- 1). Remove clutter from all surfaces in your home. Don't try to tackle it all in one day; just establish a habit of doing the de-cluttering each day on a regular basis. Designate trash bags or boxes for donations, items to store and items to discard. A few knickknacks in each room add color and enhance your personal style. Too many items tend to distract from each other and create an untidy-looking space. For instance, clear out the junk from your bathroom and kitchen drawers. This provides a space to store makeup, kitchen tools and other items that clutter the counter space.
- 2). Donate items you no longer use that still work or that may be useful to someone else. This includes clothes that no longer fit or clothes you haven't worn in a year.
- 3). Discard broken or stained items or items that need major repairs, especially if you doubt you will have the time or money to fix them.
- 4). Store sentimental treasures or knickknacks that you cannot bear to part with. If you put them in storage in the basement, on a high closet shelf, in the attic or even underneath your bed, you can pull them out later to re-evaluate whether they are worth the storage space.
- 5). Invest in plastic storage containers with lids. These come in many different sizes and shapes to hold items as small as paper clips or as large as an artificial Christmas tree. Fill the containers with similar items. Stack them on top of each other to take advantage of the vertical spaces.
- 6). Purchase shelving units for your closets, garage and attic areas. This utilizes the vertical space along the walls, and the units are often inexpensive. Another idea is to purchase decorative bookcases for your rooms. This provides an attractive area to store books, potted plants, knickknacks and other small items.
- 7). Place a large wicker or other type of basket near the front door, the foyer or other areas in your home where family members seem to dump all their paraphernalia when they enter the home. If you have a closet with wide shelves, designate a basket or container for each member of the family. This keeps everything together and prevents frantic searches when looking for an item.
- 8). Purchase organizational tools for every room and area in your home. Whether it is a closet, drawer or desk organizer, have a spot for everything. Returning everything to the correct place after each use prevents a messy look in your home.
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