Tried And True Tips To Get That Clutter Under Control
Did you open your eyes one day and realize you had way too much stuff? Piles of this and that all over the house… How did it happen? Let’s not worry too much about that now, instead, let’s focus on organizing, sharing, trashing, and getting control of the clutter in your home. Create an organized, clutter-free home by using one, all, or a combination of the following tips.
Question Your Clutter
As you decide what items in your home deserve to stay and which should find a new family, you should ask yourself the following questions:
-Do I like it?
-How long has it been since I’ve actually used it?
-If I decide to keep this, what can I get rid of to make room for it?
-Does this thing work? Do I know how to use it?
-Do I have more than one type of this item? How many of this sort of thing do I need?
Pretend You’re Moving
If you had to pack everything you own and move, what would you take with you? No, we aren’t asking you to actually do it, but use this as an opportunity to consider what items in your home that you really love and couldn’t imagine life without.
What’s The Purpose?
With a notebook and pen, walk through every room in your home. Write down what activities take place in each space. Then, decide what items should live in which room. Not only that, but then you can get rid of unneeded clutter in each room.
Create A Clutter-Busting Team
Find friends who have the same de-cluttering goals as you. Make a plan to organize your home one weekend and theirs the next. The benefits- someone who isn’t emotionally attached to your stuff like you are, additional organizing ideas, and someone to share the process with.
Before starting, you need to set some ground rules. For example, the homeowner gets to make the final decision as to what goes and what stays. Setting goals with your team makes the process more efficient, too. Once the kitchen is complete, celebrate with dinner at your favorite restaurant.
Contain Your Clutter
Gather three, four, or five containers (boxes, trash bags, laundry baskets, etc.) depending on what you plan to do with your items. Designate a container for recycling, garbage, donation, selling (resell shop, garage sale, etc.), keeping, and other labels as you see fit. As you work in the rooms that need de-cluttering, put the items in their designated container. This allows you to visualize what you plan on doing with each item. You can change the containers the items are in, but try not to put everything into the keep box.
Time The Task
Not sure where to begin? Decide on which room you want to start in, whether it’s the room that needs the most work, or the room that needs the least. Then, determine how much time you are willing to work on crushing the clutter. Do you have 15 minutes? Is your whole afternoon clear? No matter how much time you are willing to devote to the task, set a timer and get busy. Continue this until your whole house has been organized.
As you can see, there are several different methods you can use for crushing your clutter. Whether you want to work in short increments, tackle the whole house in a weekend, work together with friends, or combine all the ideas and customize your plan, these tips can give you the organized and clutter-free home you desire.
About the Author: Carol Robeson is a retired social worker who believes in living simply, being ecologically friendly, and leaving a small footprint. For more helpful information for others looking to do the same, check out Tiny House Plans.
