Life management insights, strategies, hints, ideas, and tips from Dr. DClutter™.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Change Directions


If you do not like the direction your life is taking, change directions.














Dr. DClutter™

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Are You Free?

"What are you doing?" "Hey, are you busy? Are you available tomorrow?" "Sure". Stop!! You've just divulged sensitive information that could be used against you (and possibly abused) by a friend, family member or colleague without knowing pertinent information. I've learned from experience that you never answer a question without knowing the motive of the person asking. Does this mean that you have to turn into an inch-high-private-eye and become suspiciously paranoid every time someone asks for a favor? Of course not!! But it does mean that when someone is asking you for the valuable commodity that is your time, you should garner as much information before committing. Remember in English class when a story required answering the "who", "what", when", "where", and "how" of it all? Same principle applies when committing to a favor. I'm just saying.

Dr. DClutter™

Monday, March 29, 2010

Clutterless Children

Children for the most part are not naturally clutterers, that is until we as adults teach them those habits. If your child wants to get rid of items and you want to hold on to them (you want veto power), try this method. As the parent, you get three "overrides". One for sentimental reasons because YOU have an attachment to the item, but your child doesn't. One for economic reasons because you feel YOU paid too much and the item hasn't been used to its fullest potential and one wild card veto-just because you said so. No explanation needed.

Dr. DClutter™

Friday, March 26, 2010


I often read a small town paper online called the Daily Herald. In the opinion section, there is something called Sound Off! The purpose is for readers to share comments about what matters to them, ranging from topics about life in the city, politics and personal pet peeves, to compliments and complaints. I thoroughly enjoy reading Sound Off! and decided to offer something similar to you, my faithful followers. I love it!! In Sound Off! readers are encouraged to stay on topic, be respectful and the use of foul or obscene language, personal attacks or uses of another's identity to post are not allowed. The rules for what I am calling "Let Go!! with Dr. DClutter™" are the same. Every Friday is our official Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™ day. I'll post your advice, ideas, stories and thoughts. It'll be a place for you to share your life management and organization issues as well as discuss life events that inspire, empower or bother you. You can "leave it all here", as long as you follow the rules I discussed above. All comments will be reviewed before posting. So get ready, get set and Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™.

Dr. DClutter™

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Package Deal

It seems that everything comes in a package, bundle, or with an add on. What about your relationships? Do you find that your family or friends are asking you to change your core values or beliefs or are asking you to do more and more to appease them? Do you find that you are constantly asked to do "this or that", and that you're acquiescing more than not? At what point do you say that the package they see before them is all that you have to offer? When will you say "No" to package deals?

Dr. DClutter™

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Living versus Existing

Living means you enjoy what you are doing. Existing means you have resigned yourself to doing it. Living means you're an active participant. Existing means you simply react. Are you living or simply existing?

Dr. DClutter™

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Organized is the New Clutter

If 40 can be the new 20, doesn't it stand to reason that organization can be the new clutter? Okay, I may be stretching it on that popular phrase, but stay with me on this. Let's just face it, being organized takes effort, but the cost of disorganization isn't without severe consequences as well and it can be too high. You may experience lost time (late for everything); lost money (I thought I had one, but I have to buy it again); increased stress (Ugh!! No explanation needed) and lowered productivity (repetition without reward is no fun). So, join me in the latest (and greatest trend)-organization!!

Dr. DClutter™

Monday, March 22, 2010

No Rut!!

I don't like being bored and doubt that you do either. So, when I'm asked what to do when your routine becomes "boring, stale, or monotonous," my simple answer to that question is "change it". I would never advocate for staying in circumstances (routines) that are not fulfilling, productive and at the least, somewhat pleasant. Routines serve a purpose as they give you a blueprint of how your day "should or could" be, but nowhere is it written that you have to endure "routine" if there's room for positive change.


Dr. DClutter™

Friday, March 19, 2010


I often read a small town paper online called the Daily Herald. In the opinion section, there is something called Sound Off! The purpose is for readers to share comments about what matters to them, ranging from topics about life in the city, politics and personal pet peeves, to compliments and complaints. I thoroughly enjoy reading Sound Off! and decided to offer something similar to you, my faithful followers. I love it!! In Sound Off! readers are encouraged to stay on topic, be respectful and the use of foul or obscene language, personal attacks or uses of another's identity to post are not allowed. The rules for what I am calling "Let Go!! with Dr. DClutter™" are the same. Every Friday is our official Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™ day. I'll post your advice, ideas, stories and thoughts. It'll be a place for you to share your life management and organization issues as well as discuss life events that inspire, empower or bother you. You can "leave it all here", as long as you follow the rules I discussed above. All comments will be reviewed before posting. So get ready, get set and Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™.

Dr. DClutter™

Thursday, March 18, 2010

PBF (Paralysis By Fear)™

Do you suffer from PBF (Paralysis By Fear)™? Does your heart pound at the thought of a new challenge? An old challenge? Any challenge? Are you blanketed by dread as you seek to change? Has PBF affected you to the point that you no longer even attempt new things? Old things? Any thing? Perfection, as I've stated many times before is best served as a childhood game (April 16, 2009). Perfection limits your progress because you become paralyzed before you even start. You set unrealistic goals or have rigid standards of success that you may never attain. Instead, focus on the progress you've made, whether great or small.

Dr. DClutter™

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Permission Granted!!

This is it. I'm going to start a new way of life-today. Oh, no, not today because I have to do something else. But definitely tomorrow; yes, tomorrow is the day I'll start. Oops, can't start tomorrow because I have that other thing to do, but definitely the next day-no doubt-the next day. No, on second thought it's the end of the week, and the weekend is here. You know, that's not the best time to start this new life plan, but I'll definitely start on Monday. Yes, Monday is the perfect time to start. But…

Does this sound familiar? Perhaps like one of the "internal conversations" you experienced? You know the type-no one else is present, just you and yet you still manage to talk yourself out of doing things that will benefit your life? Sometimes, just starting is the hardest part. It doesn't have to be. Now is the time to reorganize your internal language. Now is the time to say that procrastination cannot reside in your life for more than a day (One Day Rule™). Now is the time to say that it's okay to start, perhaps stall and maybe even experience a successful failure, but not starting is not an option. The fear of beginning a new thing will no longer be a part of your life. Give yourself permission to start.



Dr. DClutter™

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Strange Bedfellows

Do you sleep alone? No I'm not delving into your personal life, but I want to know if you share your bed with clutter? I have a friend, who will remain nameless, because he or she would punish me if I mentioned his or her name (or showed the actual bed. So for full disclosure, this is not my friend's bed). Anyhoo, this friend sleeps with so much stuff on the bed, that there is only a small space for the actual body!! Clothes, shoes, books, CD's, DVD's, perhaps a lost tribe-all share the bed. No wonder my friend complains of restlessness and lack of sleep. If this sounds like you, kick those strange bedfellows out, reclaim your bed and enjoy sleeping alone.

Teddy bears optional.

Dr. DClutter™

Monday, March 15, 2010

Life Happens

Life happens and you can either be an active participant or a non-participating bystander. Which will you choose?

Dr. DClutter™

Friday, March 12, 2010


I often read a small town paper online called the Daily Herald. In the opinion section, there is something called Sound Off! The purpose is for readers to share comments about what matters to them, ranging from topics about life in the city, politics and personal pet peeves, to compliments and complaints. I thoroughly enjoy reading Sound Off! and decided to offer something similar to you, my faithful followers. I love it!! In Sound Off! readers are encouraged to stay on topic, be respectful and the use of foul or obscene language, personal attacks or uses of another's identity to post are not allowed. The rules for what I am calling "Let Go!! with Dr. DClutter™" are the same. Every Friday is our official Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™ day. I'll post your advice, ideas, stories and thoughts. It'll be a place for you to share your life management and organization issues as well as discuss life events that inspire, empower or bother you. You can "leave it all here", as long as you follow the rules I discussed above. All comments will be reviewed before posting. So get ready, get set and Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™.

Dr. DClutter™

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Content with Me?

