I’m often asked how and why I became a declutterer. Basically I began by helping friends organise their home offices, which led to my decision to make something I’m naturally good at into a business. And with the help of fabulous referrals the rest is history. The “why” is simple – I do it because I love it, and it’s hugely satisfying to help people feel so much better when they’re not overcome by clutter; that they can have a clutter-free and lovely environment to live and work in, and save time and money. My website contains a number of articles on the benefits of decluttering: www.gioia.net.nz and I am always happy to talk to you and answer any questions around clearing the clutter and setting up easy systems in your home and/or business.

What are you holding onto, and why?

[Read more…]

Sorry this is a little later than usual. Last week I was immersed in the tragedy of Christchurch’s devastating earthquake and my thoughts continue to be with those in that beleaguered city. And the weekend found me working with my sister on Mototapu Island catering for a school camp of 134 children and adults… Marvellous what we can do when we just say “yes”!

As an avid declutterer, I love this email response received from one of my contacts to whom I had mentioned my monthly ‘decluttering tips’ newsletters. Here’s her inspiring response:

“I have my de-cluttering well under control. (And part of that is not going on people’s databases!) All novels and magazines and newspapers go straight to The Caring Shed at my daughter’s school or the recycling the minute they are finished. If I buy cosmetics all the cardboard packaging stays in the mall. If I buy an item of clothing, three others get sent to charity. All newspapers and magazines have advertising inserts (and sections I don’t read) discarded at the dairy. All mail gets opened and discarded at the post office. Even Christmas Cards are read then immediately binned. Good luck to any piece of clutter that tries to make it into my house!” And I thought I was good!

What you don’t see you won’t wear / use / eat …

[Read more…]

Christmas is over, and we’ve entered a beautiful brand spanking new year! I hope you had a wonderful festive season and are enjoying the gorgeous weather. Did you take time out over the holidays to do any decluttering? I did my home office cupboards, including the fine detail sorting and filing. It takes a little while when you get into the detail because you’re having to make decisions as to whether something needs to be kept, or not, and if so where does it need to go. I love the process though, and of course it feels so great once it’s all done.

Teaching children about Decluttering

Have you ever been concerned that your children might become hoarders, or may already be? [Read more…]

Phew, it’s only just over five weeks ‘til Christmas! I actually love Christmas and especially watching the children in my family and their excitement on Christmas day. Children absolutely live in the moment, and get unadulterated joy out of the simplest activities – my great nephews love to play soccer on their Nanna and Poppa’s back lawn. They’ve decided they want to be ‘All Whites’ when they grow up – they’re only 7 and 8 years old so they have a way to go yet, but the great thing is they have no inhibitions around dreaming big.

Have you started thinking about what you’d like to get completed before the end of this year, in readiness for 2011? I love the feeling of going into a New Year knowing I have put to bed tasks and projects I had promised myself I’d get done before the end of the year. It’s like once those things are done and dusted, I can start dreaming and planning for the New Year with a clear mind.

Organised Christmas Shopping!

Christmas shopping can be easy, or it can be a nightmare! Here’s what I do, and I get all my shopping done in one go: [Read more…]