ORGANIZING TIPS
ORGANIZING TIPS: PART 2
Spring Organization Series: How to Clear the Clutter
When you start your spring organizing, the first thing you will want to do is clear away the clutter. There is no sense in spending time sorting through and organizing items you have no use for or no interest in keeping. So don’t waste your time, and don’t waste your space. Instead, clear away the clutter. Below, you will find out exactly how to clear the clutter with minimal expense and effort. You don’t need to spend a great deal of time or resources getting rid of clutter, in fact the whole process can feel quite refreshing!
Take a look below at how easy it is to clear the clutter and get a better handle on your space. This is an important step when it comes to organizing as it will help you focus on the items that truly need your attention.
How to Clear the Clutter in Seven Easy Steps:
1. Take it room by room
Don’t overwhelm yourself. Start with one room at a time. Open every drawer, cabinet, and closet. Assemble items in the center of the room that will need to be sorted through and decisions made. Leave no corner or cranny unturned. Now is the time to sort through and get rid of items that are only taking up space and energy.
2. Start sorting.
Using your plastic shopping bags mentioned in the first part of this series, bag up items according to four categories: Keep, Trash, Donate, Sell. If something is not useable, do not question it and send it to the trash. Keep what you will use, and donate what is usable but has not been used by you in the last three months. Any items that have a resale value can be kept and cashed in for some quick cash. Consider each object for no more than a few seconds before deciding what bag it goes in.
3. Arrange for a donation pick up.
Most places will pick up your donation items for free. Call and arrange a pick up so you are not taking up space with your donations. You don’t want to change your mind about anything in your donate bag, so the sooner you get it picked up the better. Pick up services are also great if you have larger items such as furniture pieces. Plus, you will get a donation tax form that will benefit you on your taxes.
4. Turn your clutter into cash.
Items such as name brand clothing, purses, shoes, cds, and DVDs can be sold for cash at resale stores. Even gently used children’s toys and accessories can be traded in for cash. Find out what your local consignment and retail stores are buying and gather up your items for sale. Nothing is better than turning your clutter into cash! Be sure these items are clean and in good resale shape, otherwise you are wasting your time.
5. Arrange for a trash pick up.
If you have a considerable amount of trash, call your city offices to see if they will do a free, additional pick up. This is a great chance to get rid of broken and damaged items quickly and easily. Don’t allow trash to linger. Once you have it bagged up, get it gone!
6. Find a home for your “keep” items.
Now that you know what items you are keeping, use one of the methods mentioned in the first part of this series to organize them. Everything should have a place, whether it be a shoe box, hanger, egg carton, etc. If something does not have a designated space, reconsider your need for it.
7. Keep new clutter at bay.
You just spent time and energy on banishing your clutter, now be sure you aren’t allowing new clutter to take its place. Consider all purchases that come into your home. If something does not have an immediate use or purpose, don’t bring it in the home. Use the rule that if a new item comes in, something should go that is no longer used.
By following these seven tips, you will see that clearing the clutter can be quite easy! As you can see you will be able to make better choices about what you need and what you don’t. You even have the chance to make a little cash off your clutter!
So continue on your quest to get organized this spring! Clear away the clutter and you will find yourself off to a great start!
For more great tips and DIY projects check out our DIY section!!
Here is Part 1 of Organizing Tips if you missed it!
Stay tuned for our Part 3 of the series next week!!
