Q&A with a clutter-buster

Linda Rothschild, who has counseled the likes of Naomi Campbell and Saudi Arabian princesses, offers these tips to get organized.

health:

Are there any health risks associated with being disorganized?

Linda Rothschild:

Stress is the major one. You may get anxious over the fact that you can’t invite people into your home or office because you’re too embarrassed by the clutter. And then there’s visual stress; you walk in to your office and see all this unfinished business scattered on your desk and think, “Where do I start?”

Clean up your closet and reduce the stress in your life.

health:

Where do you start?

Rothschild:

If your desk is covered with papers, take everything off and put it in a box. Experience what it’s like to have a clear space. Then work through the papers one at a time.

health:

What about your closets? How do you decide whether to keep a piece of clothing or get rid of it?

Rothschild:

Ask yourself: Does it fit? Do you wear it? Do you like it? Does it like you? Sometimes you really love something but it looks awful on you. Bring in a trusted friend who’s really going to tell you the truth.

health:

Most of us can’t afford to hire a personal organizer, who charges between $60 and $250 an hour. Any advice on doing this solo?

Rothschild:

Decide what’s the highest priority for you. If you never cook, don’t start with the kitchen. And you want to start small. Rather then taking the whole weekend to organize your bedroom, choose one dresser drawer.

health:

Any ideas for celebrating Get-Organized Week?

Rothschild:

Invite your friends for a clothing or book swap. Or organize a combined file purge/pizza party at the office.

health:

What’s the main benefit of getting organized?

Rothschild:

It’s very cleansing to go through your things and get control of your life.