I am forever trying to organize and then organize again! When we moved 2 years ago, I got rid of a lot of stuff. Our last house was smaller and therefore a little bit cluttered – something like these small apartment organization tips and tricks would certainly have come in handy in that space! After being here for a while, we’ve become more comfortable with the space and things have been “collecting again”. So in an effort to get more organized this summer, I’ve been trying to declutter where clutter has collected.
Here are Four Decluttering Strategies
The first basic rule of decluttering a home is, that if something hasn’t been used or even seen in two years, it is unnecessary. Get rid of it. This applies to everything except for fire extinguishers and medical emergency kits. With these two items, be sure they are inspected annually.
With the above then as a broad principle, how should one proceed?
SET A DEADLINE
Decide on Declutter Day a good three weeks in advance and then inform the family of its impending arrival. Why? Well, there are those three-quarter finished jigsaw puzzles, and that torn apart old TV set that son and daughter started to build/destroy. They have 21 days left to get maximum enjoyment because, after that, they’re gone! P.S. No one in the history of mankind has ever completed a jigsaw puzzle twice; so don’t expect to be the first.
IT’S NEVER COMING BACK IN STYLE
Not that skirt, nor those ties, and oh dear may he never wear that suit again! If someone does lose enough weight to squeeze back into that outfit, it will just cause a memory of the mild depression that caused the weight gain in the first place. It’s not a classic piece of clothing; it’s a Halloween costume warming up in the bullpen.
START AT THE EXTREMITIES
The attic and the basement are the snowdrifts of the home. This is where unwanted things go to mate and propagate. As a corollary to the Two Year Rule, anything that has sat in the same spot in either attic or basement (check the dust rings) is hereby evicted! Doing this will give one the needed moral conviction to attack the bedrooms, closets, and whatever strange boxes are under the sinks.
THE RULE OF FIVE
But do remember that there are precious things one cannot bear to part with. Everyone in the family gets five ‘saves.’ But do note that there needs to be a strict interpretation of this. A pair of godawful shoes is one item, not two; but a stack of old K-Tel Greatest Hits LPs when the house no longer has a turntable is 37 items, not one.
Good luck!
I too seem like I am always trying to organize. These are some great rules to live by. I really like the rule of five. Thanks Karen for the tips!
Oh boy these are smart tips!
I’m going to get busy using these.
thanks for the post
I have to do my kitchen cupboards. There is stuff in there that hasn’t been used in 7 yrs. Yikes! The salvation army will get all my stuff or junk as I call it. It’s good things that can be used for someone who needs it. These are some really good ideas to organize. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks! I really needed these.
What great ideas! I really need to get organizing in every room. I like that if you haven’t used it in 2 years then get rid of it.
Fantastic ideas! With fall coming up I need motivation to get organized!
I love the rule of five idea. My daughter always has a bunch of stuff she never lets me get rid of. I’m going to have to try the rule of five with her soon!
These are good strategies, it seems like I am always trying to declutter, but don’t always get anywhere!
I love these rules, we are having a yard sale at the end of the month, and I plan on getting rid of a lot hopefully.
I am always trying to organize my home but as soon as I do it, my two youngest pull everything out. Nothing ever gets put where it is supposed to go.
It is always nice to hear some ideas on how to declutter, thanks!
So funny its true I am off to throw out so puzzles.
Thank you for the great organizing tips! I will have to try!
I have actually been working on this since I now have all my kids living with me. We need as much organization as possible and I just had them going through all clothing that didn’t fit, etc and we went to Goodwill
Do I need to declutter! These strategies can help me stop going in circles that every time I’m ready to let something go I get that nagging feeling I might want it back or wear it someday I will lose those pesky pounds!