any message you want at the bottom (where Cowboys welcome is currently). Features and Facts:Color(s):Blue, Red and GreenMaterials: N/ADetails: Personalized with first name and any message you want at the bottom (where Cowboys welcome is currently).Dimensions: Measures 9″” x 12″”Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: OneAssembly Required: No

Personalized Girly Bee Room Sign $29.99 Our Personalized Girly Bee Room Sign is the perfect addition to your favorite “”Girly”" Girl’s room. This pretty pink sign is highlighted by a vintage toy block featuring our one of a kind pastel “”girly”" bee and the child’s initial along with the child’s name and birth date. The sign measures 9″” x 12″”. Personalize with child’s name, first name initial and birth date. Features and Facts:Color(s):PinkMaterials: N/ADetails: Personalized with a vintage toy block featuring our one of a kind pastel “”girly”" bee and the child’s initial along with the child’s name and birth date. Dimensions: Measures 9″” x 12″”Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: OneAssembly Required: No

A Star Is Born Baby Sign (Pink) $36 Dress up baby girl’s dressing room with this adorable, pink, personalized “”A Star is Born”" sign! Pink name plate with color-coordinated stars in the background, a big, yellow star in the center, baby’s name and the words “”A Star is Born”" at the bottomMade of top-quality, laminated wood with high-gloss finishIncludes attachable hangerSign may be personalized with baby’s name (max of 12 characters) at no additional chargeSign measures 5 ¾ “” h x 15 ½ “” w

Personalized Baby Boy Frame $29.99 Frame his delicate face with boyish blue stripes. This personalized baby boy photo frame includes a touching quote about the special joys of every little bundle. Ideal for the nursery or any room in the house. Features and Facts:Color(s): Blue and WhiteMaterials: N/ADetails: This personalized baby boy photo frame includes a touching quote about the special joys of every little bundle.Dimensions: Frames measure 8″” x 10″” and hold a 4″” x 6″” photo.Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: OneAssembly Required: No

Personalized Baby Frame $29.99 Perfect for a boy or a girl, this delicate green-striped photo frame reminds the recipient of the joy each baby brings to the lives of others. The pretty pastel colors brighten any room in the house. Features and Facts:Color(s): Green and WhiteMaterials: N/ADetails: This personalized baby photo frame includes a touching quote about the special joys of every little bundle.Dimensions: Frames measure 8″” x 10″” and hold a 4″” x 6″” photo.Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: OneAssembly Required: No

Personalized Noah’s Ark Room Sign $29.99 Inspired by the classic Bible story, our personalized Noah’s Ark room sign is a great gift idea. Measures 9″” x 12″”. Personalized with first and last names and any message or date at the bottom (where September 16, 2006 is currently). Features and Facts:Color(s):Blue and Red Materials: N/ADetails: Personalized with first and last names and any message or date at the bottom (where September 16, 2006 is currently).Dimensions: Measures 9″” x 12″”Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: OneAssembly Required: No

Personalized Choo Choo Room Sign $29.99 All aboard! Every boy loves trains. Our personalized “”Choo-Choo”" room sign will surely delight any aspiring engineer. Printed in vibrant color, this sign will hang proudly on his wall for years. Measures 9″” x 12″”. Personalized with first name and your message (up to 20 characters) at the bottom (where Engineers Welcome is currently). Features and Facts:Color(s):Blue and RedMaterials: N/ADetails: Personalized with first name and your message (up to 20 characters) at the bottom (where Engineers Welcome is currently).Dimensions: Measures 9″” x 12″”Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: OneAssembly Required: No

Feng Shui Water Wall by Joseph McGowan $7499 Creating a mood that transcended the energy and balance between water and land was the goal for artist Joseph McGowan in the early stages of this Water Wall. The delicate techniques Joseph has created

Personalized Sailor Boy Room Sign Art for Bedroom Nautical $29.99 Our Personalized Sailor Boy Room Sign will add the finishing touch to your little boy’s room. The sign, with various shades of blue, features a toy block with the child’s initial and our classic sailboat. The sign is made extra personal with the child’s name and birth date. Measures 9″” x 12″”. Personalized with child’s name, first name initial and birth date. Features and Facts:Color(s):BlueMaterials: N/ADetails: Features a toy block with the child’s initial and our classic sailboat. The sign is made extra personal with the child’s name and birth date. Dimensions: Measures 9″” x 12″”Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: OneAssembly Required: No

Abstract Art Plum Blossom Chinese Feng Shui Painting $39.99 Size: 91*61cm*1pc 30*61cm*2pcs Category: / For The Home / Home Decor / Oil Paintings / Flower Paintings

Chinese Cherry Blossom Feng Shui Oil Paintings Abstract Art $39.99 Size: 91*61cm*1pc 30*61cm*2pcs Category: / For The Home / Home Decor / Oil Paintings / Flower Paintings

Baby Blue Luxe Baby Keepsake Box $33.5 Use this dainty Luxe Keepsake Box to store all your baby’s treasures. Each box measures 12″” x 10″” x 3″” and has plenty storage room. The sides are lined with suede/velvet and the box is made of a special paper from Thailand. For $5 you can personalize the cut out on the lid with the baby’s name and birth date or you can use this space for pictures. We recommend you use 15 letters or less in the name; the font appears too small if we use more.

