DIY Network

America's Biggest Pack Rat From "Special Presentation" episode DABP-S

(Continued from page 1)

Clearing Out

1. Before the team arrived, a dumpster was placed in the backyard for trash.

2. Cardboard was discarded and anything being kept was transferred to rubber containers.

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	Getting stuff to a neutral area makes it easier to sort through it, so the team took all of Tom and Theresa's things into the backyard.
	PODS are needed for temporary storage.
	For now, the team is using portable POD containers onsite to help store items while the inside of the house is attacked.
	Tarps were placed across the yard.
	Garage sale-style signs were put down to create categories.

Sorting

Andrew Mellen a/k/a VirgoMan®, is a nationally recognized expert in the field of organizing. He works with corporate and individual clients throughout the country helping them create order out of chaos. And when he's not helping the organizationally challenged clean up their act and get rid of clutter, Andrew can often be found bringing his message of simplifying one's life to folks through shows, radio and in magazines. He's currently writing a book about getting organized, clearing the clutter and simplifying one's life. For more information about Andrew and the services his provides, visit www.virgoman.com

• Off-site storage is generally not a good idea. As a short term solution, it can sometimes be acceptable, but it is never a long term solution. Sort and purge.

• Where does this live? A place for everything and everything in its place. If you get it out, put it away. Do not put it aside to be put away later. According to Andrew, "Later doesn't exist."

• The more you have, the more you need. As you sort through things, really consider what you need versus what you want to keep. Keep only those things you absolutely need. If you aren't wiling to throw things away, then give them to someone who will make use of it.
  
  
• Stuff becomes invisible after a while. If you don't know it's there then you won't use it. And if you don't use it, you don't need it.

• Gifts are given to enhance the quality of your life and as a gesture of caring. It is the act of giving that is noteworthy, not the gift itself. If something doesn't work for you, for whatever reason, you are allowed to re-gift it or donate it to the charity of your choice. It does not mean you don't like the gift giver or are somehow disrespectful. If they made you a tuna casserole and left it for you, and you don't care for tuna, would you force yourself to eat it? It is the same thing.

• Your father is not the broken clock, and the broken clock is not your father. In other words, if your deceased father left you a broken clock and you have no use for it you will not be dishonoring him by getting rid of the clock. Honor the person, not the thing.

• Come across something you forgot about? How long has it been in that box/tub/bag? Have you missed it? If not, let it go.

• Does it even work anymore? If not, then why are you keeping it?

• Bring something home, throw something out. The way to avoid clutter is for there not to be too much than there is space to handle. Buy a new blouse, donate an old one to charity. Buy a new saw? Give the old one to your neighbor.

Garage Preparation

1. The Voyles garage was stacked with many boxes of things belonging both to the Voyles and to extended family members. Over half of what was stored there could be discarded immediately. The rest was organized into Rubbermaid containers and placed in more suitable storage areas. Tools and other garage-appropriate items were then organized outside.

2. Kristin Joyce and the Closet-Maid team evaluated how the Voyles family wanted to use the garage space and designed a Max-Load system to accommodate their needs. The components were purchased at a local home improvement center and assembled on site.

3. Before installing the Max-Load system, the entire garage was cleared. The floors were power washed and the OSB plywood on the walls was painted a neutral color. All old cabinets were removed and discarded.

Before

Order is restored!

After

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