The visual presence of clutter and the quantity of it, frequently is the trigger to decide once and for all that it’s time to get organized. Decluttering the physical stuff is certainly one piece of the organizing puzzle.

I was recently contacted by Marni Jameson, a nationally syndicated lifestyle columnist. She was seeking resources to respond to a letter she received by reader of her column. The letter came from a gentleman who recently lost his wife.

It takes less than five minutes of watching or reading local, national, or international news to learn of a disaster somewhere in the world. Disaster comes in many forms and in the wake of the unspeakable tragedy and disaster of September 11, 2001, the US deemed September National Preparedness Month.

It’s a fairly common refrain, and one that I and countless professional organizers hear quite often. It ranks right up there with ‘I don’t know where to begin.’

The internet abounds with tips on how to pack, ideas for donating or selling unwanted items, how to choose a moving company, and so much more. Until it is all organized into a useful plan, it is a jumble of information adding to an already stress-laden event.

More and more, it is becoming a well-known fact that a disorganized and cluttered home is a direct link to stress. Women unfortunately suffer the stigma of this more than men.

The garage does seem like a logical place to store some items. Without a shed, yard and gardening tools likely call the garage home, as do bicycles and other outdoor toys or equipment. But it also becomes the drop zone for things to be dealt with later, or not at all.

Decluttering, and making that decision to let go sometimes is the easy part. It can be challenging to decide whether to donate outright or sell certain belongings. The question of whether to sell becomes the juggernaut.

Perhaps the time has come for your parents or other aging family members to move to a smaller home or senior living community. Years of raising a family, inherited heirlooms, hobbies, careers, and the treasures of life are evident in every room of the house. Move forward with compassion and respect.

When you hear the word clutter, what thoughts come to mind? Piles of paper? Overstuffed closets? S-t-u-f-f e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e?