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Home / Business / Economy / Employment

Robyn Pearce: Clearing out clutter can change lives

Robyn Pearce
By Robyn Pearce
Time and productivity columnist for the NZ Herald·NZ Herald·
11 Apr, 2016 09:30 PM3 mins to read

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What great places or organisations do you know that can benefit from our 'junk'? Photo / iStock

What great places or organisations do you know that can benefit from our 'junk'? Photo / iStock

Robyn Pearce
Opinion by Robyn Pearce
Time and productivity columnist for the NZ Herald
Learn more

In a recent article about protecting and improving our energy by clearing out clutter I shared that I was eliminating one thing per day from my bedroom. (I've since extended that to anywhere in my home or office.)

You might like some of the great contributions that flowed in from readers.

Computer clutter

From Diane:

'I have also been doing it to my computer files. Every day I look into one directory and clean out or archive any documents that I do not need. Do you know how many useless lists I have kept over 20 years?'

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Your rejects can change people's lives

From Nigel in Melbourne:

'The "Throw one thing a day" was taken up by the Salvation Army here as a "Lenten practice": Grab a garbage bag and put in it one thing per day that you no longer use. Then take it to the local Salvation Army shop.

It also fits with the mindfulness movement - especially where it is coupled with generosity in relation to charity.

I recently gave away 2 suits and some shirts (suits that I no longer fit, because I've lost 15kg) to a charity that helps people get back into work (including homeless people). Actually taking it to the shop creates a much better connection than simply stuffing it in a charity bin.'

Discover more

Opinion

Robyn Pearce: How to resilience-proof your kids

01 Dec 08:30 PM
Opinion

Robyn Pearce: Don't wrap the kids in cotton wool

09 Dec 08:30 PM
Opinion

Is there an efficient and easy way to set goals?

26 Jan 11:00 PM
Opinion

Robyn Pearce: Delegation is not a one-stage process

08 Feb 08:33 PM

We all know about recycling bins and op shops, but you might like to cast your net a bit wider when you're emptying your clothes cupboards.

A number of organisations make a huge difference in people's lives by recycling good quality unwanted clothes in a different way. They help clothe and mentor both men and women desperate to get into work but without the clothes or skills to be taken seriously at interviews.

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Worldwide: Dress for Success

In New Zealand there are branches in quite a few cities.

Australia: Fitted for Work for women and Wear for Success for men.

And you can also help our four-footed friends

From Kim:

'Perfect advice. Yes, clutter does block energy.

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'I just got a new bigger linen cupboard built and discovered as I moved the stuff to its new home that I had accumulated SIX unmatched king sized flat sheets whose matching fitted sheet had died...Numerous pillowcases enough for hundreds of heads and several unused duvet covers. No wonder it never fitted into my small linen cupboard before. It's great to release these things to the SPCA for pet bedding.'

My next weekend job is to go through my linen cupboard. I don't like wasting old linen that still has life in it, but my linen cupboard is also getting cluttered. Thanks Kim - I'd not thought of the SPCA as needing pet bedding.

What other great places or organisations do you know that can benefit from our 'junk'?

Robyn Pearce CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) is known as the Time Queen. She mastered her own time challenges and now helps people around the world overcome theirs. She can show you how to transform your time challenges into high productivity and the life balance you desire. Start by downloading her free report "How to Master Time In Only 90 Seconds" at www.gettingagrip.com. It's a simple yet powerful diagnostic tool to help you identify your key areas for action.
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