Misc.

In an effort to keep things REALLY simple today, I’ve listed Top Ten Simple Tips to Staying Organized.

All of these “tips” should be pretty self explanatory…and if you really think about it, each task would only take you a minute or two to complete. However, if you let them all pile up for days or even weeks at a time, they become an overwhelming burdon.

Oh, and I’ve even included this fun printable that you can download and print for free!!

So, as the holiday season approaches and your life gets just a little MORE hectic; put  these 10 tips in a prominate location around your home {bathroom mirror, refrigerator, back door, bed-side table} and remind yourself that a few minutes spent NOW will reduce lots of time, energy, and stress later.

After all, Christmas is only 47 days away!

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Over the past 3 years, I’ve worked with a variety of people — myself included — who struggle to keep their homes clean and organized {see you’re not the only one!} Many of them simply want to lighten their load and reduce the amount of clutter that drags them down each day. Can you relate?

Photo: Paul Forman

If you’ve tried, and failed, to eliminate clutter from your home — don’t get discouraged. Maybe you just haven’t found the right system that works for you. Take a look at these fool-proof ways to reduce clutter and see if one or two might just do the trick!

Here are 10 Fool-Proof ways to Reduce Clutter:

1. Practice the “One In, One Out” Rule. This is my #1 suggestion to anyone who is overwhelmed with clutter. Even if you don’t have time to get more organized, you can at least prevent the situation from getting worse! Be intentional — get rid of one thing every time you purchase something new. This goes for clothes, toys, decorations, etc.
2. Donate Often: I keep a paper bag in every closet and once it’s full, it goes to a local donation center.
3. Turn Clutter into Cash: Sell items you don’t need, want, use, or love and make some extra cash in the process. I like to call these “Two for One Projects”
4. Use Every Spare Moment: Look for quick and simple ways to declutter in 10 minutes or less. This otherwise wasted time will really add up.
5. Use What you Have: So you’re ready to get organized — Great! But don’t go out and purchase new organizing tools, storage containers, etc. Look around your house for items you can reuse. There’s nothing worse than a junk room full of empty bins, boxes, and expensive storage containers! See how I got creative with baskets.
6. Don’t Shop: This may sound overly simple; but it’s pretty difficult to accumulate clutter if you don’t shop!
7. Limit Sentimental Treasures: If it’s sentimental but not useful, take a picture and get rid of the item. Even if you received it as a gift from you favorite aunt, it’s still clutter and you don’t need it!
8. Go Paperless: Limit the amount of paper you come into contact with each day, and you’ll dramatically reduce your clutter. You might also save a few trees in the process!
9. Get a New Perspective: Go on a service project, spend some time in a homeless shelter, or visit a third-world country and you’ll probably be disgusted with how much clutter you have in your home and your life.
10. Love it, or Lose it: If you don’t love it, get rid of it. Enough said.

How do you reduce clutter in your home?

This post is linked to Top 10 Tuesdays over at ohamanda.com

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