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Lauren Roberts
Clutter chaos is a common
problem, not surprising given our culture's emphasis on
"consumer-ship." Numerous workshops, consultants, books,
magazine articles, columns, recognized authorities, web sites and social
studies are devoted solely to it. There is even a retail industry that
thrives off our clutter: storage locations, closet designers, organizing
supplies.
If you are tired of yours, then Let Go of Clutter (McGraw Hill; $16.95)
by local author Harriet Schechter is for you. This book, more than any
other I've seen, is workable for all but the most determined (read:
needs psychological help) clutterer.
Schechter is the national expert on eliminating clutter. She is known as
the Miracle Worker - with good reason. She is widely quoted in such
publications as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Family
Circle, Glamour, Entertainment Weekly and Working Woman. For 15 years,
she regularly presented workshops at the Learning Annex in San Diego.
Let Go of Clutter is her third book, and it is nothing short of
fabulous. She doesn't emphasize how to organize clutter but how to
"de-clutter," to get rid of the stuff that clogs up your life.
The book addresses past, present and future clutter concerns. It is a
unique approach that encompasses the psychological, societal, social,
physical, mental and emotional aspects of clutter and cluttering.
"Understanding Your Clutter Background," for instance, focuses
on why letting go of clutter is so hard. Those of us - yes, I am one -
who do not have a clutter problem find it difficult to identify with
those who do. But after reading about what she terms the Clutter
Chromosome, Clutter Compulsion and Clutter Culture, it is easier to
understand my friends who suffer from it.
Schechter convincingly argues that our urges to acquire and hang on to
stuff are instinctive, going back to the gathering and hoarding of food
by our first ancestors. But the instinct necessary for survival then has
become a burden now. Even persistent clutterers admit this fact. But
going from acknowledgement to action is where the pain lies for clutter
addicts.
It is possible, however, with the right approach. Fortunately, this book
does not assume a one-size-fits-all attitude. Using specific steps,
exercises and actions, readers will unearth their own awareness and
feelings as well as the larger influences that promote their
acquisition-and-accumulation behaviors.
The actual de-cluttering process begins with defining and confronting
"energy enemies." These are the emotions that stand in the way
of the action of de-cluttering such as fatigue, hopelessness or
resistance. (Clutterers or not, we all experience them.) Her maxim -
"Life is 5 percent joy, 5 percent grief, and 90 percent
maintenance" - is the foundation for her motivation processes
designed to banish the energy enemies and lead a clutter-free life.
You visualize in specific ways the outcome of de-cluttering, then you
"visible-ize" it. She recommends and provides a form for a
Focus Plan. She also adds deadlines and rewards, even sound effects for
the process.
The majority of the book deals with various types of clutter. The paper
chapter addresses piles, "paperosis," records, filing systems,
the art of tossing, "subscribitis," paper hangovers and
shredding. Also addressed are stuff (passive, active and perpetual),
space, sentimental clutter and, most interesting of all, future clutter.
"A consequential step in letting go of clutter," she notes,
"is learning to use your power of choice to set limits." This,
more than any other aspect, is what sets her book apart because the role
of choice is hidden from us most of the time. Unconsciously, we manage
to say yes to considerable clutter "just because." Just
because it's a good deal - airline mileage and frequent buyer programs,
supermarket savings cards, coupons, rebates, gift-with-purchase and
buy-one-get-one-free deals all add clutter of one sort or another to our
lives.
She doesn't advocate getting rid of all or even any of them. Rather, she
teaches us to see their clutter potential and gives us the insight
needed to make a conscious choice about them.
With Let Go of Clutter you get the same excellent help Schechter
provided through her consulting and workshops, and it costs much less.
Recovering clutterers can also access her web site,
www.miracleorganizing.com, where she offers a monthly advice column and
regularly updated timely tips.
Lauren Roberts can be reached at
reviews-reflections@verizon.net
© Copyright The South Coast Beacon, 2004
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