How to de-clutter
Step by step rules for learning to live with less clutter. | 4/23/2009
Leah Butler |
The first step in learning to live with less clutter is to determine what space you will tackle first. When you have decided where to begin, you must ask your self some questions. Others who use the space should also have input.
- What is its’ current use?
- How do you want to use the space?
- Who uses it?
- What should be in the space?
- What has to go?
After you have determined what you want, then set a time to do the project.
On the De-cluttering day, begin by creating 4 bins each one with a label. Sort every thing in the room onto one of these bins. When sorting, ask your self: Do I use it? How long has it been since I used it? Will I use it again? Is it worth the space it takes up? If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to go.
- Keep
- Donate
- Recycle
- Sell
Other people’s stuff doesn’t belong in your space. If you barrowed it, return it. If it belongs to an X, get rid of it. If the kids are on their own, tell them to pick up their stuff.
Now is time to divide the space into zones that accommodate the uses for the room. Place items from the keep bin back in the room, make sure everything has a place. If it doesn't fit you need to do some more sorting.
Zones: suggestions for possible uses
Family rooms:
Media (Music, TV, Video, DVD) , Reading, Games, Collectables, Photos, Relaxation, Storage, Bill pay, Studying, Computer work
Bedroom:
Sleeping, relaxing, Clothes and Shoes, Off season storage, Reading, Office
Kids rooms:
Sleeping, cloths, shoes homework, Toys, Reading, Crafts, Music
Garage/storage
Laundry, Sports, Seasonal, Garden tools, Paint & Chemicals, Workbench
Rules of Maintenance
- Keep flat surfaces clear-Everything should have a place
- Limit what you buy-One in One out
- Have a daily routine that includes picking up.
- Arrange DVD’s and games by categories and label them so everyone knows where they belong.
Space-Savings ideas
- Go digital with your Music. It takes up much less space
- Limit magazine subscription. How many do you really read?
- Set a toy limit. Before they get something new they must choose one to get rid of. This helps teach them the joy of giving and to value what they have.
- Don’t save all the art work. At the end of school let them choose 1 to 4 pieces, frame one and store the other in a file so the can look at it later.
Be Responsible
When you sorting items to be recycled, be sure to dispose of them correctly by calling East Central Recycling at 765 282-1900 or visit www.munciesanitary.org and click on Recycling.
Rome was not created in a day, neither was the mess in your house. If you deal with one space at a time you will learn to live with less mess.
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