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There really are no home organizing secrets, just some plain old common sense is all you need

Step One: Decide on a Project

Walk through your home. What areas of home organization irritate you the most? Is it a cluttered family room you sit in every night to watch TV? Is it the food pantry that prevents you from making a quick evening meal because you can't find all the ingredients?

Whatever you feel is making you most anxious, unhappy or tense is a good candidate for your first project

Step Two: Fill Out the "Organizing Your Home" Worksheet

Print off and fill out the organizing worksheet Once this is completed you will have a clearer picture of what is actually in the room and some idea of how you would like to organize the items in this room.

Once this is completed you will have a clearer picture of what is actually in the room and some idea of how you would like to organize the items in this room.

Step Three: Sort Through Your Possessions

If you are doing an entire room, start in one place and work clockwise around the room. If you are only doing on space such as a closet or a desk, stay only with that project and resist the urge to move to something else.

Have plenty of garbage bags and storage boxes on hand before you start. Nothing is more irritating than finally deciding to tackle an organization project only to find out you have run out of containers for sorting and storing.

Sorting by Containers

You will need several types of containers:

• Large garbage bags for trash and items that have no use
• Cartons for items you feel could have resale value (use this only if you really do want to hold a yard sale or sell on EBay!)
• Cartons for stuff you can give to someone you know who needs and can use this item
• Cartons for clothing and items you wish to donate to charity (If you plan on taking a tax deduction, keep an inventory of what is in each box)
• Storage Boxes and Containers for items you wish to keep for future use More on this subject later
• Cartons for items that need to be relocatedUse these only if you really, really are going to relocate the item to its proper room. Otherwise, put the item in another box!

You've Done the Pre-Planning

You've filled out the worksheet. You have your first project lined up. You've collected your containers. Now you are ready to start the actual work. Return to "Organizing Your Home" for More Home Organizing Tips

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