How To Simplify What’s Really Important And Eliminate Clutter

1. Don’t get lost in sentimentality. Sure, nostalgia can be a great feeling but, are you really going to use or need what you’re hanging on to? How about that prom dress wedding dress? Ok, if you can’t bare to part from it, get it dry cleaned, professionally boxed and store it. Take pictures of favorite stuffed animals or save one to pass to the next generation and donate the rest.

2. Visit Mark Joyner for more of his personal development brain puzzle cartoons.

   Take baby steps. How long did it take you to acquire your clutter? It’s not going to get under control over night. Take it easy and try a closet, a counter top, or another small area at a time. Don’t attempt too much in one sitting. Each successful accomplishment will motivate you to do next task.

3. Less is more. Less stuff equals less to clean, less to organize and more time. Let this motivate you.
4. Make the One In, One Out rule. Bring something new in the house and something old must go out. A simple rule to live by to help you keep the must deserved clutter-free existence you’ve achieved.
5. Learn to love containers. To add order to chaos, the best weapon of organizers everywhere are containers . When everything has it’s place such as a cabinet, drawer, bin or shelf, you’ll eliminate counter clutter and junk drawers. You’ll have a place for everything and everything will be in it’s place. Sound like something Mom may have told you? Don’t you love to prove her right?
6. Make the most of small spaces. Ottomans or other chairs with removable tops are a clever way to store remotes, toys or games. Utilize the space behind the bathroom door with an over the door hanger. Install a removable etagere over the commode to store extra towels and toiletries.
7. Can’t remember the last time it was used? Toss it. This rule particularly applies to clothing. Holding onto clothes you’ll fit into some day? Don’t you think when that day comes you’re going to want to buy new clothes anyway?
8. Have your recycle bin ready. When you come in from getting the mail, toss the junk mail right away.
9. Pay your bills online. Go paperless by receiving and paying bills online.
10. Pretend you’re moving. If you had to move, what would you take with you? What you wouldn’t mind leaving behind, donate it or list it on Freecycle.org which is all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills.