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Tips on How to Banish Clutter from
Your Life for Good
Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes from 20
percent of what we own. That means that 80 percent of the things
in our homes are rarely or never used. Follow these tips to
de-clutter your life.
START THE PROCESS OF DECLUTTERING. Divide a room into sections.
Pick one section (like one drawer or cupboard) and begin
decluttering. Ask if you consider each item beautiful, useful,
or loved. If not, you can probably get rid of it! If you’re not
sure if you should get rid of an item, ask yourself, “What’s the
worst thing that could happen if I toss this?” The answer may
help give you the power to discard the clutter. Also be aware of
the size of your space, as smaller spaces obviously hold less
stuff.
WORK WITH A BUDDY. If you’re having a hard time letting go of
the clutter, enlist the help of a friend or professional
organizer to offer an objective viewpoint. She can offer support
and ask the tough questions like, “Are you really going to use
that?” and “When will you ever wear that again?”
TRY TO TOUCH THINGS ONLY ONCE WHILE GOING THROUGH THIS PROCESS.
Quickly make a decision to keep or toss. It will be helpful to
have large, dark-colored garbage bags, plus two large boxes on
hand: one for items to donate or give to friends, one for items
that need to go to another room in your home. The bags are for
items that need to go the dump. (The dark garbage bag will keep
you from seeing the contents and having “tosser’s regret.”)
FIND AN APPROPRIATE HOME FOR THE THINGS YOU WANT TO KEEP. Once
you’ve removed all the items that are not beautiful, useful, or
loved, you are left with a room full of things you’ll use and
appreciate frequently. Assign a space (a “home”) for each item
and be sure to return it there after each use. Remember, if you
don’t return each item to its home after use, it turns back into
clutter and disorganization will occur.
GIVE YOURSELF A REWARD. At the end of a decluttering session,
give yourself a pat on the back and a little treat, such as a
bubble bath, a cup of tea, or a professional massage. Also take
some time to enjoy the calm and tidy space you’ve created.
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
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