Posts Tagged ‘clutter’

Six key questions to help clear the clutter.

So you have decided to declutter and reduce the amount of ’stuff’ that is taking over your home and life. But will you be able to get rid of the clutter or will you fall into the trap of just rearranging the clutter and shifting if to another space. One of the biggest dangers when getting organized is the temptation to make you clutter neat and pretty with all kinds of baskets and boxes and stylish systems. But if you truly want to get organized than some of that ’stuff’ just has to go!

Here are the five key questions to ask yourself when you are trying to decide whether to keep things as you declutter.

1. When did I last use this? If you haven’t used something in the last 12 months then it’s probably time to get rid of it for good.
2. Am I keeping this item for emotional reasons? If you are then maybe you are ready to acknowledge this and look at the feelings related to this item. Just be honest with yourself about the real reasons you have kept and unused item.
3. Do I have another item that serves the same purpose? If you do then keep the most recent item, or the one in the best condition and put the other out to the trash or good will.
4. Is the item in good working order and ready to use? Many people put things aside to mend and repair and never get around to it. You may have even bought a replacement but still kept the old one. What exactly need repairing and how long have you been waiting to do it? If you haven’t done it in the last month then it’s unlikely you ever will so toss it out.
5. Does this item help or hinder me in creating an organized and peaceful home? If an item is not serving a purpose then it is clutter. Clutter stops you from feeling content and relaxed in your own home. When you get rid of clutter you are helping to create a more peaceful space for your whole family. So toss it or give it away.
6. Where does it belong? Keep things in the rooms that they are most used in and in their own space. Be practical about where you store things. If it is easy to put something away after use then you are more likely to keep your home organized.

Decluttering on a regular basis will help you to create an organized home. Try decluttering for 15 20 minutes a day and you will be amazed at how quickly you make progress. Select a room, set your timer and sort thought the clutter asking yourself these five key questions for decluttering.