How to Sort Through & Declutter

Over the years, clutter really builds up in a home if a thorough spring-and-fall cleaning doesn't take care of it. Add busy schedules and there's often little time to sort through and declutter. Enlist the help of family and friends, if possible, and devote a day -- or weekend -- to clearing it all out and deciding what stays and goes in your closet, kitchen and living areas, what can be donated, and what's truly meant for the trash bin. You'll find peace of mind by clearing out the clutter and, perhaps best of all, room for new things.

Things You'll Need

• File folders
• File cabinet
• Labels
• Marker
• Boxes
• Garbage bags
• Storage containers

Instructions

1. Declutter all paper items in your home. Designate a box for "throw away" paper items and a box for items containing personal information that need to be shredded. Have a stack of file folders ready to label and file important documents.

   Be ruthless. Throw away as many pieces of paper as possible. If you don't absolutely need it, chuck it. (

2. Empty the clothes closet. A good rule of thumb is, if you haven't worn an item in the past year, it needs to go. Donate any wearable clothing to a charitable organization, and remember, it can be a tax write-off. Throw away stained, ratty clothing. Chances are, these clothes don't elicit happy feelings. Only leave clothes you wear frequently and that are in style.

3. Sort through the linen closet. Often, towels and other items stack up, becoming many more than you need. A good rule of thumb is, two towels per person in the household plus a set of guest towels. The same rule applies to bed linens.

   Sort through cleaning supplies, knickknacks and holiday decorations, throwing out anything that hasn't been used in the past year.

4. Take inventory of your kitchen. Donate excess pots and pans to a charitable group so that you have just one of each size. Rid your kitchen of extremely worn pots and pans, appliances or anything in the drawers that hasn't been used within the past year. Designate a "junk drawer" for things like rubber bands, scissors and miscellaneous items.

5. Store any loose items in your home in a storage bin in your utility closet. Label the bin and designate shelves for certain items in your house that have a habit of lying around and cluttering the living space.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep up the decluttering throughout the months. Put away items as soon as you are finished using them, and throw away bits of scrap paper, unneeded receipts and cards so they don't pile up.

References

• Martha Stewart Magazine: Declutter

Resources

• Martha Stewart Magazine: Clear Your Clutter