The fall months offer the perfect time to reduce some clutter and get organized before the holidays and winter sets in.
I’ve learned the hard way that clutter in my home brings stress from the distraction and chaos it can cause. I’m no expert, but following are my tried and true tips that can easily work for anyone who wants to live more simply with less clutter.
- Define clutter. My clutter may be someone else’s treasure. A guideline: if you never use it, and you don’t even like it, it’s probably clutter.
- Work with the seasons. Autumn provides an ideal time to think about revitalizing your home. As you put away your lighter wardrobe, consider whether to store it or get rid of it. Most likely, your children have outgrown clothing and games. To stay on top of clutter, repeat each season.
- Create space for Goodwill boxes. Maintain a place in your home to store items to donate. When the box is full, donate it.
- Enlist help. Ask a friend to help you to provide encouragement and motivation to clear your clutter.
- Go through toys, tools, books and other belongings with your family. What you may consider their prized possessions may mean nothing to them. Keep the memories without all of the stuff.
- Touch papers once. Many experts suggest handling all of those papers (bills, junk mail, school notes) just one time, either to file or discard. Don’t allow papers to pile up.
- Have a place for everything. Eliminate those monster piles by having a spot for everything. Encourage family members to put things back when done using them.
- One step at a time. Take it from someone who has been there, it’s too overwhelming to de-clutter your entire home in one day or even a week or a month. Choose a room or a closet, even a single drawer, and work on it step by step.
Eventually, you will find yourself living in less clutter and enjoying more space and peace.
