Clutter

No Blame, No Shame HOUSE CALL

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Introducing House Call options from A CLEAR PLACE! No blame, no shame one-on-one private consultation by Jane Green, author, teacher and creator of A CLEAR PLACE and STUFFication© workshops. Expert advice in using what you have in a better way and letting go of what isn’t working for you. Lighthearted, tough love for you and your space. The doctor is in!

Choose from 60 minute or 30 minute phone consultation OR email photos of your challenge for a focused quick fix. You can also combine the options.

I designed the House Call to give people a fresh pair of eyes and expert insight while maintaining their privacy.  This can eliminate the guilt trip, the excuses and putting off what needs to get done.  It’s surprising how much comfort and reassurance can be shared with just one phone call. Wheels start turning, challenges dissolve and rooms come into focus once the “Green” light is on.

House Calls make great gifts, too.  Ideal for weddings, holidays, birthdays or new home. View consultation options and purchase on Etsy.

TRUST Your Space

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Trust
Taken at Banks Lake near Grand Coulee, WA.

Create a place that feels safe. A refuge from the storm. It’s true that home is where the heart is. Be sure that wherever you are, your space reflects the magnificent prism that dwells within you. Nature gave us rainbows to remind us to trust, to smile and to know that with the right combination of elements – the world is still a beautiful place to live. 

About this photo: Following a torrential rain and wind storm, this awesome rainbow arched across the gorge like a crystal bridge. Suddenly, the air was soft and fresh and the Earth sparkled with delight. Hope restored. Trust renewed. 

ORDER YOUR OWN WISDOM CARD DECK HERE

WOW! Your cards arrived this afternoon and they are beautiful!!  I can’t wait to sit and meditate with them.   Kim K., FL

Finding BALANCE with Your Space

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Balance cardBalance can seem to most as an illusive art form. We know it when we see it but achieving it is often a challenge. The good news is that balance and harmony (two sides of the same coin) can be realized and maintained with some simple steps and a little practice.

Our home tells us when things are out of balance. Something feels off in the room. The energy is too heavy in one corner. The space feels cramped. Pay attention to these clues and take action to correct the imbalance. Move or remove furniture, soften the color scheme, change a lampshade … small things that make a big difference. Simplicity is key.  Clearing clutter is the most effective change agent for your space … creating balance starts there. A favorite quote from Albert Einstein reminds us to: “Out of clutter, find simplicity.”

About this photo: These twin birch trees were each coated in a sheet of ice. Such stark simplicity was stunning. Even in their frozen state, I could feel their harmony with each other and the sky surrounding them. Taken on New Year’s Day in Bend, OR.

CLICK HERE for more inspirational tips from the ACP Wisdom Card deck!

 

Gifting Green

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Wisdom Cards by Jane GreenTop 5 Reasons for Gifting A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS by Jane Green:

  • printed in the USA using 100% wind power and non-toxic soy based inks
  • original scenes of nature inspire year round beauty and balance
  • provides simple tips on getting clear and living green
  • supports small business
  • fits nicely in a stocking

This “beauty in a bag” is great for homeowners, renters, newlyweds, home-sharers, empty-nesters and nature lovers. And it’s perfect for those who are downsizing or dealing with clutter control … or anyone wanting to simply love their space! The cards are gracing homes throughout the Northwest as well as FL, WI, PA and CO. Where will you send yours?

“Oh my! I am just opening the package and looking at the cards. I do love them and can’t wait to give my friend hers. Your cards are just what I needed.  They will help me put more of my spirit into the house. Thank you SO much!” 

Click the Contact page to order Or click here for more details on this unique living green gift.

 

Intentional Space

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card of the week a clear placeWhen life comes rushing at you like a mountain stream, it’s much easier to cope when you are anchored in a clear space. And one of the surest ways to achieve and maintain a wonderfully clear place is to set the intention for its use. For each room of your home, decide what the purpose is for that space and then, only put there what serves that purpose. This goes for drawers and closets, too.  If, like me, your room is multipurpose (office/dining/living/storage), divide and conquer the chaos by using color, fabric, screens and lighting to define specific areas. Ensure that the items you place in each section enhance that specific purpose. This week’s Wisdom Card is a reminder that it’s not what or how much you have – it’s how you use it that matters.

About this photo: Taken on the banks of Icicle Creek just outside Leavenworth, WA. Standing here was an awe inspiring experience. The majestic snow-capped Wenatchee Mountains in the distance, pine trees scenting the air, the roar of the glacial stream … perfectly designed natural beauty.

