How to Get Rid of Clutter in 3 Easy Steps

Uh-oh, It's Spring Cleaning Time!

Happy Spring! This is a great time of year—the days are longer, the colors are brighter, and we tend to have a lot more energy!

It's also the time of year that many of us look around and actually want to get our physical environments in shape...and that means getting rid of clutter!

So many adults with ADD are plagued with clutter. Our desks are covered with papers. Our sinks are full of dishes. Our floors and counters are covered with "stuff." 

Where Does Clutter Come From?

Clutter builds up easily for many ADDers. Sometimes, we get distracted and just place a paper or an object wherever it's convenient. Other times we find that, despite our best efforts, we just don't know where to put something, so we put it anywhere. And then there are times when we just don't care what goes where and why, and we shun the idea of "organization."

How Clutter Affects the Mind

No matter why your clutter builds up, one things is clear: clutter affects the mind in a bad way. 

Sometimes just looking at your clutter can zap your energy and motivation. You get angry with yourself for letting it get to this point...and then you feel bad.

You want to clean up, you want to be organized, but you just don't know where to start...and that makes you feel bad, too.

Because you don't know where to start—and because cleaning and organizing is not your favorite activity—you procrastinate...and that makes you feel even worse.

The result is that your clutter sticks around, and continues to build. And if you do manage to make some headway, chances are you'll be feeling bad again when the clutter quickly comes back. What an awful cycle!

What to Do

There is a proven, ADD-friendly method for dealing with clutter, and it's a 3-step process:

1. Sort your stuff.

This means going through all that clutter and figuring out what you have, what you need, and what you can get rid of.

2. Create the systems.

After you've successfully sorted all your stuff and you know what you need to keep, you'll need to figure out where to put it all!

This is the point where you start thinking about how to work with your ADD to keep your stuff organized. It means developing systems based on what will work for you, and NOT based on that organizing show you saw on TV.

3. Plan the follow-through.

No matter how great your organization systems are, your clutter will come right back if you don't put a plan in place to use your systems consistently!

And there's one more missing piece to this puzzle that trips up many ADDers: To make this process work, you must step back from the problem in order to create the solutions. 

It's nearly impossible to find a lasting solution to your clutter challenge when you're standing in the middle of it. You've got to detach—both physically and mentally—to keep from getting overwhelmed by it.

Don't Judge Yourself

Lastly, don't judge yourself because you tend to accumulate clutter. It's a common problem and it does NOT indicate a character flaw! Just know that when you are ready to deal with it, you can successfully get rid of your clutter!

 

Ready to Dive Into Spring Cleaning?

I've helped hundreds of adults with ADD successfully tackle their clutter problems, and I can help you, too.

If you're ready to dive into Spring cleaning next month and want some extra help as you tackle your clutter, then join us for the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup.

In this virtual coaching program, I'll guide you through a proven, ADD-friendly method of busting clutter and organizing your physical spaces. You'll take an interactive and in-depth look at each step of the process, and then use the group for support as you take action on your de-cluttering goals.

This highly structured, virtual workgroup is designed to support you every step of the way in learning not just how to get rid of clutter, but how to keep it away for good!

You'll:

• Participate virtually, from your own home or office
• Attend live teleseminars on each step of the process (or skip the live teleseminars and listen to the recordings--whatever works best for you)
• Get additional notes, worksheets, and resources on a members-only website
• Connect with and support other adults with ADD as you achieve your goals together

Don't worry if you can't attend the live sessions as you'll receive audio recordings of all the classes, plus downloadable notes and worksheets.

Begins April 14, 2011. Space is limited.
Will not be offered again in 2011!

 

Register Today to Take Advantage of Early Bird Discounts!

ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup
$197

 

Early Bird Discount: $147

Save $50!
Early Bird Discount Expires April 4, 2011!

Includes all 3 teleseminars, teleseminar recordings, notes and worksheets, and members-only website!

OR...

Register for both the Time Management Masters Seminar and the Clutter Busters Workgroup and Save $197!

ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup + Time Management Masters Seminar
$444

Early Bird Discount: $297

Save $197!
Early Bird Discount Expires April 4, 2011!

Includes all teleseminars, teleseminar recordings, notes and worksheets, and members-only websites for both programs!

 

Need more info? No problem! Find out everything you need to know about the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup here.

Note that this coaching program is ONLY for those of you who are really serious about getting rid of your clutter and organizing your space. I couldn't be more serious about this. I only want to work with people who are willing to do the work. So if now isn't the right time for you, then please don't waste your money or my time.

Visit http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/clutterbusters.html to register or get more information.

 

P.S. Remember, getting rid of your clutter doesn't have to be a nightmare! Sort your stuff, create your systems, and plan your follow-through!

If you need help, join us for the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup!