Conquering Clutter

Clutter is the enemy of an organized home. It doesn't matter how many tubs, bins, bucket, and organizational systems you buy, your home will never be organized until you learn to conquer clutter. Ask yourself 5 important questions to decide if what you're keeping is valuable, or just clutter.

1. When did I last use this item?
A good rule of thumb: if you haven't used it in the last year, chances are you're not going to in the next. Allow yourself to purge old items, interest, hobbies, and unfinished projects to allow room for the really important parts of your life.


2. Am I going to need this item on a specific date in the future?
If a friend just set her wedding date for a couple of months away, it might be wise to keep that calligraphy set to help her with invitations. But if you are keeping a household full of furniture stacked in the garage for when your 5-year-old daughter moves out on her own, it may be time to free up some space. If it doesn't have a definite date of use, the clutter isn't worth it.



3. Does this item have a legal or tax purpose?
Paper can be our worst clutter enemy, and we often use the excuse of the legal and tax purposes to explain our 30-year collection of receipts. Go through your papers and keep only items that are really needed. go to http://digits.hrblock.com/topicsofinterest/safeguarding/recordkeeping.php to find out how long you should be keeping your personal paperwork.

4. How hard would it be to replace this item again someday if I needed it?
If the items are priceless emotionally or historically, they may be the best items to toss. Consider how hard it would be to replace the item and get rid of things that are a dime a dozen.

5. In what way is this item making my life more purposeful or better?
If the items are not making you happier, healthier, or better, they are just taking up space and cluttering up your life. Removing these stacks and boxes of stuff will free up your home and your space.

Once you've decided what you can get rid of, don't delay the process! The longer your wait, the more likely you are to find a reason to hang onto some of these items. Shred old personal papers and recycle. Throw out broken or unusable materials. And finally, pack up your car with old clothes or other items that may have some value and drop them off at your local Goodwill.

Source: Kim Glen www.homedesignguide.com