Organizing quick tips

By Debbie Gardner PRIME Editor A prescription for getting organized Here is The Clutter Doctor's three- step prescription for getting organized: 1. Examine your space. Take a good look at what you have to work with and decide what this space will be used for. 2. Diagnose your clutter. "Go through your things and decide what will stay and what should go," said Fisher-Hoffman. She stressed that this sorting process should be done in "small increments of time - a half-hour to an hour." 3. Prescribe a treatment. "Now that you have gone through everything - and you know how much you have go out and get buckets and bins," she said. "Then decide how things are going to get stored and where." Potential "homes" for your unwanted things Sure, you can take your unwanted stuff to one of the major donation centers, but here are some other places that might think your trash is a treasure: Senior Centers (Books and arts & crafts supplies - but call first!) Daycare Centers (Children's books and CDs/Movies; some art materials again call first) Libraries - books, CDs,Videotapes and DVDs. The Survival Center in Indian Orchard - Household goods and clean, usable clothing. The Springfield Rescue Mission- good, clean, usable men's clothing Women's Shelter Campanaros old cell phones (clear private data first!) Themed Museums - toys, collections, etc. Also check with local churches to see if they are collecting certain types of goods for a specific cause. A three-step plan for staying organized Once you've made the commitment to getting organized, how can you keep from backsliding? The Clutter Doctor offers these three simple tips: 1. Remember that everything has a home. 2. When you take it out, put it back! "It may take time for this to become automatic," Fisher-Hoffman said. "Remember, it takes 30 days for a conscious action to become a habit." 3. Respect your newfound open space. "Now that you have a clean space, don't feel you have to clutter it back up," she said. "It's OK to have open, free space!" Local Support Group The Clutter Doctor facilitates a free monthly support group for clutterers at the Chicopee Library: Date: Second Thursdays Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Chicopee Main Library 449 Front St. Contact: Carol Bagley 413-594-1800 x108