Where to Begin

• Identify one area, like a bookcase or a dining table.
• And maybe an amount of time, like 15 minutes if this feels especially hard. Try setting a timer.

Rules of Thumb

• Purchase no containers. As you de-clutter, you’ll empty some you already have. Plus, containers encourage, well . . . clutter.
• Create a “staging area” and try to remove everything from the place to de-clutter. Then make decisions about what to put back.
• Categorize. It’s easy to let go of vases when you realize you have 10.
• Immediately take items to donate or recycle to your car. Come back inside and enjoy the view.

Paper

• Aim for one standing file holder on your desk. This is for files you access at least once a week. Other folders can be tucked away in your file cabinet. File cabinet already stuffed? We’ve yet to meet anyone who can’t let go of at least a third of what’s there, and live more happily.
• Place a recycling container in the exact spot where you open mail.

Quick Fixes for Your Kitchen

• One word: Mugs. Free up valuable cabinet real estate. You may be able to let go of as many as half.
• Need extra room for wine/water glasses? Place a tray on top and instantly create a second tier.
• Ditch “aspirational” foods. You know, the exotic dried mushrooms gift you’ve stopped noticing on your shelf? The very lovely dried bean mix with the very complicated directions?

Closet

The clothes you haven’t worn but can’t let go of? Ask a friend to hold up each item while you say “Keep!” “Donate!” or “Recycle!” Don’t touch it yourself, and you’ll find it easier to wave good-bye.

Curb Car Clutter

• Move manuals from your glove box to the back of your car and free up space for items you access on a regular basis.
• One of the these may be a nice 4 x 6 or so accordion folder to hold receipts, gift cards, coupons . . . Keep it by your front door and it goes with you each day you use your car, back inside the house when you come home.
• Also handy for that glove box are baby wipes for quick clean ups.
• Keep a tote in your trunk for items to return to stores, take to the tailor, or loan to friends. That way, they won’t accumulate by your front door!

Best Advice Ever

• Keep a permanent Donate/Recycle Bag—in your attic, basement, hall closet or bedroom corner. Everyone can have one, even if space is tight. If yours is in the bedroom, re-purpose an attractive re-usable bag.
• Instantly create space by ditching your organizing books and magazines. This is an actual article from House Beautiful: “Sexy Mudrooms: Your Clutter Never Looked So Good.” Each “new” article says the same old thing. It’s just the titles that get . . . sexier?