(Guest Post: Marilyn Bohn)
Let's face it, there are some things that we don't like to do either because we think they are hard or we don't know where to begin or how to do them. A few years ago I was making one of my daughters her freedom quilt (this is a red, white and blue quilt I give them on their 21st birthday). I was appliquéing blue snowflakes onto a white background. I hit a wall and I couldn't continue making the quilt. Just the thought of sewing on it almost made me ill. Another daughter suggested I make only 21 blocks instead of the number I was aiming for. That one small suggestion is all it took; I changed the pattern and was able to finish creating this beautiful quilt.
If you are stuck with clutter and you want to change but don't know where to start I have several tips on how to get rid of clutter in four rooms in your home.
1. Office: When you think of the paper in your home do you cringe from the sheer volume that you have to deal with every day? How long has it been since you saw the top of your desk? Are papers scattered all over your house? Do you blame yourself for the paper clutter in your home? You are not alone if you feel this way!
To get rid of clutter designate a place for everything and after using it put it back in its place. Keep the things you use most often within arm's reach. Things you don't use as often keep in a drawer. Extra supplies can be stored where you can get to it readily but not so close that it creates clutter in your work area. Store supplies in a closet, on a shelf or in drawers.
2. Children's Bedrooms:
Do you ever blame your kids or "get after them" for having a messy room? Maybe they aren't at fault. Do they have places to put their toys, books and craft items? Create places for these things by using containers to hold their toys and other items. These can be kept in the closet, under the bed or in attractive containers in their room.
Sort through their toys every 4 to 6 months and donate those that they don't play with. You will be making someone else happy and will get rid of clutter at the same time. Things can also be given away by listing them on a website such as Freecycle or Craigslist. As crayons get broken and paint dries up or note pads are all used immediately throw them away. This is a simple way to get rid of clutter rather than waiting for things to pile up.
3. Bathroom:
Get rid of clutter on the counter by having containers for the things you use most often. Cosmetics can be kept in containers and either kept on the counter or placed in drawers. If you have products you don't use, get rid of them. There is no need to hold on to them just because you bought it, clutter does not bring back the money you spent. Let it go or return it for cash or credit.
Do you keep medicine in your bathroom? This is not the best place because of the humidity in the room. Declutter your medicines by going through all the boxes and bottles and checking the expiration dates.
4. Garage:
I don't know about you but this is a place where I only think about when I drive my car in or out or I need to find a tool or something else that is stored there. It is so easy to clutter this space because it is "there" but not an area we are in all the time like other rooms in our homes.
To get rid of clutter in the garage set up activity zones. Group like things together such as placing all of the sporting gear in one place, gardening tools in another and other tools together in their space.
Using the walls and the ceiling for storage helps you make better use of the space and it increases the useable space you have. Several storage solutions are available such as plastic bins (label what is in them by using a 3 X 5 card and tape it securely to the end). Peg boards are great to hang up a variety of tools. Cabinets can be used to store paint, tools or other items. The items are out of site yet are convenient to use.
Get rid of clutter by streamlining what you have and say goodbye to old stuff you never use or things you don't like.
Marilyn is a professional organizer and invites you to visit her website http://www.marilynbohn.com, She is a sought after public speaker and author who is passionate about teaching ways to organize your life and how to reduce clutter. She works with women in their homes and offices. On her web site she teaches you to get rid of clutter by using her Lights On Organizing System. She provides practical information on how to declutter your home, office and life. In her blogs, articles, and videos she gives timely tips on how to clear clutter and how to declutter everything in your home and office. She is the author of a book called Go Organize! Conquer clutter in three simple steps which will be in major bookstores in December 2009.
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Marilyn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and is working towards becoming a Certified Professional Organizer. Professionally she has been organizing homes and offices for two years. She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah. Go to her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful articles on organizing. |
