How Big Is Your Bookshelf?

I got to see all the girls and BOTH babies this weekend--lucky Nana! Here they are with the third story view from our apartment window--yes, sweeties, the WHOLE WORLD is yours!!!!

Something that comes up a lot when we work with clients is the subject of storage and how to maximize that space.

So, whether it’s closets, bookshelves, dressers or storage shelving, it’s common for all of us to think…”How much can I cram in here?”

I’m going to challenge you to make a slight shift and consider this…

If this is the bookshelf (closet, dresser, storage shelf) you have, and IF there is too much for it, then some editing is in order so that your belongings EASILY fit on or inside.

I realize this is possibly a stretch but consider the example of the books and bookshelf.

If the books are jammed and stuffed into the shelf, sideways, longways, (double rows, anyone?). Then, yes, you’ve technically “fit” them onto the shelf. Usually, though, as pictured above, the books are also stacked and trailing near the shelf or in various other locations throughout the house.

How does it feel?

Take a deep breath.

What if you used the bookshelf as your guide and only kept the books you loved and really spoke to you and your perceived future.

The exact number of books that EASILY and HAPPILY fits on the shelves.

Using your personal energy to decide what to keep and what to let go of is ALWAYS a good place to start when editing.

If, however, there are still too many to fit the storage space, then perhaps another round of editing is in order.

Let the “container” help guide you:

If your magazine rack holds 12 magazines then 67 magazines will not fit.

If your closet holds 30 pairs of shoes then 97 pairs is too many.

If your bookshelf holds 100 books but you own 3,640 books then some intentional editing is in order.

If your garage holds 2 cars but currently there’s room for 0 cars because of accumulated sports equipment, hardware, unfinished projects, bulk shopping items, boxes of heirlooms, stuff from college, your old job or trophies from High School, then it’s time! Winter’s coming! Let’s get the cars in the garage!!!!! (28% of Americans park in the driveway because the garage is being used for “storage”.)

Are you with me?

This week give it a try in a small area...is your sock drawer stuffed and stuck? Do just that--take them all out, let go of the orphans, the “holey” ones, any that are stretched out. Fold the rest, arrange them by type and watch that drawer glide in and out like MAGIC! Feels good, right?

Let me know how this concept applies to you...I LOVE hearing from you!

Thank you, also, for your generous responses from last week--just about everyone answered with a resounding “over 50%” of items that could GO.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Lots of Love,
XO
Jane

SUCCESS STORY:
And I heard from Lori (from last week’s newsletter)--
“It was soooo inspiring to hear my story.  It brought little tear drops to my eyes.  It really helped my motivation to hear your encouraging words.  I'm trying to take this in bites, so as not to burn myself out. Next weekend I hope to paint my kitchen.  I cleared most of the clutter from my book shelves and I want to place an ad on Craigslist to sell my desk (need to work on clearing it first).  I hung my mirror over the couch and it has definitely changed the energy.  It brings light into that corner of my space...Letting go of stuff can be emotionally terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.  This process is helping me to wrap myself around the reality that I can change my life for the better.  This is monumental for me.  I have never believed that I could experience abundance in my life and I am opening myself to the possibility.  Thanks so much for your help and encouragement.”

Please join me at 1pm, Saturday, Nov 19 at the WOMEN’S EXPO, at the DreamBank stage.

Bring your friends and make a day of it! The WOMEN’S EXPO is scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday with tons of inspiration, excitement and fun. PLEASE mark your calendars, I would LOVE to see you there!

Purchase tickets HERE