Since we had so much snow not so long ago, and so many people lost power, it made me think about contentment. What if I'd lost power (which, thankfully I did not), and had no television or Internet access for entertainment? What if I did not have lights? I could read during the day, but what about at night? I could use a flashlight as I did as a child, under the covers, just to get a few more pages completed-but that wouldn't be ideal; what if I was not prepared with a flashlight and couldn't read? Okay, that would probably never happen because I am the flashlight and battery queen, but let's just suppose it did. What would I do to "entertain" myself? Sometimes circumstances require that we spend time with ourselves, which made me think. Would I be content as my own "company" and sole "companionship"? Would "I" be enough for me? Would you be enough for you?

Dr. DClutter™

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Procrastination Avoidance


I've been on a travel kick for a while, so let's stay on that path. When I get home from a business or personal trip-I'm generally aiming for a hello to my family, a shower and my bed. But, before I can get that reward, I have to unpack, wash all of my travel laundry and put everything away. I unpack so that procrastination doesn't have a chance to creep in. Without doing so, I feel as if I'm still in travel mode. It normally takes an hour or so to unpack and put away the things that don’t have to be laundered, but it can take a few hours to wash, dry, fold and put away everything. It's worth it!! The next day, I'm back into my normal routine and don't have mounds of laundry and suitcases mockingly staring at me from across the room. Ah, a return to normalcy.

Dr. DClutter™

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Prepare to Pack

Since I've had some inquiries about how to PREPARE to pack most effectively, I thought I'd share my method. Notice I said, MY method; it may not work for you, so, what I suggest is that you tailor it to fit your lifestyle. There are many sites that you can visit to learn HOW to pack, so I'm not going to focus on telling you to roll your clothes versus folding them-maybe another day.

Santa is not the only one making a list and checking it twice. I have lists for most aspects of my life and business. I've written about my pantry list before (March 5, 2009), but I also have a list for packing and shopping (others too, but that's not the focus for today). When I'm preparing to travel, I have a master list that rarely changes from trip to trip and contains things that I know I have to have when I'm away from home. I would show it here, but that would be TMI (Too Much Information)-I have to keep some things a mystery. I like to make my hotel room feel as close to my home environment as possible, so I include my favorite bed linen, scents and even pictures. Then I prepare a trip specific list that contains the outfits and items I'll need for each day. I list each day of the trip and write each day's outfit and essentials under that day. As I pack, I simply check off each item. It reduces my stress (somewhat) about accidentally leaving something essential. It makes it so much easier to know what to pack and also allows me to see, at a glance, where I can add or remove items. Yes, I rarely end up removing items, and I've already admitted that I consistently over pack, but that's my cross to bear.

P.S. That's a picture of my actual suitcase (well, one of them anyway).

Dr. DClutter™

Monday, March 8, 2010

The Anxious Traveler

I don't have many fears-worms, snakes, falling from a high bridge, but I think those are more dislikes than fears. Even though I am diligent in preparing to pack (see tomorrow's post), I still always have anxiety that I've forgotten something. Well, I guess, as far as fears go, that's pretty low on the fear-o-meter scale. What's your fear?

Dr. DClutter™

Friday, March 5, 2010


I often read a small town paper online called the Daily Herald. In the opinion section, there is something called Sound Off! The purpose is for readers to share comments about what matters to them, ranging from topics about life in the city, politics and personal pet peeves, to compliments and complaints. I thoroughly enjoy reading Sound Off! and decided to offer something similar to you, my faithful followers. I love it!! In Sound Off! readers are encouraged to stay on topic, be respectful and the use of foul or obscene language, personal attacks or uses of another's identity to post are not allowed. The rules for what I am calling "Let Go!! with Dr. DClutter™" are the same. Every Friday is our official Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™ day. I'll post your advice, ideas, stories and thoughts. It'll be a place for you to share your life management and organization issues as well as discuss life events that inspire, empower or bother you. You can "leave it all here", as long as you follow the rules I discussed above. All comments will be reviewed before posting. So get ready, get set and Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™.

