Those of you who have read my previous articles note that as a Feng Shui practitioner, and staging professional I write about helpful hints for those of you who want to streamline your lives.  Because I spend a lot of time around Seattle and some time in Las Vegas I have to keep myself highly organized! 

This is tax season and many of us either procrastinate or cannot find the time to sort through the yearly receipt pile hidden in some shopping bag.  Okay, so some of you are ahead of that curve.  This month’s article will hopefully provide reasons to clean up your act and get your returns done on time.

Chances are many of you have visual disarray somewhere in your home or office. This could be either actual clutter (stuff you don’t use daily or is obsolete) or merely the daily chaos that accompanies your chores.

This disarray may be the result of several projects in different stages of completion OR it could be a lifestyle that you have become used to.    I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you have such a busy lifestyle that there is no room to organize on a regular basis!  When I was growing up and even after I left home my mother would always call days or weeks AFTER my birthday to explain that she was just too busy and didn’t have time to call or send a card.  But my observation when I would visit her was that her home had chaos everywhere.  So I learned on a personal level that if you live with chaos chances are your life is chaotic.  A primary principle of Feng Shui and Home Staging is to clear the clutter.  So, starting this year, today, this week, set up an accordion file and start using it every day or every week with your receipts, bills or whatever write-offs you use for the following year.  Clear off the surface of your home office or whatever area you write your bills at and when you sit to write out checks or do your banking online you don’t feel frazzled.  Honor the space where you pay your monthly statements and appreciate that you are making money (attracting abundance) in order to spend money. 

Become discriminate about your space and what it feels like in your space.  Computers, printers and auxiliary devices take up a lot of surface space.  Find cute baskets to store your papers or bills in.  Or for the sophisticate, invest in high quality leather desk organizers.   Hang photos of inspiration around your office space or wherever you pay your bills and work on your taxes.  Think of all the abundance that you manifest in your life.  Paint the walls a cheerful color so you feel good in your office. 

Try not to feel overwhelmed or inundated.  If you keep your space clear your mind will have clearer thoughts, you’ll be a happier person and life all around will be brighter and better.  Keep up the regular routine to either input your receipts on Quicken or Quick Books or use the file folder method.  Next year you will feel better, have your taxes ready way ahead of schedule and probably thank me for reminding you how basic and simple this can be!