Silly Sophie Baby Socks $27 Full of color and personality, these wonderful socks in a variety of colors and styles stay on baby’s feet. Features and facts:Assorted set of six pairs of baby socks that feature colorful floral prints and coordinating “”shoes”" with a satin bow accentMade of 100% organic cottonFits babies up to 12 months

Baby On Board Expandable Pen $3.9 Sitting snug as a hug in a color-rich car seat is the “”write”" baby shower favor to drive everyone wild! This bundled-up baby heading down life’s highway is actually an expandable pen! The multi-colored, polka-dotted “”baby blanket”" is the base for the pen, and baby’s almost-bald head becomes the top of the colorful-yellow, light-green, pink and blue-telescoping pen. Cleverly contained in clear, gift-box packaging, this “”noteworthy”" baby rides comfortably in a cute, cardboard car seat covered with polka dots that match baby’s blanket. The pen is approximately 3″” high and 5 ½”" high when expanded. The gift box measures 3″” high, 2 ¼”" deep and 1 ¾”" wide.

Personalized Baby Shower Pillow Packs $2.4 Here’s the perfect baby shower favor for the perfect day! Pillow Packs are clear containers filled with colorful candy pearls. A personalized color-coordinating band seals the favor. Features and facts:Clear acetate pillow packs are filled with your choice of colored candy and wrapped with a coordinating band that is personalized for the occasion.The candy/color choices are candy mint, green tropical lime, yellow lemonade, purple fusion, blue merry berry, pink bubble, orange clemetine, red cherry pits, and lavish black licorice.Choose from several baby shower designs: Floating Duck, Bow and Ribbons, Owls, Baby Wave, Baby Oval, Baby Elephant, Kitty, Safety Pins and Baby Hearts.Minimum 24Personalize the label with name and the date of the event.

Milk & Cake Baby Boy Gift $70 When it comes to baby gifts, none is more unique or tasty than our Milk & Cake Baby Gift. The “”milk”" part of this adorable combination is represented by our fabulous Baby Bottle Blankie. “”Sweet Baby”" is beautifully embroidered on both the towel and one washcloth, and the entire cake is packaged in a clear cake display box to top off this unique baby gift. Features and Facts: Color(s):Blue and White Materials: 100% cottonDetails: Included in this adorable baby boy gift set includes are a soft plush blanket,hooded towel,burp pad and washcloths.Dimensions: N/A Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

Princess Layette Baby Gift Set $65 Welcome the new princess in your life with this wonderful layette baby gift. This stylish twist on a baby gift basket includes an assortment of premium quality 100% cotton layette items, plus an adorable sleepy time plush bear. Each Princess Layette Baby Gift is made to order and gift wrapped for that final royal touch! Features and Facts: Color(s):Pink Materials: 100% cottonDetails: Included in this adorable baby girl gift set includes a sleepgown, hat, blanket, bib, plush bear and booties.Dimensions: N/A Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: N/AAssembly Required: No

My Own Room Plaque – Handpainted & Personalized $18.99 Christmas delivery is guaranteed if order is placed by 2 pm EST on December 13th, 2006.Master of the House…or at least of their room. White plaque hangs from blue or pink satin ribbon, and lies flat to display anywhere. Looks great hung on child’s door or above their bed. Measures 11 1/4″” x 5 1/2″” (excluding ribbon). (Butterflies &; Flowers design in hot colors shown.) View Standard or Single design. Please enter personalization exactly as you would like it to appear, for example “”Brooke’s Room”". Due to personalization, please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Rush delivery available, ships in 6 business days for an extra $8 charge.

A Star Is Born Baby Sign (Blue) $36 Celebrate the new, little celebrity! Like the stars in the sky and the twinkle in his eye, this personalized name plate truly shines! Blue name plate with color-coordinated stars in the background, a big, yellow star, baby’s name and the words “”A Star is Born”" at the bottomMade of top-quality, laminated wood with high-gloss finishIncludes attachable hangerSign may be personalized with baby’s name (max of 12 characters) at no additional chargeSign measures 5 ¾ “” h x 15 ½ “” w

Pink Luxe Baby Keepsake Box $33.5 Keep baby’s precious mementos safe forever with the Luxe baby keepsake memory box. Each durable 12″” x 10″” x 3″” box includes velvet suede sides and a cover frame for baby’s name or photo. Pink color scheme shown.

Kiwi Luxe Baby Keepsake Box $33.5 Protect baby’s irreplaceable mementos forever with the Luxe baby keepsake memory box. Each durable 12″” x 10″” x 3″” box includes velvet suede sides and a frame for baby’s name or photo. Kiwi green color scheme shown.