A  short time ago, I wrote an article called “Do You Own Your Stuff – or Does It Own You?”

To see this article in full without digging through my archives click on http://www.personal-growth-with-corinne-edwards.com/do-you-own-your-stuff-or-does-it-own-you/   Please read it and then come back here!

In the original article, I talked about my friend and much respected author, Regina Leeds, who is the Queen of Organization!  She has written several books to assist the disorganized and disoriented people like us.  And more coming!

She was nice enough to add a comment to my original  article that I thought was so useful that I would make a special posting for it so you would not miss it.

Try to read the first article above so you will get what she is referring to in her answer to it!

 Here’s Regina’s comment _

Regina Leeds said on August 30, 2007 at 5:49 pm |
It was so wonderful to read this entry, Corinne, and learn of your hard work! I remember that visit to Chicago on your TV show as if it were yesterday.
I wanted to make a few comments, if that’s OK.
1. Old sheets and towels are always appreciated by your local vet or animal hospital. If you’re an animal person like I am, this will make you feel really good! I drop off all of my clients old linens at my vet’s office.
When your dog or cat as to stay overnight, by the way, be sure and bring something with your scent on it…and maybe a favorite towel to line their cage.
2.I wasn’t sure which shoe boxes you purchased, Corinne, so I wanted to say my favorite is the acrylic shoe box with a pull out drawer. You can stack your shoes (in color order of course!) and see what you have. I get the large size intended for men’s shoes because it can handle ladies high heels oh so well!
If space is an issue, you can use a canvas, over the door, shoe hanging holder for your athletic shoes and store your evening shoes up on a shelf (in an acrylic shoe box of course!).
3. I do prefer to do the entire closet at once, however, I understand if one can’t whether the consideration is financial, emotional or time. It’s important to work one garment at a time.
When I read a piece and see the suggestion is to first take everything out, I cringe … whatever you decide to keep is going to end up wrinkled!
4. I like my clients to confer with their own tax person about how long to keep records. I can, however, share what my tax lady advises me. To wit: keep the actual returns forever; keep the back up material for 3 years if you are an individual and for 7 if you are a corportaion. Each state has specific guidelines….for example, here in California we have to keep such material for 4 years.
The IRS will go back to 1988 ONLY if they suspect you of fraud. I think you can start shredding, Corinne!
“One Year to an Organized Life” will be out in Janaury. Perseus is the publisher. It’s really a work of love on my part. I’ve wanted to write this book for over 5 years! The year is broken into 12 months of projects. And every month begins with a search into the past to find out how today’s space challenges were created. Next we craft a plan. Then we get up on our feet and start organzing!
“The Idiot’s Guide to Decluttering” that just came out this past May is designed to be a reference guide. You decide, for example, that today you want to organize your DVD’s and voila! you find the instructions.
My blessings to all of your readers…especially those willing to embark on the great adventure of creating an organized life.
Regina