Fall: Time To Clean The Drains

Life in an RV is full of lifestyle changes and challenges.  Space is at a premium and de-cluttering is a constant and repeated exercise.  As I explained this to a friend recently, she said she was used to hearing this: her significant other is a former submariner --- he finds it normal and gratifying to keep things tidy and organized in the extreme --- she, not so much.

Having lived the majority of my life in large houses, I've found it a bit challenging --- the downsizing, the constant organizing and reorganizing, the "layering" of items in storage to best utilize the available space.  It's not easy, but I'm learning and adjusting.  This same friend compared it to playing in a doll house.  Ah, yes --- and just WHY was that so much fun at age 6?

So, I decided to run a short series on de-cluttering our lives.  If I can manage to survive in a 34' RV with 2 Giant Schnauzers and 2 parrots, I'm sure you can learn something useful for your particular environment.

DE-CLUTTERING, Step 1:

I am not a morning person and I have no patience at all in the morning.  Waiting for a slow drain is as frustrating as it gets.  As I stood at the bathroom sink watching a swirl of toothpaste disappearing ever so slowly --- it occurred to me that cleaning the drain might solve the problem more quickly then standing and watching it.

So clean it I did!  And filled with satisfaction as I watched how swiftly the water now flowed down the drain, I started thinking about other problems in my life that might benefit from a quick "de-clogging."  Clutter slows us down --- it takes both physical and mental space.  It creates chaos and overwhelms us with the enormity of the projects before us.  Have you ever noticed how half of the stuff in a particular "project pile" often doesn't even relate to that project? 

Fall is a great time to get rid of the piles and clutter in our lives.  It's time to clean off the table-tops; clean out the closets and cupboards.  All that stuff we kept "just because" needs to go.  As we prepare for more time inside as well as the impending holidays, organizing and simplifying will make our time at home or office more enjoyable and our holidays more creative.

1.  Work in small segments.  Don't tackle the whole place at once.  It didn't turn into this mess overnight.  Taking time to clean and organize in an orderly fashion will provide as much satisfaction as doing it poorly to complete the process in one day. 

2.  Set a time limit for each work session.  If you know you have a hour to devote to decluttering  a small area you will be motivated to work more quickly and efficiently to finish that piece of the puzzle.

3.  All those recyclables need to be gathered, sorted, and taken to the recycling location --- saving them from the landfill is laudable.  Never getting them into the recycling mainstream is wasteful.

4.  Set up 3 piles: 

• Things to throw away: empty the trash after each decluttering session. 
• Things to give away:  Tag each item with the name of the person to receive it.  If you have numerous items going to the same person, address an envelope or label a bag or box with that person's name.  Then ship/deliver those items on a monthly basis.  If you are meeting that person for lunch, put a bow on the bag and take it with you to lunch!  Here again, it does no good to earmark an item for someone if they never receive it.
• Things to be filed:  Make sure items to be filed get in the proper files immediately.  If necessary, make new files on the spot.  Then place files in their rightful places in your file box or cabinet at the end of each session.

5.  Keep the basic tools you need handy and available.  One of those plastic containers from one of the discount stores works well.  With a cover on it when you don't need it, file folders, labels, markers, paper clips, a stapler, and tape are all kept clean and available. 

6.  Another works well for keeping small household tools together and easy to find.  Make sure you have the basics:  hammer; screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head); measuring tape; masking tape; duct tape; a variety of picture holders, nails, screws; WD40 or similar lubricant; white household glue; small level.  There are other items you will undoubtedly add as time goes by.  The important thing is keep them all in one place and easily accessible.

7.  Whether it is files or tools of your trade, everything needs a home --- a designated place where it can be found easily and re-stored when you are finished with it.  When I traveled overseas as a journalist I packed my suitcase the same way each time.  I could find my passport or tweezers in the dark, if necessary.  It also made repacking easier as I knew everything would fit in the prescribed space.

Clearing the clutter frees your mind and allows you to focus.  It's amazing how much time and energy you save when life is clutter-free and organized.   It's also much easier to run that dust cloth around when a client or company gives you only 5 minutes notice!!

Happy De-Cluttering!!

Comments

[Oza Meilleur]

Bonjour!

First of all, I must say I admire you and, yes, ENVY you for having taken your show on the road. Cool! My dream is to travel around in a VW van, write articles for my blog as well as for newspapers/magazines, and even shoot documentary films. Hey, as they say: DREAM BIG!

And second of all, that was quite a thorough post on de-cluttering -- I've noticed a few items I need to get done, so thanks for the reminder.

Hope to read more about your adventures. Have fun in Missouri...and keep on rocking in the free world!

Peace & Love,
Mudd a.k.a. Happy Oza :-)
xoxo