You don't know where to start when it comes to getting rid of the stuff in your space.It can feel overwhelming.It doesn't have to be!There are strategies you can use to get rid of the stuff.You will notice how easy it is to organize everything by sorting it all.Keeping it from building up is the best way to preventcluttering.There are things you can do to keep that from happening.
Step 1: 3 large containers labeled "Toss," "Give," and "Donate."
You need to sort it first before you get rid of it.Use separate pieces of paper to write on the containers.Put the signs on the containers.If you decide to change your mind, you can reexamine the contents of the boxes.Make sure the containers are big enough to hold the stuff in the room.Make a container that you can close up and donate from.
Step 2: Garbage and broken items.
Garbage is the easiest to start with.You can easily dispose of broken toys, old food, and other trash by looking through all of the mess.When you are done de-cluttering, put them in the "Toss" container and throw them away.Throw out the plastic utensils that come with the food.Get rid of the cords.If there are expired spices in your pantry, throw them out.Don't keep magazines that you'll never use.
Step 3: If you no longer use the items, give them to someone who can use them.
If you see an item that isn't damaged, but you no longer use it, think about whether you know someone who would benefit from it.If you know you can give something to someone else, put it in the box labeled "Give" and give it to them.Contact the person to see if they are interested in the item.Think about a friend, relative, or neighbor who could use toys that you or your kids no longer use.
Step 4: You don't need the items if you donate them.
If you find items that are in good condition, but you never use them, they can be used by someone else.You can bring them to a donation center later if you put them in the box labeled Donate.Donate items to Goodwill so they can be passed along.Give items to charities that could use them.If you have a pair of shoes that you don't use but are in good condition, you could donate them to Soles4souls.
Step 5: To make sure you need the items, review them.
You should only have items that you want to keep after you have sorted your mess.Make sure they are not things you could give away or donate.If it is sentimental to you and you know someone who can use it, give it to them.It is easier to organize your items after you have gotten rid ofcluttering.
Step 6: You should keep a box for regular donations.
If you find items that you no longer use or need but are still in good shape, put them in a box you designate for donations.Bring the box to the donation center when it starts to fill up.Quality items will be passed on to people who can still use them if you donate regularly.The box should be kept in a closet or another out of sight place.
Step 7: Take a picture.
If you have objects or items that you no longer have use for and are taking up space, but they have a sentimental value to you, take a picture of them and then throw them away or donate them.Without having to hang on to them, that's how you can preserve them.If you want to remember the moment, take a picture of the program from the sporting event that you attended.You can remember gifts that are broken but mean something to you by photographing them.You can have your pictures forever if you store them on a digital drive or a cloud.
Step 8: Don't subscribe from mailing lists.
Junk mail and promotional offers can accumulate quickly in your house.You can opt-out of the mailing list if you have a phone number or address.If you want the post office to stop delivering mail from specific companies, you can contact them.
Step 9: Get rid of your discs.
You don't need to keep your CDs around if you uploaded them to your computer.You don't need to store movies and shows in DVDs if you buy digital downloads.If you can part with a CD or DVD, give them away or donate them so someone else can enjoy them.If you have more than one copy of DVDs or CDs, throw them away.
Step 10: Business cards can be entered into a contact list.
The days of binders full of business cards are over.To remind you of who the person is, make a spreadsheet of all of the contact information.The card can be thrown in the trash.
Step 11: Important papers should be left away.
If you create a filing system, you will be able to file bills, notices, personal documents, or any other important paperwork as soon as you get it.The papers should never be given a chance to pile up.A filing cabinet is a great way to organize your papers.
Step 12: You can throw away your receipts if you download an app.
Instead of keeping a box or drawer full of receipts that you may need to use for expense reports or tax purposes, you can use an app on your phone or tablets that will allow you to Scan your Receipts.Many apps pull the information from the receipt and make spreadsheets.Expensify is one of the popular receipt apps.
Step 13: You can build shelves.
Adding shelves to your walls, cabinets, or closets is an easy and affordable way to create more space for you to store items until you need them.Pick up some wooden panels at your local hardware store and put them on your walls.If you are building shelves on your walls, make sure they are mounted on wall studs.Put some weight on the shelves to make sure they are free of obstructions.
Step 14: There is an organization on the back of the door.
Adding a hanging door organizer will allow you to store items that you don't use often.You can find your items in the slots and pockets if you need them.Check out the home improvement section of your local department store for hanging door organizers.
Step 15: There are plastic shelves that can be used to store household items.
Light bulbs, vacuum cleaner bags, and batteries can be held on the shelves that match the look of your space.If you ever need the items, you can easily access them, but they will stay out of sight when you aren't using them.Plastic shelves can be found at local department stores and online.
Step 16: As soon as you wash your clothes, put them away.
One of the biggest culprits of disorganized is laundry.You can keep it from piling up by folding it and putting it in drawers and closets as soon as you take them out of the dryer.Don't put it off until later!
Step 17: You should put away anything you don't use often.
There is a habit of accumulating quickly.If you leave something out after you use it, it will end up laying out and taking up space.When you are done reading your book, put it back on the shelf.When you finish with your dishes, put them in the sink or dishwasher.