1. If you are looking for something and you are unable to find it immediately, unclutter the area surrounding that object as soon as possible.
2. Ask your family or housemates to help you declutter and rearrange your home in a more organized fashion. The more buy-ins you have from others using your space, the easier it will be to maintain your new systems!
3. If you can no longer see the surface on your counters or tabletop, it’s time to clean up your act and ditch the muck!
4. Set up a particular area for the items that you use daily – install hooks to serve as key holders, a bin for magazines, etc.
5. Make it a habit to clean up and stow random objects from your living room before you go bed each night.
6. Be uncompromising. Throw out papers, such as newspapers, magazines and useless mail every week.
7. Create a list of household essentials and hang it on the inside of your pantry door. Checkmark the items when you run out. This will let you see at a glance what you have on hand and what you need to restock during the next shopping expedition.
8. Set a regular schedule to rid the house of unnecessary objects such as dead batteries, dried-up pens, burnt out lightbulbs and other garbage. Make it a point to find the locations nearby your home that recycle those items.
9. Do not be sentimental on things! Donate or trash items if you are no longer using them.
10. Set up a donation box somewhere in your home where it can live permanently. Place it in an easily accesible location and add to it every time you run across something that you no longer need, love or use.
Find your closest donation facility and go there every month to empty your box. Getting rid of at least one box per month will make a big difference in your lifestyle!
According the the US Soap and Laundry Association, clearing your clutter will save you 42% more time cleaning your house. How’s that for a bit of motivation?
Great tips Kathy!! I go through my closets and drawers each month and make a donation trip, and it really helps keep the clutter away!