WWW.SElifestyle.COM · JANUARY 2011 · SOUTHEAST Lifestyle 15 t's a new year! Now that it is time to put up the Christmas decorations and throw out the tree, you have already started the process of DECLUTTERING. So let's talk about this from an interior design point of view. Just how much "stuff" do you have? From organizers to storage, the design industry has been trying to address this process. Many furniture designs have been created trying to solve this problem. But the pure and simple fact is that Americans tend to hold onto "things." Once the closets and drawers are full, "things" start showing up on the countertops, then it start creeping into the floor space. Once we start collecting "things" we don't know when or where to stop. How large is your pile before you begin to address it? When we hear things like, "I already have so much stuff. I don't know where I can put anything else." We may be talking about you... Ii by Denise H. Osborne When in doubt,throw it out! Clutter costs you. Clutter robs you of time, space, and energy. It has a negative effect as it takes away the peace and beauty of your home. So, NOW is the perfect time to jump in and create a comfortable and enjoyable living space. By the way, I'm taking this challenge myself. Book Recommendation: Organize Now! By Jennifer Ford Berry (Lowe's) If you would like some help getting started, please contact Denise H. Osborne, IDS at (336) 674-2150. Accessory Design Services is located at 4738 Pleasant Garden Road, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313 or visit me on the Web at www.AccessoryDesignServices.com De-cluttering is a mindset. You may not recognize how this is affecting your energy, but once you start the process, you will be amazed at how good it feels. Don't try to tackle the whole house at once, it is too overwhelming! You may give up, before you even start. Find a friend or a professional, to help you begin. Do an assessment and start with a plan of which areas you want to address first. Recognize that this IS a process. Remind yourself that even the smallest of achievements will give you inspiration to go to the next level. Take the winter challenge! Snap a photo of the area when you start and when you finish. Put that on your success board and then start another project area. By the time winter is over, you will be way ahead of the de-cluttering process and can save your time and energy for your personal enjoyment! Five Tips to Get You Started 1. Get motivated by rewarding yourself after you complete your goals each week. time. Don't wait for the perfect 2. Jump in! 3. Set up an area with bags: one to toss, one to donate and one to sell. Once they are full, move them to their new homes. 4. Tackle small areas at a time. 5. Listen to your favorite music while organizing.