Cool Tool: The X Box

As we approach the transition into a new decade, it's a great time to re-evaluate the "stuff" in your home or office area.

A method I've found to be very helpful for the process of purging is the "X" Box. Find any cardboard box and draw a large "X" on the outside. Place it in the room or zone you intend to purge. The "X" indicates this item is no longer needed in your house and needs to go somewhere else!
Simply having the presence of a ready container in the area will encourage you to start assessing items in the area, then placing items in the box as you see them. If you are ready for a large purge, put X-boxes in every room. Every time you pass through the room and see the box, stop to think "Is there anything else I need to put in the box?" as you go by. Two key questions I find helpful are:

• Do you represent who I am now?
• What gives you the right to live in my space?

You will be surprised at how quickly you will collect unwanted and unnecessary items, simply because you've created a place for them to go!

(c) 2009 Sheri Smith Bertolini