Get Rid Of Clutter Fast and Easy With These Simple Tips
Legacy signals
Legacy popularity: 1,390 legacy views
Legacy rating: 4/5 from 1 archived votes
Let’s face it, there are some things that we don’t like to do either because we think they are hard or we don’t know where to begin or how to do them. A few years ago I was making one of my daughters her freedom quilt (this is a red, white and blue quilt I give them on their 21st birthday). I was appliquéing blue snowflakes onto a white background. I hit a wall and I couldn’t continue making the quilt. Just the thought of sewing on it almost made me ill. Another daughter suggested I make only 21 blocks instead of the number I was aiming for. That one small suggestion is all it took; I changed the pattern and was able to finish creating this beautiful quilt.
If you are stuck with clutter and you want to change but don’t know where to start I have several tips on how to get rid of clutter in four rooms in your home.
1. Office: When you think of the paper in your home do you cringe from the sheer volume that you have to deal with every day? How long has it been since you saw the top of your desk? Are papers scattered all over your house? Do you blame yourself for the paper clutter in your home? You are not alone if you feel this way!
To get rid of clutter designate a place for everything and after using it put it back in its place. Keep the things you use most often within arm’s reach. Things you don’t use as often keep in a drawer. Extra supplies can be stored where you can get to it readily but not so close that it creates clutter in your work area. Store supplies in a closet, on a shelf or in drawers.
2. Children’s Bedrooms:
Do you ever blame your kids or “get after them” for having a messy room? Maybe they aren’t at fault. Do they have places to put their toys, books and craft items? Create places for these things by using containers to hold their toys and other items. These can be kept in the closet, under the bed or in attractive containers in their room.
Sort through their toys every 4 to 6 months and donate those that they don’t play with. You will be making someone else happy and will get rid of clutter at the same time. Things can also be given away by listing them on a website such as Freecycle or Craigslist. As crayons get broken and paint dries up or note pads are all used immediately throw them away. This is a simple way to get rid of clutter rather than waiting for things to pile up.
3. Bathroom:
Get rid of clutter on the counter by having containers for the things you use most often. Cosmetics can be kept in containers and either kept on the counter or placed in drawers. If you have products you don’t use, get rid of them. There is no need to hold on to them just because you bought it, clutter does not bring back the money you spent. Let it go or return it for cash or credit.
Do you keep medicine in your bathroom? This is not the best place because of the humidity in the room. Declutter your medicines by going through all the boxes and bottles and checking the expiration dates.
4. Garage:
I don’t know about you but this is a place where I only think about when I drive my car in or out or I need to find a tool or something else that is stored there. It is so easy to clutter this space because it is “there” but not an area we are in all the time like other rooms in our homes.
To get rid of clutter in the garage set up activity zones. Group like things together such as placing all of the sporting gear in one place, gardening tools in another and other tools together in their space.
Using the walls and the ceiling for storage helps you make better use of the space and it increases the useable space you have. Several storage solutions are available such as plastic bins (label what is in them by using a 3 X 5 card and tape it securely to the end). Peg boards are great to hang up a variety of tools. Cabinets can be used to store paint, tools or other items. The items are out of site yet are convenient to use.
Get rid of clutter by streamlining what you have and say goodbye to old stuff you never use or things you don’t like.
Article author
About the Author
Marilyn Bohn is the owner of Get it Together Organizing, a business dedicated to developing practical organizing solutions that help individuals and business professionals live clutter-free and productive lives. She is the author of "Go Organize! Conquer Clutter in 3 Simple Steps".
Marilyn takes the often stressful subject of organizing and breaks it down into a simple, easy to understand system. Her methods are both eye-opening and encouraging! Visit her website http://www.marilynbohn.com
Further reading
Further Reading
Website
Remarkable Transformations
CLEAR YOUR SPACE - CLEAR YOUR MIND I provide clients with tangible tools to assist them in getting organized and reaching their goals. From organizing home/work space to addressing financial, time management, and personal, career, & spiritual goals, my proven system gives you clear, direct guidance.
Related piece
Website
Remarkable Transformations - Professional Organizer & Life Coach
"REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATIONS We are professional home and business organizers. With 20 years of experience in the field of human behavior, I teach clients a new way of thinking and acting that will make their physical space, time, finances and lives flow more smoothly!"
Related piece
Article
Summer Fun in Your Own Backyard
We all know that with the price of gas going up, that everything else will soon be jumping in price too. This takes a toll on family vacations, outings for the weekend, rising grocery bills etc. So how can a family have fun and still have money left for all of the bills that are due every month? Sometimes we have to look at things in a simple way in order to re-lea how to enjoy life. We tell kids all of the time to 'use your imagination', but as adults we forget to use ours.
Related piece
Article
Sasha's Six Steps for Bringing in the Mail
"I believe in opening mail once a month, whether it needs it or not." Bob Considine Close your eyes. Imagine coming home from a three week vacation. Notice how big the pile of mail that awaits you is. How do you feel as you contemplate having to deal with it? Feel some resistance? After learning ‘Sasha’s Six Steps for Bringing in the Mail’, I guarantee you’ll feel better about it. Sound good? Okay, then here’s what you need: • A shredder • Three/four tiered horizontal filing tray • Datebook – paper or electronic • Pen and highlighter rnr
Related piece