How to Control Clutter
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Clutter Control. The secret to getting organized is to take an orderly approach: Prune away the excess, stow what's left in logical places, and resolve to keep clutter from building up again.
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.
How to Get Organized in 2010!
Resolve to Have a Tidier Home in 2010
From Clutter: Return to Get Organized
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