Survey #242: Decluttering and Organizing Mindset Pre-test

A Note Before You Begin

This survey will ask you to compare statements that express widely different mindsets or attitudes about clutter and organizing. The statements are not meant to be understood as right or wrong, good or bad, positive or negative. They merely represent varied perspectives that our clients and audience members have expressed about this work. The purpose of the exercise is to get you thinking about where you find yourself right now on a spectrum of possible mindsets about decluttering and organizing.

Nature versus Nurture
Please read the two statements below, then answer the questions that follow.
- Statement A: I am a naturally disorganized person, so I will always struggle to declutter and get organized.
- Statement B: I believe that I can gain knowledge and develop skills that will make it easier to declutter and organize.
Which statement best represents your current mindset—Statement A, Statement B, something in between, or none of the above? (Please elaborate if you wish.) What feelings, memories, or emotional states do these statements bring to the surface for you?

Confronting the Elephant
Please read the two statements below, then answer the questions that follow.
- Statement A: When I try to declutter and organize, I feel completely overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
- Statement B: My decluttering and organizing project is big and overwhelming, but I will get it done bit by bit.
Which statement best represents your current mindset—Statement A, Statement B, something in between, or none of the above? (Please elaborate if you wish.) What feelings, memories, or emotional states do these statements bring to the surface for you?

Sentimental Values
Please read the two statements below, then answer the questions that follow.
- Statement A: Decluttering inherited items, gifts, and mementoes of loved ones makes me feel sad and depressed.
- Statement B: When I declutter inherited items, gifts, and mementoes, I feel grateful for the people and relationships they represent.
Which statement best represents your current mindset—Statement A, Statement B, something in between, or none of the above? (Please elaborate if you wish.) What feelings, memories, or emotional states do these statements bring to the surface for you?

Paging Justin Case
Please read the two statements below, then answer the questions that follow.
- Statement A: I keep a lot of things because I worry that I’ll need them in the future and won’t be able to get them again.
- Statement B: I can let go of “just in case” stuff because I trust that I will always find a way to replace it or manage without.
Which statement best represents your current mindset—Statement A, Statement B, something in between, or none of the above? (Please elaborate if you wish.) What feelings, memories, or emotional states do these statements bring to the surface for you?

Sunken Treasure
Please read the two statements below, then answer the questions that follow.
- Statement A: I hold onto things that cost me a lot of money even though they sometimes make me feel shame and guilt.
- Statement B: When I release items that cost me a lot of money, I’m grateful for the opportunity to donate them to someone in need.
Which statement best represents your current mindset—Statement A, Statement B, something in between, or none of the above? (Please elaborate if you wish.) What feelings, memories, or emotional states do these statements bring to the surface for you?

Your Unique Mindset
Write a statement that summarizes your current mindset with respect to the decluttering and organizing journey.

Ask Us Anything!
Here’s your chance to ask Gayle and Ed any question you’re curious about. It need not be related to this survey’s topic(s). If we think that your question—and our answer—might be useful or instructive to The Clutter Fairy Weekly audience, we’ll share them in an upcoming episode.

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Future Topics
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Please share your suggestions for new topics that you’d like us to discuss on The Clutter Fairy Weekly (or previous topics you’d like us to revisit).

Permission to Use and Edit Your Responses
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May we quote, display, or print your responses to this survey in our live episode of The Clutter Fairy Weekly on this topic, in the subsequent audio and video recordings, and in any published compilation of survey results? (An answer to this question is REQUIRED.)
- Yes, you may quote me and/or display my answers with my name.
- You may quote me and/or display my answers anonymously.
- No. (We will read your response, but won’t share or publish it.)
Note: The Clutter Fairy, LLC, reserves the right to edit survey responses for spelling, punctuation, clarity, length, or according to other criteria we may establish. We will make every effort to preserve the meaning and intent of the original. You may notify us of any issues by sending email to ed@clutterfairyhouston.com.
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Decluttering and Organizing Mindset Pre-test