Summer Decluttering -- Outside

Kim Wolinski, MSW
“Dr. DeClutter” http://www.drdeclutter.com/

Summer Decluttering -- Outside

Summer is a time to open the windows, do more outdoors, take vacations and enjoy your lawn, patio, deck and/or pool. Whatever you have in your yard that needs attention, there will be tools and other supplies that are probably part of the picture. Unless you pay a service to take care of your property (think pool boy!), then tag, you are “it” and must be on top of your tool and supply needs.

Don’t let this summer go by without cleaning out your outbuildings, yard, etc. If you have mowers, weed-eaters, tools and such that don’t work or are not something you need or use anymore, repair the keepers and let go of the rest. Only have what you use and need (Sorry, Tim the 'Tool Man' Taylor!)

Why? Because a) having tools that are broken and damaged will keep you from using them effectively and will cause you stress every time you go out to get them. Who needs more stress? It’s hot out there! And b) if you have tools and such that do work and won’t be using, sell or give away and let someone else use them before they are too old and damaged by weather and aging for anyone to use.

Best ways to declutter tools and machines:
1. Give to thrift stores or non-profits if still working,
2. Garage Sale,
3. Give to parts stores if they have good parts that someone could use on other machines that need repair,
4. Trash or take to recycle center or dump if too big or inappropriate for trash – follow your cities dumping policies.

Then, if you really need and can’t borrow the item from a neighbor, it’s time… buy new or used that work well. Bottom line, stop listening to yourself complain about the same old stuff! Clean up and out your tools and machines for outdoor work. Let go of the one’s that don’t work or need repair or you won’t use any longer.

Or, the second right answer, sell the house and move into a community that takes care of all that. That's my answer, "I have 'people'"! Make choices that work best for you, your family and your lifestyle.

Happy summer! Enjoy your yard!

©2006 Kim Wolinski, MSW “Dr. DeClutter” Stress, Change and Organizational Skills Expert See my books and other products to support your organizing every level, INNER, OUTER AND OTHER. http://www.redecisionsinstitute.com/kims_store.html

Available now, my new ebook: THE WORRY CONTROL HANDBOOK, How to destroy the FE.A.R.V.I.R.U.S. and take back your peace of mind at http://www.drdeclutter.com/worrycontrol.html

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