Picture this scenario. You've just bought a gorgeous new set of mugs but can't find room for them in the kitchen cupboard because its packed to overflowing and you have to stack plates of different sizes on top of each other just to fit them in.
The wardrobe in your bedroom is so tightly packed with clothes that you have to iron each item again before you can wear it.
You can only park one car in the double garage because there are things stacked up against all the walls. Your guest room has become a "junk" room because there's nowhere else to store all that stuff that you've collected over all the years you've been living in your current house.
You rarely eat at the dining table because it would just take too long to clear all the papers and other bits and pieces that have just accumulated and taken up residence there.
If this all sounds familiar then its time to declutter and get rid of all those items that you hang on to because you might need them "one day". Now the thought of decluttering may seem like a huge task but if you break it down into small bite-size pieces it becomes much easier and you'll be surprised how effortless it can be.
Put aside some time each week to tackle your declutter sessions.
Start with one room at a time.
Make a plan. Write down all the areas in your home that need a clean out and then decide where you are going to start.
If you think the kitchen needs attention first start with one cupboard at a time. Firstly take everything out and put it on the kitchen bench, then look at all the items and classify them. Put to one side all the things you use every week.
Then make another pile of the things that you know you use occasionally. Now look at the rest. It might be a good idea at this point to get a couple of boxes ready. One for junk and one for items that are still in good condition and that someone else could use.
Pick up each item and ask yourself if you have used it in the last six months. If the answer is no then chances are that you'll probably never use it. Decide which box to put it into and then put it in! Congratulations! You've just taken the first step to rid yourself of clutter forever.
Now continue until there is nothing left. Once done take the junk box out to the wheelie bin and empty it. This is important. If you just put it in the garage or spare room you're just transferring the clutter or worse still might be tempted to put it back in the cupboard "just in case you might need it.
You now have a variety of options as to what you can do with the second box. You could make some extra cash by having a garage sale or listing the items on eBay. If you don"t have the time or inclination to do this yourself you can find a trading assistant who can do it for you. They usually take a percentage of the sale price or they may even purchase the items from you at a "bulk price."
If this seems like too much trouble you can just donate the whole lot to one of your local charities. Some will even come and pick things up if you have a reasonable amount.
Once you've decided the best option for you, label the box and put it in the garage or somewhere where you'll see it daily to remind yourself that you need to dispose of it.
Now you can put the remaining items back into the cupboard. Put the occasionally used items at the back the often-used ones in the front. See how much tidier your cupboard looks now!
Every time you open this cupboard you'll be so pleased with the tidiness that it will inspire you to continue with the others. Remember, the hardest part is getting started.
