Most homes have a certain degree of clutter. Book bags get dropped off at the door, mail piles up on the entry table, and drawers and closets are full of things like coupons, clothing, and other items you are certain at some point you will use.
For people who hate to throw things away, or who find sentimental value with many of the items that clutter their home, it can be difficult to get rid of clutter. Clutter often comes from the inability to bring your self to throw something away because one of the kids drew it for you, because you’re certain you will wear it again at some point, or because you can’t bring yourself to throw anything away.
However, through simple ways of reducing and simplifying, you can greatly reduce clutter. The following are some helpful hints for reducing and simplifying:
•Tackle one area at a time.
Reducing and simplifying clutter can be quite a process. It requires organizing things, throwing things away, and developing a new system for organization. That’s why you should aim to take on one area at a time. For example, one week you could organize your hall closet. The next, your dresser drawers. The week after that, your kitchen cabinets. By breaking it down into more manageable tasks, it is less overwhelming.
•Organize your kids’ school and art work.
If you have kids in school, sometimes it can be hard to bring yourself to throw away their papers and art work. After all, they will enjoy looking at them one day. Instead of piling them in boxes or drawers, organize them in three ring binders. Place each paper or drawing in a plastic protective cover, and then organize it in a binder for each child.
•Make it a point to donate.
One way you can reduce clutter, simplify your closets, and give you more space is to go through your closets every few months and make an honest assessment. If you haven’t worn it in the past few months or if you have outgrown it, chances are you’re not going to miss it. Box them up and donate them to a local shelter or salvation army. You can also do this with your kids’ toys that they have outgrown or no longer play with. This is also a great way to teach them about giving to others who are less fortunate.
•Sort mail.
Mail is a common clutter item, so sort it immediately when you get it. Toss junk mail and catalogs you won’t be looking at right away, and organize your bills, letters, coupons, and statements. Have separate envelopes or baskets for each. Once a month, go through your coupons and throw away any that are expired or that you are sure you won’t be using.
•Decide what you can and can’t live without.
Part of reducing and simplifying means being honest about what you will and will not use. For example, if you find a stack of things you were saving, but forgot you even had them, throw them away. Or, if you haven’t used or even thought of a box of clutter or knickknacks in a year, sell them at a garage sale or throw them away.
Reducing and simplifying is a great way to get rid of the clutter that accumulates in the house.
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