Dr. DClutter™

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Someday Defined

I've said before that putting things off for "someday" is a sure fire way to procrastinate. So I thought I'd expound on how you can still plan for the future tasks in your life, without allowing the procrastination "monster" to rule the roost in your life. If you can put some definitive points to your someday, it becomes less of a dream and more of a plan. For example, if you say you want to redecorate your bedroom, without specifics-it a "someday" task. But, if you say you want to redecorate your bedroom when you've saved $500, have perused magazines to get an idea of the style you want and may have even "window" shopped for some items, it's more of a plan, even if you don't have a definitive date.

Dr. DClutter™

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Lost Without You

Quickly tell me, from memory, the telephone numbers of three of your closest friends. Are you finding that difficult? If you're like many (me included), you have stopped memorizing telephone numbers because you have them stored in your cell phone or programmed in the speed dial feature of your phone. What happens if/when your phone dies? Unless you have a backup of those numbers, you're going to have to scramble to recreate that list. That'll be loads of fun, won't it? How will you do it if you don't already know the numbers? It's a catch 22 nightmare!! Here's a simple method to avoid that-store the numbers in more than one place. I know, simple, right? But how many of you have that list? Or if you have it, when was the last time you updated it? Just asking.

Dr. DClutter™

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

To Change or Not to Change

This is not a complaint, but just a chance to share-really-no complaints. Why the need for this post? It's because I've had a few too many phone calls or emails from people saying that they can't do it all. Huh? In all of my classes and seminars, I ALWAYS say that everything is not for EVERYONE. No one size fits all. Use the ones that work for you and don't, for the ones that don't. Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? Surprisingly, it's not. People want to change, but may find that it's difficult to do so. That change can become even more difficult if you are trying to incorporate too many life changes at once. It's not mandatory that you follow any of the advice, suggestions or tips I provide. You're a free thinker, after all (SMILE). I simply provide my opinion and insight and gently suggest that you could benefit from my experiences. Okay, maybe, not so gently-but mildly suggest that you could benefit from my experiences. Okay, in some cases I may strongly suggest that you incorporate into your daily life some of the things I write about (SMILE), but I never say you have to do it. Seriously, anything that I write about is done to share the knowledge I've gained-it's a pleasure to share the method and hear about how you've made it work for you (or chosen not to and are okay with that decision).

Dr. DClutter™

Monday, March 1, 2010

Please Watch Me on TV!!

Please, set your alarms for 10 PM ET/PT tonight, to view me on A&E's hit show, Hoarders. I am the featured organizational expert for tonight's episode. Thanks!!

Dr. DClutter™

About Me

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Washington, DC, United States
I am Dr. Darnita L. Payden, Executive Director/Owner of Dr. DClutter™ Life Management, a division of PreciousOnes™ LLC. I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and over 20 years of experience working to help clients discover their strengths and talents. Having worked as a therapist, college professor, grief specialist and trainer, I have encountered in my journey many of the issues my clients may face. I have a sincere desire to help you find clarity, organization and independence in your life and environments. I know that life can be hectic, but I desire to help my clients bring as much order, peace and enjoyment back into their lives as is possible. What separates me from the norm? I focus on the client from a holistic perspective. I realize that most people desire a functional and an organized life, but may simply need support, understanding and information about why they have the habits or tendencies that have led to disorganization. I do not perform “quick fixes” or provide “one-size-fits-all” guidance, but I strive to provide strategies to my clients that will be life changing and useful for a lifetime. Dr. DClutter™ is a name well earned!!

Dr. DClutter's™ Publications

  • Dr. DClutter's™ Wiseisms and Thruthisms™ Daily Inspirations, Observations and Humorous Musings
  • Dr. DClutter's™ One-Day-a-Week-Guide to a Year of Random Acts of Kindness (plus 20 extra days just in case)
  • Dr. DClutter's™ 21-Day Journey to a New You
  • Declutter-Four Benefits of an Organized Life
  • Clutter Makes You S.I.G.H.™
  • Simplify. Simplify. How to Declutter Your Life

Blog Archive

Four Benefits of Organization

Four Benefits of Organization

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Dr. DClutter™ featured on Walden University Radio

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  • Original content copyright 2011 by Dr. Darnita L. Payden; republication by permission only.