30-Day Writing Challenge: Day 13

Almost to the two week mark!  I don't know how well to say this is going, since I'm resisting the strong temptation to go back and read what I've written on past days- I'm pretty sure I would delete most of it.  But, pushing onward, we've another picture for today, this time from PicJumbo.  There are a lot of categories, though not a whole lot to choose from in all of them, at the free level.  Which is why they offer a premium level, of course.  Still, the pictures are nice, and you might just find something neat in you inbox (if you sign up to receive free pictures).  Fulfilling writing to you!

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.  
This is going to a be a simple article on simplicity (I know, the picture practically drips the word, doesn't it?)

I'm going to avoid the difficult areas, (cough --relationships, big-time priorities, life-goals--) and leave those for you to reason out.  You may or may not choose to apply the techniques I'll address for other, simpler things (like your closet; yes, this is slightly geared more towards women than men).  I know, unambitious of me.  But, let's start with, well, the small and simple.

If you know clothes just pile up in your closet from year to year, the clothes-hanger tip will be optimal for you.  Simply:

•  turn all your hangers backwards on the glorious day you wish to start organizing and voila!  You've done almost all that is necessary on one glorious day (it may not seem all that wonderful a day, though, compared to it's one-year anniversary, when you will behold the marvelous fruits of your labor).  
• Hang your clothes the opposite way the rest of the year  This is how you will keep track of what you're actually wearing.
• Check the date of that glorious day one year later, and you will easily see what you haven't worn for a year.  If you have quality pieces that you simply don't wear, list on Ebay.  Otherwise (or in the case that it doesn't sell within a few weeks), support your local Goodwill (or other charitable thrift stores- you may know of one connected to an organization or church in your neighborhood).  

This tip can be applied over shorter periods of time (every few months), but you just want to make sure you're not clearing clothes that are simply out of season.

Another simplifying tip is the one-in-two-out rule.  While that ratio isn't set  in stone, it keeps things easy and simple.  Whenever one thing comes into your house (a gift, a deal steal you couldn't pass up, etc), choose two things to get rid of (either the profitable or charitable route).  Not an easy rule, but incredible for simplifying space and possessions.

I strongly believe in keeping organized files (maybe because I have so many).  Initially organizing a mass of files isn't easy, but definitely worth it.  My personal rule is to make a new folder (or sub-folder, as the case may be) for any group of 5+ documents.  Folders and sub-folders make finding any document much simpler, and makes your files in general more streamlined.  And, if there's something dated and no longer necessary, it does pay to remember that it's not criminal to dispose of.

Organizing and simplifying may not be your favorite hobby, but you will thank yourself later, when, instead of searching and searching for something, or pushing through piles and piles in your closet, you find a simpler, clearer space, neat and orderly.

What do you do to simplify your life?