Sorting by Emotion
April 10, 2009 by Nikki
As part of my job and service, I am always looking for study materials, books, classes etc. to make me a better Organizer but also to help my clients find new and more efficient ways to get organized. A colleague of mine recommended a book by Judith Kolberg, “Conquering Chronic Disorganization”. I have found the book to be fascinating on it’s creative organizing techniques.
One chapter struck me as very relevant to my clients and I wanted to share. Many of us, most of us, attach emotions to our things. They represent us in some way, maybe they remind of us a certain time in our lives, a person, or a feeling we get every time we see the item. Which is often times why we feel guilty in not throwing certain things away. Even if the emotion it provides is not a good one.
Judith Kolberg has a whole chapter on Emotional Organizing. And when sorting, she asks her clients to separate her collections and belongings into 3 categories: Friends, Acquaintances, and Strangers.
Who are these people?
Friends – These are the items you know well, who give you positive feelings, things that have sentimental value. Judith Kolberg suggests the client define the meaning of what a friend is to them.
Strangers – It is easier to sort strangers than acquaintances. So what is a stranger? You wouldn’t want a stranger in your home for too long, she says. Strangers could be items that were given to you and you don’t even remember who or why the gift was given, and frankly you do not care for the item. It could be items you picked up on sale but never used. Anything that you are hanging on to, but wouldn’t miss if it was gone. Items that are buried in cupboards and garages.
Acquaintances- In between a friend and a stranger. These often times can be the hardest to decide on. Judith Kolberg suggest these items to go to a charity that is dear to you. I suggest you give a chance for these items be given away to other family members or friends who may want them. Especially handed down family items. It they also do not care for the item, then go ahead and donate it to your favorite charity. Other suggestions I have for acquaintances- box them up for 6 months. If you do not think about the box or have any interest in going into the box, then go ahead and give yourself the freedom to donate. You can also take a picture of the item, so you don’t forget it exists but allows you to not to have it in your home taking up space.
Additional Tips by Judith Kolberg: Clear an area to sort. Collect the items to sort. Count the items you are sorting. Choose 1/3 to be Friends. Go with your gut. The faster you pick out your friends, the better. Identify Strangers. Clear them out of your house immediately. Have someone else donate them, no chances of changing your mind! Determine a personal charity and donate your acquaintances.
Happy Sorting!
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