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So you would like to get organized, simplify your life and reduce frustration, and the stress that clutter creates. The habits we formed in childhood are hard to break, but not impossible. The more you understand what’s holding you back, why you postpone doing the things you need to do, the sooner you will notice positive changes in your life.

Behaviour change is seldom a discrete, single event, instead, we move gradually from being unaware and not interested, also called the denial stage, to considering change and finally to creating a plan and committing to change.

According to the “Level of Readiness Scale” adopted from the work of Zimmerman, Olsen and Bosworth and the article written by my colleague Allison Roberts www.clearoutclutter.com there are five stages of change for a variety of problem behaviour. Here are the five stages that most of us go through to achieve the desired behaviour and ultimately a better life.

Pre-contemplation is the stage at which there is no intention to change behaviour in the near future. This is the stage where people are not aware of how the clutter is affecting their family. There is no desire to change their ways or to part with their possessions, even broken things, and no way of convincing them something is wrong.

Contemplation is the stage in which people are aware of their clutter and how it is affecting their lives and the lives of their families. At this stage they are considering making changes and even calling for help, but not ready to make a commitment or take action. This is also the stage where they procrastinate, make excuses on why they are not ready. In my travels I believe I have heard every possible excuse and I believe fear of change is the predominate reason we avoid change.

Preparation is the stage which people have every intention of addressing the clutter situation. But when they walk into the cluttered room, full of piles of clothes, papers, dishes, books and magazines, they feel overwhelmed and walk away. The guilt of not being able to de-clutter sets in leading to frustration and feelings of being stuck. I know people who went on exotic vacations to avoid their cluttered homes, only to find out that their expensive vacation was spoiled because they had their cluttered homes on their mind. I urge my clients to organize their home and life before they go on vacation and use the vacation as a reward for all their hard work. I myself used moving to a new geographical area to attempt a cure to painful situations in my own life, only to find out that my problems are in my suitcase and moving with me.

Action is the stage in which people alter their behaviour, relationships, and experiences in order to overcome their challenges and move forward in life. According to Anthony Robins most of us make changes out of desperation, only a few out of inspiration. The action stage requires an overhaul of our current behaviour, considerable commitment of time and energy. If the pain of having a chaotic life is unbearable then we might consider changes, but there is no pill that will ease the pain of going through changes and ultimately achieving personal growth.

At this stage the people are reaching out for help from family, friends and professionals. Keep in mind that we all need help from others.

Maintenance is the stage where people are committed to maintaining their success of the clutter free life acquired during the action stage. Even if they relapse in their effort of staying organized, these individuals are ready to pick themselves up and continue to make progress toward a better life. This stage is an ongoing process of de-cluttering, sorting and purging, it’s a commitment to taking care of you and your family.

If you are ready to conquer your clutter, we have the know-how and the action plan. In the last eight years S.O.S’. strategies have helped hundreds of people to lead a clutter free life, let us help you.

All information is confidential and will not be shared with public.

Affiliates:
Dawn_Staging_Goddess

We at Solutions Organizing Simple are proud to team up with Dawn Rockhill owner and principal stylist of The Staging Goddess. Dawn is an accredited stager specializing in Staging vacant and owner occupied properties.

If you are looking to sell your home quickly and at the best price, then Dawn is the person to call.

The Staging Goddess Home Staging & Redesign is committed to helping their clients maximize the selling price and speed the sale of their homes. The Staging Goddess is a complete Home Staging Company that owns an inventory of gorgeous furnishings & home decor. This is an added bonus when it comes to your budget!

Dawn Rockhill, Owner and Principal Stager of The Staging Goddess is a Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) who has a proven track record by successfully Staging hundreds of properties over the past five years. Dawn brings a love of design and creative to every Home Staging process. With combined experience in interior Stage_Goddess_Logo 2

decorating and design along with her passion for Staging allows her to incorporate creative, innovative and proven techniques for Staging your property.

Bill_Konnert

Bill Konnert speaking at a recent workshop. He is the Executive Consultant with Investors Group, addressing the financial aspect of senior downsizing.

If you have good quality furniture and accessories to Sell:

Champagne Taste Home Consignment
1101 Royal Avenue
New Westminster
604.524.6068/info@champagnetaste.ca

If you have good quality items to Donate:
Developmental Disability Association 604.273.4332

For all your junk removal needs:
Alex @ Junk Bee Gone
778.918.5865 or junkbeegone@hotmail.com

We pay for referrals! Use the link at the bottom of the page to forward this email to family, friends, co-workers, anyone you think would like a little help in their lives.

Testimonials!
Ranka and her team were a tremendous help to us as we were downsizing from a large home to a small apartment. They were very efficient in everything they did and took great care with our belongings.

We would highly recommend them as they made it very stress free in a difficult time.~Marie & Fred Olsen

Have a wonderful week!