What Clutter Really Means and How to Stop It Today
Hello Readers,
Do you ever feel like you can’t find something because you must sift through the clutter? I had that problem. Since then, I found a nifty solution. The answer involves more than chunking everything into an empty box or trash bag. With my 4 easy steps, anyone can kill the clutter bug and keep it out of the closet, junk drawer, garage, or wherever you find a mess.
1. Realize that fear makes us keep junk.
Everyone seems to be afraid that they will donate or throw away something they’ll need in the future. They worry they won’t be able to replace it. If the item isn’t useful now, don’t save it. Get rid of clothes that don’t fit, the warped aluminum pan, or the extra plastic cups in the cupboard. Gifts belong in this list, also. If Aunt Marge gave you an ugly sweater for Christmas, throw it out. Once it’s yours, you can do as you please. What Aunt Marge doesn’t know won’t hurt her. After the mental preparation, move on to step 2.
2. Set a timer for 20 minutes.
Anyone can do this. Set that timer and go to a cluttered area of the house. Use 10 minutes to clear clutter and 10 minutes to tidy up. No one wants a bigger mess than what they started with. A short time commitment translates to success. Here’s my experience.
I went to my closet, and collected the tops, pants, and sweaters I hadn’t worn. Instead of fretting over needing them someday, I thought about how each piece made me feel. The blouse was on sale, but the color clashed with my complexion. Another top clung to my belly, not flattering at all. The slacks were just like a huge dust rag that attracted cat hair. Not good, since I have four housecats. Those pants had to go. Anything that I hadn’t worn lately or that begged for a repair got tossed in the trash. Anything without a tear, rip, or stain went into a donation box.
I was able to choose 15 pieces of clothing someone else might use. That left me with plenty of empty hangers. I absolutely dread digging through the rack in search of free hangers. By clearing clutter, my closet can breathe a little. And I won’t feel like I’m trapped in a clothes thicket.
3. Place the packed box or bag in the car and promise to donate it.
Don’t dig in the box or discuss your plan with anyone in your family. They might sabotage your effort. Trust me, the charities need it more than you do.
4. Vow to repeat the above once a day or once a week.
With persistence, the clutter will disappear. Anyone can find twenty minutes in their day or week to complete the task. Choose small areas to clear. Perhaps a nightstand, shelf, tabletop, or drawer needs attention. The stuff didn’t appear overnight, so be patient with yourself.
My 4 easy steps will have your home tidy in no time, providing you don’t buy more junk. Ha, that’s a topic for a future post. Until then, remember it’s better to challenge yourself with twenty minute sprints to squash the clutter bug than to exhaust yourself in a marathon.
If there are things you just can’t part with, place them in a box. Seal it, and jot down a date on top, a year from the day you packed it. If you don’t use it within a year, promise to donate the entire box. Don’t you dare open the box after the date. It’s just clutter.
If you have some tips for banishing clutter, leave a comment below. Don’t forget to check out my book, Run Girl Run . And connect with me on social media at the links above.
Thank you for visiting and please come again.
