Little Signs That You're Obsessed

As business students, we have learned that there is an 80-20 rule in business; 20% of customers account for 80% of the businesses sales… and these same customers account for 80% of the profits. Sherry Borsheim, President of the International Association of BusinessOrganizing (IABO) redefined the 80-20 rule: “Take a look around your office and home and notice what clothes, toys or office items you use 80% of the time. This is a real eye-opener when you are honest with yourself because 80% of what you use, you use 20% of the time" (Borsheim, 2011). The one-in, one-out rule goes hand-in-hand with the 80-20 Rule.

 

With that said, I can’t stress enough how sorting is essential. If you regularly use something, then keep it… it most likely falls into your 80-20 rule. Donate or sell the items that you no longer use or have duplicates of. I use both eBay and Craigslist to try to make some extra cash for my unused goods. Also, I bring my clothes to resale shops, like Plato’s Closet, to see if they have any interest in my items before I donate them. Another quick way to make some money is by having an annual garage sale. Store sentimental things that you want to hold onto, but don’t need cluttering up you living space. Lastly, trash or recycle the items that are no longer usable.

 

References

Borsheim, S. (2011, November 17). The one-in, one-out rule. Retrieved from http://www.bizorganizing.com/2011/11/the-one-in-one-out-rule/

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Organizing in October

 

Leaves are turning, apples are being picked, and cider is mulling – it’s October. Throughout this month, since the weather is great for fall cleaning; I encourage you to declutter as well. Decluttering is letting go of the things you no longer need. Angela, a friend of mine, recently told me that every time she comes home with a new pair of shoes or a new purse, her husband has a one-in, one-out rule for her. This is a great policy because it implements regulation. Clearly, Angela’s closet is jammed packed so that she was unable to squeeze another item into her closet. She is now donating those items locally; that pair of boots that has been sitting in the back of Angela’s closet will make a less fortunate woman very happy this winter… her feet will be warm!

Whether it be using the one-in, one-out rule; emptying out a junk-drawer; checking expiration dates on items in the kitchen; getting the leaves out of the gutters; etc. "Fall is when you're going to be closing the windows and preparing to be cooped up for a few months -- and you want to be cooped in a clean house" (Belsky, 2010). Then, like Angela, not only are you reducing, but you can recycle and donate those items to others as well!
 

References

Belsky, G. (2010). Fall cleaning 101: Getting ready for winter weather. Retrieved from http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=13143426

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