I am a sucker for a certain words plastered on a magazine cover.If I spy 'em, you can bet I'm buying that publication.
No, these tempting phrases aren't ooh-la-la promises like "BetterSex Life Now!" or "Become a Love Goddess." Instead, I'm shelling outmoney whenever I see the words "Get Organized." My heart starts toflutter when I notice the word "clutter," as in how to get rid ofit.
Being a serious student of organization, the thought does flitthrough my mind, though fleetingly, that too many magazines, even onone's favorite subject, is not a good thing, either. They can afterall, lead to ... clutter.
Today's Tax Day, and I know a lot of you are searching throughcoat pockets and piles of paper for receipts. Not me. All my taxinformation was in a file and then separated out by categorieswithin that file.
I already have my 2007 tax file set up. But don't hate me; Iwasn't always this way.
The organization bug bit me a couple of years ago. I was aclutter junkie. People gave me stuff and I took it, whether I wantedit or not. Closets were packed with clothes I didn't wear, while mychairs were stacked with things I did. If I needed a pair of shoes,the likely place to find them was the room where I stepped out ofthem.
But then I started reading the magazine articles. And the books(now neatly alphabetized and shelved). And planning my weekendafternoons around HGTV's "Mission Organization." I've watched somany episodes of "Mission" that I feel as if I know Liz, Randy andthe other professional organizers. The best part is I have learned anew way, and clutter-free it is.
I started small, as any good organizing article will tell you. Acloset here, a drawer there. Each time I'd throw out broken,outdated things. Usable items went to the Salvation Army. Letting goof stuff really does get easier. I am ruthless now on what canremain in my home and equally tough on what is allowed entrance.
I've followed "Mission's" lead and bought all sorts of niftycontainers to keep my things neat and organized. Then I figured outwhere those containers should go. You can't follow the "Mission"mantra -- sort, stack, store -- without doing just that.
Life is a lot calmer for me. And magazines aren't really aproblem because they stay only as long as they fit into my standingmagazine holder.
A couple weeks ago I couldn't find my favorite T-shirt. Not inthe hamper, the laundry room or my gym bag. I was starting to worryI'd lost it. Then I saw it peeking out from atop the basket that isdesignated for gym clothes. The one place I hadn't looked was thedesignated spot!
There still are organization lessons to be mastered, which meansmagazines to buy. After all, as one of the "Mission" experts oncesaid, "Organization isn't a one-day event but a way of life."
Life Out Loud reflects the joys, challengers and musings of ourdiverse voices.
sontiveros@ suntimes.com
ADDRESS THIS MESS
It's time to dis disorganization. In stores this month, TheClutter Cure: Three Steps to Letting Go of Stuff, Organizing YourSpace & Creating the Home of Your Dreams (McGraw-Hill, $19.95),provides tips on how to accomplish this goal.
ORGANIZATION TIPS
Ready to admit you have a problem? If you could use some tips tounclutter your life, head to jump.suntimes.com for some onlineorganizing help.
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