How to Control Clutter

clutter, organizing tips, clutter tips, home tips, home organizing tips

Clutter Control: It's the secret to getting organized.

By taking an orderly approach - prune away the excess, stow what's left in logical places, and resolve to keep clutter from building up again - it's hard not to succeed at the organizing game.Like any game worth playing, however, there are rules.

Yes, I know - rules are made to be broken. When it comes to controlling clutter, these are four rules you won't want to break.

1. What Should I Keep?

Ask yourself:

Have I used or enjoyed this recently?

Does someone in the family value this?

Would I save it if there were a fire?

Will I need this later?

If you said yes to one or more of the above, keep it!

2. Where Does It Go?

Place articles in five bags or boxes labeled:

1 Other rooms

2 Give away

3 Toss or recycle

4 Storage.

5 Garage sale

3. How Should I Organize the Keepers?

Use these organizing principles for stashing the stuff you're keeping:

-- Create a place for every item.

-- Store things near where you'll use them.

-- Place least-used items on top shelves.

-- Keep like items together.

-- Corral small objects in baskets.

-- Stack stored items in similar-size boxes to maximize space.

-- Label each storage container.

4. How Can I Control Clutter in the Future?

-- Place a catchall basket in your home's busiest rooms. Here you'll stash keys, receipts, mail, and other items until you can find the time to organize them.

-- Place baskets at the bottom and top of the stairs to hold things that belong on another floor. Take one or more items with you when going up or down.

-- When you bring home a new item, send an old one out the door. Resolve to store, recycle, give away, or toss another item that's past its prime.

-- Make putting away playthings a part of your child's nightly bedtime ritual.

-- Set aside 15 minutes each day to get organized. This is when you return mislaid books, magazines, cups, etc. to their rightful homes.

-- Take a minute. Each night, to hang up your coat, fold your T-shirt or sweater, put away your pants, and stow your sneaks in the closet.