Sorting through clutter is the hardest part of organizing your home

Learn how to make decisions on what to throw, what to store and what to keep

Starting the Process of Sorting Clutter and Organizing Your Home

There should only be a few reasons for keeping your possessions. These can be diluted into the following:

• You and your family are currently using this item
• The item has sentimental or other value to you or a member of your family
• You will be using the item sometime in the near future.

Sorting, Purging, and Discarding Clutter is the Most Difficult Part of Organizing Your Home

Have 4 cartons ready for the first go round. Label them Keep, Throw, Recycle, and Store. Don't spend too much time answering these questions. You'll have time to go through this a second time. On this first round try to make a quick decision on what to keep and what to throw. Handle each item only once. Look at it with a critical eye. Ask yourself these questions:

• How often do I use this?
• Is it a duplicate?
• Does this item have value to me or someone in the family?
• If damaged, can this item be repaired (or will I ever repair it?)

The first question is self explanatory. If you use this item on a daily or weekly basis, it is a keeper. Into the Keep box it goes.

If you only use it on special occasions such as holidays and family get togethers, is there a place you could store it until you need it? If so, put it in the Store box.

If you haven't used it in a year or more, do you really need it? Is it just clutter that you can discard or recycle? Can you pass it on to someone who could really use it, and perhaps you could borrow it if the time comes you need the item? Put it in the Recycle box.

If you have duplicates, keep your favorite one (if you really use it!) and recycle the rest.

If it has value, put it in the Keep box.

If it needs to be repaired, think about it for a minute (and only a minute). How long has it been broken? Are you really going to get it repaired? Have you already replaced it? What will it cost to get it repaired? Is it worth the time and effort to do this?

After you have answered these questions, you will know what box to put this in.

Start with only one Project

Don't go getting all gung ho and run around from room to room and closet to drawer just to quickly get rid of clutter. Decide on one area you are going to organize at this time. It may be just a drawer or you may be in a purging mood and decide to do the whole kitchen. Whatever you decide on, here are the steps to follow:

• Completely empty the area you want to organize
• Sort as you go
• If you are unsure about an item, place it in the Store box
• When the area is completely empty, clean it thoroughly

Get Rid of Unwanted Items and Clutter

Before you go any further, take the time to eliminate all unwanted items. Take the trash outside to the dumpster and dispose of it. Put items for charitable donations in the trunk of your car, ready for drop off the next time you are in the area.

If items are to be recycled for a garage sale, tag them now and put them into bankers boxes that can be stacked neatly in the garage. Only do this if you are really, really going to have a sale. Otherwise, give the items to family and friends or donate them to charity. The purpose of organizing is to simplify your life. Don't put more stuff on your plate that you are not willing to deal with.

Feel the Freedom that Comes from Eliminating and Organizing Clutter

You may not realize it, but everything you bring into your home is demanding your attention. It all has to be cleaned and cared for. Every item in your home adds to your workload. Do yourself a favor and start to eliminate the clutter in your home. Once you do this, you will find clarity and an aura of freedom around the home and also in your mind and lifestyle.

There is no Right or Wrong Way to Organize

Don't let anyone tell you things have to be done only one way. There is only your way to organize. Only you know what is of value to you. Only you know your storage preferences. Take the time to think through what you want and organize your home piece by piece in the time you have.

Return here often for household storage ideas and new ideas on how to organize each room in your home. Learn about storage containers and how to stretch your storage space. New pages are being added every day. For the next step in home organizing, move on to Home Storage Ideas

Enjoy the Process and the Feeling of Accomplishment With Each Area that Becomes Organized, No Matter What Size the Project Is.

Happy Organizing!


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