Find inspiration to design your perfect space. ACP Wisdom Cards … a natural choice for all your gift-giving. Only $20 + shipping. Click to order.

WATER – the Element of Change

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WATERThe element of Water is all about change and transformation. The ebb and flow of energy. The clearer your space, the easier it is to allow for a natural flow. We are bodies of water living on the water planet. It doesn’t get more connected than that. Water is life giving, healing and a master at shape shifting. Use that power to help with transitions and changes in your life. If you’ve had a loss, bring water energy into your space to help in the release process. A tabletop fountain, images of a river, fish, boats or the sea. Colors include shades of blues and greens. Accent with glass, shells, pearls. Hydrate yourself and your home by misting with an energy spray or a mix of water and lavender essential oil. Check your plumbing, clean drains and gutters. Release, clear out and let go. And allow for life to unfold in wonderful ways.

Corresponds to the season of Autumn, sunset and the direction of the West.

About this photo: Taken from a lookout point on the central Oregon coast. After a foggy morning, the mist cleared and the sun came out. The scene shifted from gray and black to blue and green within minutes. Magic.

Want a clearer place? Get your deck of 34 Wisdom Cards and find simple ways to bring the beauty of nature into your space. Learn more here.

Micro Apartment Creates Smart Space

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paris-micro-apartment-Marc-Baillargeon-Julie-Nabucet-2I’m fond of saying that the size of the space really doesn’t matter. It’s how you utilize your space that counts. But can you really create comfortable living in a 130 sq. ft. room? Yes! This micro apartment is a perfect example of what can be done with intentional design and mindful planning. Natural light helps enhance the open feeling to this room as does the sleek, trim modular pieces. As always, built-ins that do double duty like the storage stairs and slide out bed/sofa work are smart choices. Add a fresh flower, a yellow throw pillow and you’ve got a cozy place to call home. Of course, living large in a small area requires downsizing effort and letting go. But isn’t that what getting clear is all about? Bottom line:  if you think you are stuck for space … think again!

View more photos of this Parisian conversion.  (Article source courtesy of treehugger.com.)

Consignment Tips from A Clear Place

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A Clear PlaceA recent visit with shop owner, Judy Gulledge of Upscale Consignment in SE PDX has prompted me to do another update of my consignment tip sheet. Click on the link at the end of this post to download the latest version of this handy pdf file giving you new store information along with the proven guidelines for  “What, How and Where” when consigning your stuff. Happy clearing and good luck!

“Where do I consign my stuff?” That’s one of the most common questions I’m asked in clearing work. The answer, however, has more layers to it than just where. You also have to consider what and how. I’ve put together a nifty Consignment Tip Sheet to address all three. Every city I’ve traveled to has consignment stores with items ranging from high end to low brow. If you are lucky enough to live in the Portland metro area, there are some great choices for consigning furniture, fashion and jewelry. But even if you live outside the City of Roses, my CTS (Consignment Tip Sheet) has helpful hints on deciding what is good consignment material and how to prepare your items to help ensure a higher dollar return. Click here to get the pdf file: Consignment Tips from A Clear Place

AUTUMN – The Season of Letting Go

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AutumnThis week’s pick from A Clear Place Wisdom Cards is AUTUMN. Fall is all about releasing and letting go. Like the trees shedding their leaves to allow for new growth, it’s a great time to let go of all that stuff and clear your clutter. The energy of spider reigns now and teaches us to live simply. To be strong and focused but also willing to let go of what was in order to build anew. Git rid of what no longer serves you. Autumn honors the cycle of adulthood and being responsible caretakers of the land and our loved ones. In your home, use images of sunset, flowing water or fall scenes like this one. Diffuse essential oils of cinnamon, orange, clove and nutmeg. All of these blend well or use them individually.

The Season of Autumn corresponds to the element of Water, the direction of the West and the time of sunset.

About this photo: I encountered this brilliant maple tree on a walk in NW Portland. The street below was blanketed in gold but there were plenty more leaves to follow in the weeks ahead.

View more Wisdom Cards and order your deck today!

 

Clutterers Support Group

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kitchen 3A reminder from my Resource page: Clutterers Anonymous holds weekly meetings for anyone needing help with clutter or hoarding issues. There are two Portland locations to choose from including Thursday evenings at the beautiful Alano Club in NW PDX. Click here to get details and please pass this on to friends or family members who could use support around stuff issues. Meetings are free and always held in confidence. Often times the emotional issues attached to extreme clutter or hoarding prevent loved ones from asking for help. Having a third party or anonymous support can provide the encouragement needed to get started and stay on track.