13 STEPS TO SIMPLIFYING YOUR LIFE

We all feel a little cluttered at times. But if your life has become filled with excess, here are 13 steps to help you shed all that you don't really need, in a bid to create and sustain the life you really want (and deserve)!

1. Feel lighter
   Too much stuff in your home and your life can leave you feeling heavy and overwhelmed. Buy less, donate more – and feel instantly lighter!
2. Limit your hangers
   Keep just enough hangers for your current closet of clothes. Whenever you buy something new, you'll have to donate something in order to free up a hanger.
3. Stuff
   The less stuff you have, the easier it is to get organised and stay organised. Every extra item costs you in organising time, space and energy.
4. Subscriptions
   Cancel subscriptions to papers and magazines unless they enhance your life. If they don't, they're simply taking up your time, money and living space.
5. Closet
   Only keep clothes, shoes, boots and accessories that you love or that make you feel fabulous. Donate the rest, even if expensive. Let others enjoy the items you don't.
6. Say 'no'
   Graciously say 'no thank you' to low-priority tasks. Make peace with the idea that it's not your mission to be everyone's rescuer.
7. Bedtime tidy
   Make a habit of doing a quick tidy before bed. You'll be more likely to start the next day in a good mood.
8. Viewing policy
   Only watch TV that meets your 'viewing policy'; for example, it makes you laugh, learn or relax. Never be at the mercy of whatever's on.
9. Social networking
   Limit your active social networking participation to one to three sites (unless networking online is your passion or business). Any more, and you'll be spreading yourself thin and feeling overwhelmed. For me it's Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn (come and join us!).
10. Abandon everyday versus guest
    When it comes to crockery and cutlery, forget 'everyday' versus 'guest'. Instead, have plenty of one attractive, replaceable, dishwasher/microwave/family-safe set.
11. Don't buy it
    If you don't need or love it, don't buy it. Less stuff means less clutter in your home, more clarity in your head.
12. Ready donation box
    Keep a donation box or bag somewhere handy. Any time you see something you don't love or use – in it goes! Soon downsizing will be a habit.
13. Don't bring in the mail
    Open snail mail over your recycle bin. Ditch everything except for those items you need to (a) action (b) file (c) cancel.

Source: Michele Connolly (www.getorganizedwizard.com)