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Q&A: Organizer Nicole Anzia on putting your house on a diet in 2020
The Washington Post ^ | 01.14.2020 | Nicole Anzia,

Posted on 02/23/2020 6:07:41 PM PST by Coleus

Nicole Anzia, professional organizer and founder of Neatnik, joined staff writer Jura Koncius for The Washington Post’s Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt.

Q: What are the main reasons that resolutions to get organized are derailed?

A: Trying to do it all in January and then stopping. People work really hard at decluttering and purging at the beginning of the year and then think they’re done. But organizing isn’t really something you’re ever done with. As long as things are coming into and leaving your home, it’s a continual process. Do a little bit here and there, but schedule some regular time weekly or monthly to continue the work.

Q: What are your favorite organizing and storage products for those on a budget?

A: I love clear shoe boxes. They’re great for so many things: batteries, craft supplies, office supplies, as drawer dividers, to stack shoes, etc. The Container Store sells them at a reduced rate when you buy in bulk. At Ikea, I love the Kallax shelves. They’re great for books or customized with doors or drawers. They can hold bins and baskets and can be situated upright or horizontally. Generally speaking, though, clear bins from anywhere are great because you can clearly see the contents. Whatever storage containers you decide to purchase, I would suggest buying a few extra so you have some on hand in case you can no longer find them later.

Q: I’m overwhelmed by the clutter in my house. How do I find time to exercise, work, clean the house and declutter? Is there a way to do this that isn’t overwhelming?

(Excerpt) Read more at wickedlocal.com ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Reference; Society
KEYWORDS: clutter; hoarding; home; homeorganization; house; nicoleanzia; organization

1 posted on 02/23/2020 6:07:41 PM PST by Coleus
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To: Coleus

Timely. Thx


2 posted on 02/23/2020 6:10:46 PM PST by thinden (How many Barr haters across America are being paid by Soros to attack Barr.)
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To: Coleus
Won't click through as it's the Compost but want to mention that I've purged approx. 80% of my possessions over the past six years through work relocation and most recently, moving to a condo.

I've learned that if you have something in your house that has not been used in the past year, it can probably go and you likely won't miss it. The more you purge, the easier it gets.

3 posted on 02/23/2020 6:16:27 PM PST by SamAdams76 (Trump (61); Butt (23); Commie (21); Fake Indian (8), Crazy Amy (7); Slow Joe (6); Drunken Weld (1))
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To: SamAdams76

...but then I will go looking for it and it will be gone.

I swear my husband memorizes where he puts everything because if I move “it,” whatever “it” is he mentions the move. He is a slob with possessions, but I knew that going in. LOL.


4 posted on 02/23/2020 6:23:27 PM PST by madison10
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To: madison10
I will go looking for it and it will be gone.

The Gremlins took it to another dimension, and then returned it to you after you stopped looking for it.

As you get older, more Gremlins seem to take (and then return) more stuff...

;-)
5 posted on 02/23/2020 6:45:29 PM PST by cgbg (The Democratic Party is morphing into the Donner Party)
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To: SamAdams76

Been going thru my house and purging.

Last month found a bunch of bikini’s in a draw.

I’m 60 years old. You see me in a bikini, call the white coats!

Had enough cupcake pans to bake 48 cupcake at a time. No way!!!


6 posted on 02/23/2020 6:50:55 PM PST by lizma2
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To: cgbg
Little snots. 😉
7 posted on 02/23/2020 6:56:18 PM PST by madison10
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To: lizma2
You see me in a bikini, call the white coats!

Did somebody call for a doctor?

8 posted on 02/23/2020 7:17:37 PM PST by TigersEye (MAGA - 16 more years! - KAG)
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To: TigersEye

LOL!

That’s about where I’m at.


9 posted on 02/23/2020 7:25:34 PM PST by lizma2
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To: lizma2

What’s wrong with being 60 in a bikini? What does age have to do with a bathing suit? It’s the body that determines what is worn.

If your’e obese, wear a one-piece bathing suit. Otherwise, wear whatever you want.


10 posted on 02/23/2020 8:02:00 PM PST by Reddy ( B.O. stinks)
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To: SamAdams76
we got rid of well over 50 vhs tapes of older shows....out they went....we kept a few but only a few....

I am trying very hard to simplify my kitchen stuff...got rid of a fryer, an onion slicer,lots of dishes, cups,glass bowls.....

who needs all this stuff....a couple of good knives, a cutting board, and cast iron...

11 posted on 02/23/2020 8:09:31 PM PST by cherry
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To: Coleus

You never realize how much junk you have acquired until you move.

Much of it just junk.

But, worse, some of it still has value and utility. And that is very hard to part with.

But do so anyway.


12 posted on 02/23/2020 9:12:34 PM PST by Mariner (War Criminal #18)
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To: SamAdams76

I did a major Marie Kondo style purge last winter. It was freeing. We are in the midst of a major remodel so I can’t do muchmore until I have a finished space, but I find little things here and there to donate at least once a month.

I find an uncluttered space calming. It’s a radical change for me as I come from a long line of people who like having lots of things. I view negative space as important to home decor as well chosen accent pieces are. Cozy yet calming is my goal.


13 posted on 02/23/2020 10:09:30 PM PST by NorthstarMom
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To: Reddy

I’m thin but birthdays and gravity are the enemy.


14 posted on 02/23/2020 11:04:52 PM PST by lizma2
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To: cgbg

The Borrowers.


15 posted on 02/24/2020 2:36:29 AM PST by madison10
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*


16 posted on 02/24/2020 6:27:17 AM PST by Jane Long (Praise God, from whom ALL blessings flow.cuase)
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To: cherry
we got rid of well over 50 vhs tapes of older shows....out they went...

Here's a sad story. I got rid of HUNDREDS of VHS tapes and DVDs, the majority of them were unwatched and many were still in shrink wrap. I used to compulsively buy them during my Costco and Sam's Club trips, with a view to building a video library and watching them at leisure. But that leisure never came!

Now if I want to watch something, I stream it off Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc. But even that's relatively rare. I'd much rather stick to my books and music (when I'm not on the Internet).

All that money WASTED!

At least I have a clean and uncluttered house.

17 posted on 02/24/2020 5:29:33 PM PST by SamAdams76 (Trump (61); Butt (23); Commie (21); Fake Indian (8), Crazy Amy (7); Slow Joe (6); Drunken Weld (1))
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To: lizma2

“I’m thin but birthdays and gravity are the enemy.”

I’m not saying wear dental floss, lol, but you should rock a two-piece swim suit. Who cares what others think? Those with firm bodies will get to the wrinkle stage quicker thank they realize ;)


18 posted on 02/24/2020 7:07:59 PM PST by Reddy ( B.O. stinks)
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