1.
Whenever you have a few minutes to spare put away five or
ten items that are not in their correct place. These could
be toys that the kids have left somewhere, letters that
need filing away or odd socks that need putting in a
drawer.
2.
Dump junk mail the moment you receive it. Deal with other
mail at least once a week filing away what you need to
keep in an indexed concertina file, card or plastic file
wallets or even large brown envelopes.
3.
The five boxes method. This will clear clutter from any
room or area of the house, but can look awful while in
progress. Set aside a time when you won't be disturbed,
put on a tape of upbeat music and have a treat in the
fridge for lunch. First job is to label the boxes -
Rubbish, Give Away/Sell, Keep, Sentimental and Not Sure.
You then go through everything in the area consigning each
item to one of the boxes. Theoretically, by the time you
have got rid of the Rubbish and Give Away/Sell boxes, you
should have enough space to store the Sentimental and put
the Keep items back in an orderly way. The Not Sure box
should be sealed up, stored in basement or attic and if
not needed after six months or one year, given away
unopened, so that you're not tempted to keep the contents
all over again.
4.
Be ruthless. If you haven't used an item in the last two
years you are not likely to need it again. Do you really
want a clutter free, streamlined home or not?
5.
If you can't face an entire room, break the job down into
manageable tasks - the kitchen junk drawer, the letter
pile, the hats, coats and shoes area. That way you won't
be put off decluttering as just too big a task.
6.
Treat yourself to items that make staying tidy easier.
Cardboard storage boxes are great for sewing and craft
items, Christmas decorations, treasures that your children
have made. Plastic or fabric hanging shoe bags are perfect
for storing small toys and dolls or for hair brushes,
clips, cosmetics and toiletries. Invest in some of those
drawer dividers that separate drawers into a dozen little
compartments - but don't fill them with junk!
7.
Clean and put away fifty per cent of your ornaments. Not
only will this give your home a more modern minimalist
look, you will get your dusting done in half the time.
8.
Consider enlisting the help of a family member or friend
to be your organizing buddy. She helps you with your house
- you help with her clutter disposal. Hearing yourself try
to explain why you need a whole kitchen cupboard full of
plastic containers can help you get them into that Rubbish
box.
9.
Don't keep buying things. Stop and think, do I really need
this and have I got somewhere to keep this? Some people
work on a one in, one out system, i.e. if you buy a new
sweater, toy for the children etc. then one goes to the
charity shop or is given to a friend.
10.
Don't give up. It will take time. All the clutter didn't
come into your home in one day and you won't get rid of it
all in one day. Keep on sorting, dumping, tidying and labeling,
cut back on bringing new clutter home and it is a battle
that can be won. You will have more time, a neat home and
less stress as a reward for your efforts.
