Too much stuff, too little space? Can’t find things when you need them? Let’s face it — most of us have some clutter throughout our homes and work areas. These are the places that seem to constantly be out of control where stuff just accumulates. Since I’m limited in space, here are just a few quick ideas to help you maintain a more clutter-free and stress-free environment.
First ask yourself which area is bothering you the most. Focus on that area and disregard the others for now.
Overwhelmed? Don’t know where to begin? Here’s the rule for that: it doesn’t matter, just begin!
Now do the following to each area, one at a time:
• Work for small amounts of time each day or two, perhaps one or two hours at a time. Do not work for many hours at a time or you’ll burn out quickly.
• Break your tasks down into small bits. Work on a kitchen drawer, a bathroom cabinet, shoes in a closet, a desk drawer, the top of your dresser, etc. Think small!
• As you work, have a trash bag, a keep box and a donate box in front of you.
• After each work session toss the trash.
• Once the donate box is full — not overflowing — get rid of the stuff. Now! Don’t wait to accumulate boxes and boxes of stuff. If you need to call for a pick up schedule it now too.
• Review the stuff you’re keeping and put them into room categories. What room do they belong in? Put them there! Typically people are surprised by how much they can toss or give away so putting away the stuff that’s left over isn’t too daunting.
• Once they’re in the appropriate rooms create smaller categories such as kitchen silverware or bathroom medicine chest.
• Now designate “homes” for these and keep like things together.
• If you have too much stuff and not enough space, store the extra stuff in labeled containers in the garage. If that’s too full then you need to be more brutal about getting rid of more stuff. Period!
Need a good rule of thumb? If you haven’t worn it or used it in a year and it’s not a seasonal item like Christmas, Easter or Halloween stuff, get rid of it.
Can’t keep focused? Need more guidance? Consider a professional organizer. We’ll help you stay on course so that you can be more productive and efficient and give you the calm space you so well deserve.
Bob Farkas is The Clutter Wizard, a “hands-on” home and office professional organizer serving The Santa Clarita Valley. His website, www.theclutterwizard.com , has many great hints and tips for staying organized. Bob can be reached via email at theclutterwizard@gmail.com or by phone at 661-298-9100.