Sometimes it seems as if our lifestyle is built on the consumption and possession of stuff. But where does the old stuff go, once we’re on to newer and better things? Usually into the land of household clutter! Like used plastic shopping bags stuck on the branches of a riverbank tree, our clutter poisons our view and enjoyment of the objects that we do need and want and use.
Most people don’t know how to get rid of clutter. The trick is to take it step by step. Here are eight easy ways to get started:
1. Go through your stuff and figure out what belongs in the following categories:
2. Get rid of the gross. Dump it in the garbage, soak it in the sink, or disinfect it.
3. Sort through the annoying with a strong sense of clarity. Don’t need it? Get rid of it. Clip and file any articles from old magazines and recycle the magazine (you can reduce magazine clutter by recycling the old magazine as soon as the new one arrives.) Store annoying things out of sight–in filing cabinets, closets, boxes, or drawers.
4. Put other people’s stuff in a box outside of your room and return the stuff as soon as possible.
5. Make a plan for where you want your favorites to go. Loose pictures should go in photo albums, frames, or storage boxes. If you don’t have special place for jewelry make or purchase a jewelry box. Favorite possessions are usually items that you want on display, so plan on offering a little shelf space to them. Consider placing favorites in areas where young siblings or animals can’t get to them and damage them.
6. Make sure that your essentials are easy to access. Store them in the same place every day so that you always know where to find them.
7. Now revisit your categories and check off each item as it is accomplished:
8. What’s left? CLUTTER. Clear that clutter off your desks, dressers, bookshelves, bed, and everywhere else in your room. Put it in a big pile. Examine all the items making up this clutter pile. Which of these have you outgrown? What things are not that important to you and are just taking up space? Recycle, throw out, or place in a bag to give away. Then get the stuff out of your room. Place the things you want to keep on shelves, in drawers, or in boxes. Keep going until the pile is gone.
Read more: Feng Shui & Organizing, Home
Adapted from Teen Feng Shui by Susan Levitt (Inner Traditions, 2003). Copyright (c) 2003 by Susan Levitt. Reprinted by permission of Inner Traditions.
Adapted from Teen Feng Shui by Susan Levitt (Inner Traditions, 2003).
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
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Thank you.
I often give garlic to my dog ,,,good for the coat,,ect..
It would have been nice if they had included some information on how to use it to protect or repair …
I use the microwave every day and since both my parents worked I was raised using one every day.
Thanks for the simplicity to restore health and energy in my bathroom!
487 comments
+ add your ownThanks a lot, there are a lot of good tips in there I will definitely use.
Thank you
Thanks - I love the idea of categorizing everything, it will make it alot easier to get rid of clutter.
Thanks for sharing this interesting article.
OK, I always tive myself the month of January to sort of get over the loving and caring and eating etc of December, but starting February 1st, with a copy of the article, I will attack my clutter, for sure!
thanks for posting this article, very interesting
Good article. Thanks!
These are some good steps that'll definitely make things less stressful! Thanks for the tips
Dear Annie, you make it sound so simple, But it' s easier said than done. Anyway, thanks so much. Will try it out. Wish me luck.
Love these ideas, Thanks!
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