Rita Emmett - The Clutter-Busting Handbook: Clean It Up, Clear It Out, and Keep Your Life Clutter-Free

This book is dedicated to two groups:

First, to those clutter collectors who feel there is no hopefor their mounds of jumbled stuff. May this book bring yourelief, help, and hope.

Second, to my husband's and my friends and family,including our kids, kids-in-law, and our nine gloriousgrandchildren, who are shining lights of endless delight,and to Bruce Karder, husband, business partner, lover,wind beneath my wings, goofy guy, adviser, greatestsupporter, best friend, andalasKing of Klutter.

Contents

Years ago, my best friend would never walk into my house because the clutter all over my kitchen counters and floors made her nervous. One day she offered to come over and help me sort through and get rid of all that mess. The first thing she picked up was a coupon for fifteen cents off a box of cereal. The coupon had expired over eighteen months earlier. She set it down, picked up her purse, and said, "Rita, let's go to my house and have a cup of coffee."

As a "Recovered Pack Rat," I am writing this book to pass on to you what I've learned, as well as tips from other people who are working on their clutter. To protect the privacy of those who have contributed their stories, I've used first names and composites.

People of all ages, occupations, educational levels, and geographic locations suffer from clutter. And they all tend to ask the same questions and have a strong need to understand: How doesclutter accumulate so fast? Is there any way to get rid of it that is easyand painless?

Several years ago I wrote a book about how to stop procrastinating. Many readers e-mailed to tell me that they were grateful for the book and that it helped them become procrastination-free. They often went on to ask, "Now what do I do about the clutter in my life?"

Clutter is a chief source of stress, headaches, embarrassment, and anxiety these days. Recently I asked a question about clutter in my e-zine, sent it out, then left on a four-day trip. When I returned, my e-mail account was jammed with hundreds of responses, all eager to tell me their "Frustrating Clutter Stories." These stories ranged from family battles over clutter to terrible conflicts at work due to papers lost "somewhere in the office." Sidetracked dreams, lost treasures, stress, guilt, and anxiety were all common themes among these tales of clutter woe. And all of the respondents begged for advice on conquering the clutter that seemed to be overtaking their lives.

Throughout this book, you'll find advice, anecdotes, tips, and quizzes to help you more clearly identify the what, where, how, and why of your clutter, and thereby gain a better grasp of your specific clutter situation. You will see that:

Clutter is just a habitone you can break.

There is a definite connection between clutter and procrastination.

There are many gentle (not heart-wrenching) ways to get rid of your clutter.

Once you clutter-bust, not only is it easier to find places for your remaining stuff, but it is easier to find your remaining stuff.

There are steps you can take to keep clutter from returning.

Once you have conquered your clutter, you'll be amazed at how terrific it is to feel in control of your belongings instead of vice versa; you have more energy and space, fewer distractions and anxieties. You can't imagine how light and fantastic you will feel when you are free of all that is cluttering up your life.