Getting Rid of the Clutter

Clutter has a way of taking over a home. If you don’t address it and create systems to keep it controlled, it

can become overwhelming. It’s why there are so many organization homes and experts. Well you don’t need

to watch a television show to get control.

Here are five tips and strategies for getting rid of the clutter.

1.  Start fresh using the four container method.  The four container method helps you clean any room and

     eliminate clutter. Start with an easy task like a closet. Create four containers. Label them: “keep”, “toss,”

    “donate,” and “sell.”

     If you’re not interested in having a garage sale or consignment then use a three container system and

     eliminate “sell.” Make sure you have a place to put everything you keep. 

2.  Tiered system.  

•      For example, in your living room you might need to keep the television remotes handy. Other things

            like DVDs can be second tier items which can be in a cabinet.

•   Use a three tier system. First tier items should be within arm’s reach. Second tier items can be in

         the same room but in organized cabinets or drawers. Third tier items are items you don’t need often.    

         For example, the warranty on your television or theoperating instructions. These items don’t have to be

         in your living room.  You can store them in a file cabinet in your home office or basement closet.  A

        tiered system is a good way to organize rooms. It embraces the concept that the only thing that

        should be in sight are things you need often.

3.  Assign labels.  

     When organizing items, use labels. Label by category, date, or item. Use labels in your closet,

     refrigerator/freezer, pantry, and of course in your home office files. Make sure your family understands

     the labels and puts things where they belong.

4.  Catch all boxes .   Create boxes or baskets for each room. Use the baskets to collect items that don’t

     belong in that room.  For example, if you find a pair of socks or a book in the living room they can go in

     the basket. Each night  clean out the basket and put things where they belong. This prevents clutter from

     accumulating.

5.  Rituals.   

     Finally, consider creating cleaning rituals. For example, make your bed in the morning. Clean the kitchen

     before you go to bed. Put things away after you use them. And of course encourage others in your home  

     to do the same. When everything has a place and that place is easily recognizable then it’s easy to make

     sure clutter doesn’t accumulate.

Getting rid of the clutter is only the first step. Once it is gone, create systems to keep it clean. Label storage

areas. Create storage systems that make sense. Don’t buy more unless you’re willing to get rid of more.

Make sure that everyone in your home is on board with your clutter elimination plan. To your clutter free

success!

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Comments (2)

Karen S. Smith says...
on 02/19/11

Reply

Thanks for your comment. I agree with you. Sometimes, for example, people stop using a formal dining room and end up using the room as a catch-all. It can quickly fill up with odds and ends. When you are getting ready to sell, each room must have one purpose.

Alice J. Sweeney says...
on 02/19/11

Reply

These are wonderful tips. There does seem to be a tacit assumption, though, that I want to emphasize. In order to know what goes in a room it's necessary to consciously and deliberately decide on the purpose or purposes of that room. First you need to choose what the room is for, then you can recognize easily what belongs and what doesn't. Seems obvious, doesn't it? But have you actually done it?

Alice