I’m up to my ears in my first day of cleaning, but I wanted to share a little bit of the background with you as I start this adventure.
You see, I was raised in the military. As a military child, and later a military wife, we moved every 1, 2 or 3 years. That meant that at least every 3 years, you had to sort through things in order to keep the “move weight” to a minimum.
But times have changed. My husband is no longer in the military – and hasn’t been for 35 years.
We’ve lived in this house for 28 years.
Basically, it’s time for a clean up!
Now add to that a couple of other houses that we’ve inherited from relatives – in another city! – and you begin to see the issue. Not only do I need to clean out MY house, but I have to dispose of two estates, including some estate paperwork.
I’ve tried to do this part-time, in my “spare time” and it just wasn’t happening. So I’ve decided to take the month of August and just dedicate myself to Getting It Done!
Now that doesn’t mean you won’t see me. In fact, you may see even MORE of me. Because I knew I couldn’t just step away from my business cold turkey – I love it too much! So I’ve decided to Clean Up my business, too!
I’ll be getting rid of old domains, old sites, old products, old courses, old books – all sorts of things that I no longer use. Some I may put into an online garage sale. Others I’ll sell on ebay or other sites. Others I’ll update.
Overall, I’ll be sharing my business-related tasks with you, along the way. Why not join me? It’s too hot outside to leave the air-conditioning, so let’s Clean Up YOUR business, too!
Now back to my dust!
Thank you Jeanette for that post. I have been doing the same thing. I am redoing my membership site, my follow up emails, getting ride of a lot of junk that I do not use anymore and consolidate a lot of my information.
I have created so many sites, not as many as yours, but I want to consolitate more and make it easier to keep up with.
Thank you for sharing that with us and I hope that you accomplish your goal of getting it all done in August. i wanted to get all of mine done in July, but I ended up with a houseful for 3 weeks and now I am back to GETTING IT DONE! The end of August is my goal also.
Joyce Jagger
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jeanette Cates and Jeanette Cates, terrifore. terrifore said: RT @JeanetteCates August Clean Up http://bit.ly/aqfMXN […]
Jeanette, I’m tired just thinking about it! Better you than me. I’d rather be working, LOL! However, you are right. If life, business, etc get too cluttered it tends to pull us in too many directions, none of which are productive. Who knows, you just may inspire me to get off my fanny and do a little organizing myself. I’ll let you know if that actually comes to pass as I follow you this month.
God Bless!
Celene Harrelson
Exactly!! If cleaning up means to be more focused – then count me in! Although I am very afraid that your clean up may mean even more in my house – I am a sucker for sales!!
Jeannette,
You are awesome. I love this. I had started slowly doing some clean up, but now I am going to use August to help me get mine done and look for a fresh start in “September. You are an inspiration.
Great idea and I am working at it. I get sidetracked with reading through so much “stuff” and work hard at keeping focused. Thanks for the inspiration.
LOVE IT Jeanette!
Of course, parting of cleaning out clutter could be having a tag sale – grin!
This summer I went through my hard drive and organized all the internet marketing products I had purchased but that I am not currently using or promoting.
I put them all in file folders by topic, and then put all of them into a file folder, all nice and tidy. When the time is right, I have a great idea of what to do with that folder, in the meantime, it’s “off my desk” so I can focus on other more pressing matters!
You are going to feel so good through this process Jeanette,
YOU GO GIRL.
D’vorah
Sounds like you are making a “clean” break. Don’t miss any dust bunnies. I know your “trash” will be treasures for us. Bring ‘er on.
ah yea, for me its a never ending struggle. Last year I managed to clean the garage enough to get one of the two cars in out of the snow. This year it’s more, going through my emails of various accounts and removing the clutter. The joys of fall. My wife feels I should start with the books in the den. Never going to happen.
Keep posting on your progress. it will help the rest of us stay focused.
Yes I am with you on this, time to get er on and throw stuff, undoubtedly next week I will wonder what happened to that valuable insight written on that Christmas card from my insurance agent, but has to be done.
Dale
Is there something in the August air? Is it because vacations are not on the agenda? I too am focused on organizing my house,work and my mom’s upcoming cataract surgery #2.
That means some things go off the plate and few go on. Ah, to practice that with eating…
But I am about to start a series on organized blogging. I so appreciate your post as I take a break from my tasks. I am also putting more on Ebay, you never know…
Take care and look forward to listening to you tonight!
I read your Tweet – “Whew! Just cleaned out 18,188 email messages!”
I will try and not email you so much. I didn’t know you were counting!
George – it’s not just YOU – you’re so funny! 🙂
Hi Jeannette,
This is a great idea. Clean-up in August! I am on board. I had a rough July and this is a perfect time to review, retoool and redesign.
Renee the Writer
This is so exciting! Thank you ALL for your comments and encouragement. I figured by publicly declaring it and blogging about it, it would keep ME on task. But I had no idea so many of us were thinking along those same lines. But I guess it’s a universal problem (aka opportunity!)
@Rosie – For me, August is generally a fairly quiet month – and this year it’s just plain time-critical. Making three house payments is ridiculous when you are only living in one! Besides, I think we were conditioned for 18 years to “start new” in September, so this is perfect timing.
Okay, back to those dust bunnies – the real ones. I’ve spent as long on my computer as I can for now. Now I have to move into the physical realm. Ugh.
