I know many people who save every item of clothing, book/magazine/old bill/junk mail, anything and everything they or their BRAIN DEAD kids have ever been given whether or not it will ever be used or seen again. When they come across something, they will automatically possess it, as if they've always had it, will always keep it, and will never part with it for as long as they live. Some time ago, I informed my wife that I was going to clear out a bookcase filled with old magazines, she immediately sprang into action! After 30 minutes of politely watching her going through stacks of the offending space robbers, that were ultimately kept, I came to the conclusion that this is a classic example of a person placing value on the possession instead of precious time, space, and the really valuable stuff.

I abhor clutter and have mastered the art of not creating it. Have I ever discarded something I wish I hadn't?-YES, but usually, I can get a suitable replacement from another source. Do I have stuff I've saved?-YOU BET, but it occupies as little space as possible, so as to not interfere with some else's space, comfort, or their stuff.

One of the keys, I find is this: When a person owns an object, let's say a CD,-or homework-or better yet how about UNDERWEAR, they should look at it and quickly decide if it "might be" something that could behandled by some else or would they rather put it away THEMSELVES.I sayAVOID HAVING IT HANDLED BY SOMEONE ELSE by asking yourself do I REALLY need this THING handled by some else? Will it create a problem later if I don't put it away myself? Does this THING have any REAL value to ME? In most cases, one can address these matters with a POSITIVE RESPONSE and avoid setting something aside for a later BATTLE.

Keeping your THINGS where they don't belong makes others feel uncomfortable, it makes everyone else's surroundings CLUTTERED, and causes un-identified tension in between EVERYONE. Rooms are made to be occupied by the LIVING, not possessed by our possessions. The things that constantly surround us have convinced us that we are meeeerely "surrounding ourselves with the things we love"…HA!

Have you misplaced a CD lately? Can't locate that important homework or favorite pen? How about your SHOES? Where are they? You probably need to set a few hours aside to assess your organizational skills. If you can master one of your many Junk Drawers in one afternoon you're well on your way to ORGANIZING your stuff .

1. Take everything out of the drawer and throw it out!

2. As you fill it again, and you will, use bags, boxes, and drawer dividers to organize items in the drawer.

3. Don't store important papers in a JUNK drawer, it's a JUNK drawer! Checks, receipts, instruction booklets and warranties should be filed.

4. Pens, pencils, Classroom TOOLS, should be placed in a "BOX".

5. Put photos inside their envelope and secure it with a rubber band. Label and date the envelope and put it in a box with other photos until you can sort and pick out the best photos for your first EVER album project.

Make your spaces more appealing by organizing. Don't be overwhelmed and overlook the joy of your spaces by accepting the clutter. Here's good news: A little space-respect can go a long way when you exercise a thoughtful solution by stowing your own stuff. With space-awareness go room-by-room, see what a big difference some time with your stuff can make in your lifestyle. So, ok, your stuff may be scattered throughout the house but if you have a bookcase in a hallway, organize your books, papers, and nick-knacks; THERE. If you have a dresser-or two- in another room, try folding, stacking and positioning clothes, in them; THERE. If you have a closet, try HANGERS. By simply identifying YOUR spaces you may be able stop living from the hamper -or is it the floor, to the washer and dryer, and finally out of a basket, -or is it the floor again. (Have you taken to performing the SNIFF test, YET?)

Start with the most dreaded task first, YOUR UNDERWEAR, then take time with it, after all "TIME and SPACE" are on your side. GET ORGANIZED TODAY!!!