Gioia Ltd

I promised to let you know how I got on with the Feng Shui challenge, and yes I did manage to throw out 243 items over the course of the nine days! Amazing considering I regularly declutter most areas of my home and home office. So here are the areas I tackled: wardrobe, pantry & kitchen cupboards, bathroom vanity unit including cosmetics and old pills and medicines, office clutter & papers, outdated warranties and software, magazines, computer files and email folders. I even threw out my laptop which died during the process, and my stove! I didn’t have to replace the laptop but I did get a lovely new stove. And I promise it was a great experience – I love moving stuff on that I no longer want or need either by donating or filling rubbish bags.

Organising handbags

This tip is for us girls who like voluminous handbags, but struggle to keep them organised so that we can find what we want. [Read more…]

Winter is definitely upon us and it’s time to light the fire and enjoy what the season offers. Have you packed away your summer clothes, shoes and sports gear? Clearing space for the new season is also a good time to decide on any items that you may be tired of and ready to give away.

Speaking of giving away I read an inspiring email from Marci Shimoff [an American coach] yesterday on just this subject. Here’s what Marci wrote: “This is a feng shui ritual that consists of giving away or throwing away 27 items a day for 9 days in a row – that’s 243 things! Everything we own carries an energy with it; as we let go of old energies, it clears the space for us to open to greater new energy. [Read more…]

I hope you had a wonderful Easter break, with time for fun and relaxation. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to know that I had made a ‘to do’ list to be accomplished over the 4 days. Working around my home, and the garden, is always an enjoyable exercise and so nice to know that when the job’s been done you can reward yourself with a social catch up or a quiet respite with a great book.

Here’s a question to ask yourself – “Where is the clutter and disorganisation impacting your life?”

Imagine if you could experience a difference in your life with something as simple as the decluttering and organising expertise which I offer. Contact me – I can help you make that difference.

Sorting your computer files in “My Documents”

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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?

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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 …

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