Talk about great minds thinking alike. I’ve inherited my mom’s stuff and her brother has just retired and moved out of the country. So guess who he gave the “family heirlooms” to? lol….
It’s tedious — and more emotional than I thought. My suggestion: Just keep at it — and take plenty of mini breaks. You’ll be surprised at how fresh your eyes will be after ten minutes away from the dust.
BTW — you look fabulous! Love the new look…
We are all on the same mission. My cleaning and organizing has come about after taking the Organizing Your Business class. I started the project in June. In July I had two strokes and have been working my way back into business slowly. Some memory loss is the end result of the strokes, so I am very lucky. However, reorganizing and pitching out the old clutter will keep me on track and stress free as I begin my online marketing business.
When you “clean up” everything in your life, you make room for the “new”. Funny you should write about this topic, because I’m doing the same thing. I’m cleaning out my house, steam-cleaning my carpet & furniture. I’m cleaning out two storage sheds full of beautiful furniture that I will no longer use – and having a garage sale. I’ve been giving clothes away to charitable groups. I’ve been cleaning all of the paperwork off my desk. I usually am very good about organizing things in my life, but somehow, I know that I need a big “sweep!” So, it’s happening and it feels great. You will feel great too!
@Holly – glad to see you back online. I truly admire your persistence and hope you’re not stressing yourself. Take care of YOU first.
@Vickie – I agree. Cleaning out a household is stressful. It’s easier with my father-in-law’s than my mother’s because it’s not as close. But it’s a tough job. Inspired me to write an article for Thursday’s post on the Ideal Business.
@Laureen – can hardly wait to get that feeling of “space” – right now I’m still in the WORK stage.
Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments! It’s more fun when I can stop by the computer now and then and see your friendly faces and encouraging words.
I think we can start our own 12 step program over the month of August – but if we start having sponsors we could procrastinate a whole lot by “having to call our sponsor” – hmmm – back to the dust mop I guess..You have all our support!
Terrie
Just what the doctor ordered Jeanette. I’ve been trying to organize my house – just got the sun room cleaned out. I haven’t been able to use that room for over a year, I had so much junk in it. Now on to the family room….
And my web sites…I keep adding products and websites, and now it is time to organize things. I did just update one of my e-books, but my other products remain outdated. I think it’s time to stop creating new stuff and start marketing the stuff I have, get rid of some and repurpose others.
Perfect timing for me Jeanette, I’m right with you.
Now if I could only organize my kids!
Joanne
Jeanette,
I’m in the middle of cleaning out all my physical files. What a surprise to discover how much I ‘ve accummulated. When I can’t face it anymore, I go to my email account and delete stuff there. At the end of the day, no matter how much or how little I feel that I’ve made progress. So, I’m going to redouble my efforts of this month. Thanks.
Brilliant, Jeanette! I’ve been thinking about how to make a good use of this hot time of year when I end up staying indoors more of the time. I love your idea to clear the decks for a fresh start in September.
August is also a great time to get the bookkeeping and income tax files reviewed and up to date, if needed.
My favorite method for these types of not-always-fun tasks is to use the 20-20-20 method. It is twenty minutes focused on one specific clearing task, then switch to a somewhat different specific task for the next 20 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of something relaxing or fun. Then repeat. Use a timer to keep on track. This method gives me variety, keeps me moving forward, and blends in some fun too.
I wish you great success with your clearing projects, Jeanette!
~Leslie
I can really sympathize with you Jeanette – I just moved and it was not easy
Just added to my stress by buying another PC and I am floating back and forth mac to pc
Found too many things would not integrate with the Mac so here I go again.
Wishing you much stamina for the emptying of 2 houses. The emotions much be really hard in your Mom’s house – now that the years have gone by, it is time to do it. and the cleaning will be more than just space.
Namaste to you and my thoughts are with you as you plod along
Jeanne
Thanks, Jeanne. It’s been so helpful to hear the encouragement from everyone – and to know that I’m not the only one who doesn’t love this stuff, but still recognizes it has to be done. You’re over the hump with the move behind you. I’m looking forward to being about to say that the worst is behind me!
Been doing the same thing here too for the past year.
I stated a weight loss journey last summer and at that time we cleaned out the pole bard of stuff we moved there 10 years ago and never touched. We filled a 20 yard dumpster.
I think it helps a lot with letting go of the excess weight too -88 lbs later and holding.
Then this month we moved my inlaws and my Mom all up to WI from IL and that involved cleaning out two houses and getting them settled into a new place.
In the mean time my career focus has changed to now helping others to lose weight so I’m cleaning out my files and old business things making room for my new career.
I just read the book throw out 50 things and I truely believe that releasing the old junk really is freeing.
I think everyone would be a lot better off with less stuff not more.
Happy cleaning everyone!
NatalieJo
Wow! Natalie Jo that’s exciting. 88 pounds, huh? Makes me want to run right in there and start cleaning. And in fact, today is MY closet day. Ugh. If I only keep the things that fit, it should be a really empty place by the end of the day. I’ll keep your weight loss idea in mind as I do it! Thanks for dropping by –
Jeanette
[…] donned this button from the Florida Lactation Consultant Association (FLCA). I found it doing the August Cleanup suggested by Dr. Jeanette Cates on her […]