Being Cluttered May Lead to Difficulty Categorizing

I just picked up the latest edition of Allure magazine and I saw a great little tidbit on clutter. I love that women's magazines are finally getting on board with reporting on the issues of organization.

In a Havard study, it was concluded that people with cluttered handbags, closets, or desks may have difficulty categorizing. Self-identified pack rats and people who didn't have trouble throwing things away were asked to sort 20 items into any categories they deemed appropriate. The "pack rats" took twice as long, and felt more stressed. "Getting rid of clutter requires one to discriminate between valuable and discardable items, " says study coauthur Sara A. Luchian, but hoarders may "see each object as unique." To simplify the process, she suggests, lose the "just in case" stashes.

I thought this was such an interesting study as I see the results on a daily basis. That is why most people hire me. It takes a shorter time to organize when you have someone there helping you with the decisions. When you have a professional there to help with the categorizing and finding a "home" for everything, it becomes an easier process for those with a tendency to hold onto things. Plus, you are left with a home for each object which makes it quicker for similar objects coming in or getting rid of items that might not fit into your most valuable sections.

Go Shopping in DC Without the Tax

Who needs an excuse to shop in DC? If you are one of those people, look no further. From August 4 through midnight on August 12, DC is offering its first 2007 Sales Tax Holiday. The Sales Tax holiday grants an exemption from the 5.75 percent sales tax for school items, clothes, shoes, and accessory items. To qualify, each item must cost $100 or less.

The sales tax exemption will apply to each eligible item, no matter how many items are on the bill. This is a great way to get a jump start on back to school shopping! Enjoy.

For a quick reference on items, see below:
Clothes (clothing)
Any article of apparel for humans, including pants, shirts and blouses, dresses, coats, jackets, belts, hats, undergarments, and multiple-piece garments sold as a set, if $100 or less.
Shoes
All footwear, except skis, swim fins, roller blades, and roller-skates.
Accessory Items
Jewelry, non-prescription eyeglasses, watches, watchbands, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, gloves, scarves, ties, headbands, hats, belts and belt buckles, and other traditional accessory items.
School Supplies
Pens, pencils, stationery, art supplies, book bags, lunch boxes, calculators, and other items purchased for educational use in the classroom, at home, or for any school activity.