How to Unclutter Your House

Getting rid of clutter can be an overwhelming task if not tackled regularly.

A cluttered house often appears messy even though it is clean and sanitary. Too much "stuff" is the bane of many households. Homeowners either don't have time to rid their homes of clutter or they simply avoid the job because deciding what needs to be tossed, donated, repaired or stored seems overwhelming. However, getting rid of clutter gives your home a clean, tidy appearance and cuts the stress of trying to find a particular item. It also allows you to clean your home properly in less time because you aren't constantly moving items to clean under or around them.

Things You'll Need

• Trash bags
• Large plastic storage boxes
• Permanent markers and labels

Instructions

1. Place a trash bag near the cluttered area for items to be thrown away. Label three large plastic storage containers with the words: "Donate," "Storage," and "Repair."

2. Schedule a time each day devoted to decluttering your home, even if it's for only 10 minutes at a time. Eventually, those small spans of time will add up to large amounts of extra storage and uncluttered tables, drawers, counter and cabinet spaces. If you can't devote time each day to this chore, schedule one day each week or even once a month to get rid of clutter.

3. Ask your family to join the decluttering mission. Owners of the belongings are more likely to know in which storage container they belong. Once your family understands the benefits of decluttering to them, they are more likely to help keep the areas clean. If you insist they be involved in the process, they will also be less likely to waste money on new items that lead to more clutter.

4. Start your decluttering adventure in a small area. For instance, begin with a kitchen drawer filled with junk, a small bedroom or a closet. Once you reap the results of the uncluttered space, it will motivate you to work in larger areas and eventually get rid of the junk in every room of your home.

5. Donate any items you have not used within one year such as outgrown children's clothes, an unused blender, books you'll never read again or any other usable item. Many people -- particularly women -- tend to keep several clothing sizes in their closets due to weight gains or losses. Even if you will fit into those pants again someday, they will be outdated by then and you'll be unlikely to wear them. Put them in the "Donate" box.

6. Throw away clothing items that are stained, torn or beyond repair. Generally, these get shoved to the back of the closet and you can't remember why you no longer wear them. Gadgets are the same way. If you haven't used a gadget within a year, there is little chance you'll need it in the future.

7. Place items that are still usable, but in need of repair, into the "Repair" box. This includes shirts with missing buttons, a coat that needs a new zipper and shoes needing new heel taps.

8. Discard receipts for appliances you no longer have, piles of magazines you don't have time to read and other useless paraphernalia. Store important manuals for your appliances and other items, tax returns and other important papers in a safe or filing cabinet where you can locate them when needed.

9. Check your freezer for packages that have expired or have freezer burn and throw them out. Go through your refrigerator and toss half-used condiments that are past their expiration date. Toss any moldy leftovers taking up space.

10. Place items you cannot bear to part with, yet don't have room to display, in a container marked "Storage." This includes baby clothes, crafts your children made for you years ago, plaques, trophies and souvenirs.

11. Take the plastic boxes to their designated areas. The "Storage" box can go permanently in the attic, basement or a walk-in closet. Put the "Donate" box in the trunk of your car to take it to the Salvation Army, Goodwill or other charitable organization. The "Repair" box can go in the trunk of your car, a closet or the garage. At least once a week, make it a point to take care of the repairs, whether it means swinging by the shoe repair shop on the way home from work or sewing buttons on clothing items while watching TV.

Tips & Warnings

• If you enjoy having yard sales or selling items on auction sites, mark another storage container with "Sell."

References

• Good Housekeeping: Take Control of Clutter
• University of Illinois Extension: Clear the Clutter