As an Organizer, I am often asked for help on de-cluttering people’s homes. The most common clutter that people face is the amount of paper, clothing and ‘kid stuff’ that comes in the door. I always suggest beginning with the area that causes you the most stress. Here are my 7 ways to tackle the job.
1. Incoming Paper
Designate a spot for all incoming paper, flyers, mail, receipts and school stuff. Paper often accounts for overwhelming clutter. Find an easy system that will work for you and your space. Try a colour file folder system or baskets or boxes labelled with the following:
- bills to be paid,
- receipts to be filed,
- kid stuff/important stuff
Flyers and newspapers, once read, should be put in the recycle – do not stack them on the table or the chair!
2. Kitchen
De-clutter the kitchen area by clearing off the countertops. Only keep the necessary day-to-day items, like;
- coffee makers,
- toaster and
- kitchen tools (which should be in a basket/container).
Everything else should be in an organized space in the cupboard. Also, don’t clutter the top of the fridge with cook books and nick-knacks. Put them away. If you’re not using them, they should NOT be out.
3. Hallway Area
Hang your keys on a wall key rack. This way you are guaranteed never to lose your keys again. If you have a small table or unit in this space, have three small baskets on it:
- One for cell phones, wallets and sunglasses
- Second one for a purse/book and
- Third one for small miscellaneous items ie; change for a delivery man, pen to sign, paper to write a quick note to leave for someone.
Your shoes/boots should be on a mat in closet and coats should be hung up in closet.
4. Living Room/Family Room
If this room is cluttered with books, toys, movies, magazines, games and photos, it’s time to de-clutter. If you have a book shelf, great! Get some decorative boxes/containers or small baskets (label them all) put books in one, magazines in another, movies etc. in yet another. If you have toys, get some fun containers or baskets to put them in.
Chances are if you have the containers/baskets right there, your children will be more likely to put them away. Teach them that if they have to do it at school, it should be the same at home. Also, you don’t need to go buy all kinds of containers. Be creative and use what you have at home. Consider decorating them with wrapping paper.
5. Home Office
If you work from home or run your own business, this should be a simple, clean, organized space. You should have a bookcase or cabinet that you can keep files in or on, books can stand on the shelf (for easy access), your accreditations and photos should be hung on the walls. Most home offices are small, so you need to utilize and de-clutter as much as possible. Your desk should only have your computer, phone and note pad. Pencils and accessories should be in the drawers and paper should be underneath the printer or on the bookshelf, in a basket. Having a de-cluttered and organized office is key to productivity and your success!
6. Bedroom
Your bedroom should be clutter free and a space of calm and relaxation! However, sometimes space is limited because we have so many clothes and other personal items in that space. Consider
- Organizing your clothes closet by seasons, this helps keep everything in its place.
- Shoes can be kept in the boxes they came in. This way you can label and stack them underneath your hanging cloths.
- Purses can be placed on the top shelf.
For other items, use small decorative boxes to store them. Don’t forget to label them and again, put them up on the shelf above the clothes or store them underneath the hanging clothes. Clear your closet and drawers of things you no longer fit or wear!
7. Bathroom
De-clutter the counter-tops by only keeping three things on top;
- Soap
- A cup and
- Your toothbrush.
The rest can go under the counter in baskets. Shaving kit, make-up bag, hairbrush/combs and toothpaste do not need to be on the counter. If you have a medicine cabinet, clear out everything you are not using or that is outdated. I bet if you looked right now, you would find something!
Finally, here are a few things to remember when de-cluttering:
- Start small – take baby steps and keep it simple
- Create new habits – I know you can do it!
- Finish what you start – start with 15 minutes a day and in no time, you will be clutter FREE
- Teach children to put things away – set a good example for them
- Remove things entirely from your space after deciding to part with it. Do not put it in the garage. Instead, put it right in the car – Great Job!
- Stay positive – don’t get discouraged. This is a process. It takes time and you will get there as long as you stay focused and positive. NO NEGATIVE THINKING allowed.
Remember, de-cluttering is a constant process. You have to do it every day but just think how good you will feel when there is nothing left to DE-CLUTTER! I am so proud of you for taking this first step, by reading these tips.
GOOD LUCK! Let me know how it goes! I love getting feedback. And, here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.
Until next time,
Kathy
