Clutter happens, and it’s sneaky. Somehow time passes and things just…accumulate. In fact, we don’t even have to think about it, it just happens. Here are a few tips to help you get control of the clutter, and create more harmony in your home.
Bedrooms/Closets:
- Old, Worn Out Undergarments – Underwear, Bras, Socks, Undershirts, etc.
- Shoes that no longer fit, are uncomfortable or worn out – Boots, Tennis Shoes, Sandals, Slippers, etc.
- Clothes, Jackets & Coats – If you haven’t worn it all season, you don’t need it
- Extra Blankets, Sheets, Pillows – Keep what is useful and get rid of the rest
- Broken or Outgrown Toys and Games
- Old/Unused Luggage, Tote Bags, Purses, Makeup Bags, etc.
- Old Bathing Suits, Swim Trunks, Beach Towels, Floaties, Pool Toys
Kitchen:
- Plastic Storage Containers – Stained, cracked, Butter tubs and Popcorn/Cookie tins
- Old Cleaning Supplies
- Florist Vases
- Duplicate or Unused Kitchen Gadgets
- Expired Food and Spices
- Cups, Mugs, Dinnerware, Tablecloths – Mismatched, Partial Pieces, Unnecessary Surplus
Bathroom:
- Makeup, Hair Products, Hygiene Items no longer used
- Unused Brushes, Combs, Curling Irons, Straighteners, Blow Dryers
- Worn Out, Mismatched Towels
Home Office/Craft Room:
- Mail, Paperwork, Notebooks, Journals, Old Magazines, Guides, Travel Brochures, Manuals, Calendars, Planners, etc
- Kid’s School Projects – keep just a few special ones, 13 years is A LOT of papers and projects!
- Books you’ve already read – this one is hard for me, I’m a collector. 🙂
- Leftover Supplies from completed projects or crafts
- Pens, Markers, Crayons, Office/School Supplies – those things really multiply, sheesh!
Family Room/Living Room/Media Room:
- VHS Tapes and DVD’s
- Remotes, Cords, Broken and Outdated Electronics
Garage/Storage:
- Old Paint Cans, Brushes, Rollers and Trays
- Old or Broken Tools
Miscellaneous:
- Old Keys – trust me, you don’t need that 1984 Toyota Corolla key anymore!!!
- Forsaken Hobby Equipment – face it, we all have abandoned a few hobbies!
- Old Holiday & Everyday Decor that has been updated
- Baby Gear you no longer need
- Souvenirs that are not displayed
It’s amazing the things we hold on to, whether it be for nostalgia or because “I might need it someday”, if it’s made more than one move with you and it is still packed away it is probably safe to say, you don’t need it. It is ok to let go – in fact, letting go can be freeing.
I love the quote “Fall is Proof that Change is Beautiful”. Happy Decluttering!
