Here's a link to a Blissful Mind blog post ( http://theblissfulmind.com/2015/10/28/tips-to-declutter-your-home-free-workbook/ ) In case the blog disappears, I've summarised the tips here.
3 questions to ask when decluttering are (1) does it make my life simpler or more pleasant?, (2) do I have more than one? and (3) is it easily replaceable and/or can I borrow it?
The 5-step process: (1) Choose an area to de-clutter and gather
everything from that room into a pile so you can see all of your stuff
at once. Yes, it will look a mess! (2) For every item, ask the three questions. (3) Sort things into three piles - Toss, Donate and Keep (including repairs). (4) If keeping an item, choose its home and make sure
you put it back every time you use it. If you have something to repair, make plans
to do so right away instead of leaving these items in a cluttered pile. (5) If something is to be tossed, do so as soon as possible but also see if there are options to avoid dumping it in a landfill - e.g. a recycling facility. (If you can't decide whether to keep something or not,
put it out of sight and set a notification on your calendar in three
months’ time. If you haven’t needed it or you completely forgot about
it, it’s time to get rid of it.)
Bedroom
Closet
# Get rid of anything that still has a tag on it
# When you take clothes out of your closet, put them back as soon as
you decide not to wear them instead of leaving a pile on your bed
# Follow the ‘goes with three other items’ rule
Drawers
# Get drawer dividers to help keep your underwear and socks organized
# Fold clothes and store them vertically instead of on top of each other
Bedside Table
#Keep a tray or bowl on your bedside table to hold loose ends like chapstick and lotion
The Office
Desk
# Get rid of pens as soon as they run out instead of putting them back into the pen pile
# Keep cords and cables organized in a pouch or drawer
# Use one notebook until it’s full before writing in a new one
Paperwork
# Opt for paperless bills + receipts
# Scan everything and recycle the originals
# Keep one file folder for papers that need attention
Computer
# Store documents in the cloud
# Keep your desktop organized with this free wallpaper
# Use unroll.me to unsubscribe from junk mail
The Bathroom
Beauty Products
# Get a makeup organizer unit so you don’t have to rummage through a bag to find your mascara
# Use something up before buying a new product
# Try to stick to one of each type of product (one daily moisturizer, one eyeliner, etc)
Tools + Extras
# Store your hair dryer and styling tools in a fabric bin or try this awesome Bamboo Organizer
# Keep cotton balls and Q-Tips in glass jars for easy access.Cleaning Supplies
# Use multi-tasking products for the kitchen + bathroom to reduce clutter under sinks
# Dedicate a cupboard for all cleaning supplies instead of keeping them in different parts of your home
The Living Room
Books + DVDs
# Get rid of anything you haven’t read or watched yet
# If you wouldn’t read or watch it again, donate it
# Make a habit of reserving books from the library or get a kindle for books
Coffee / Side Table
# Consider getting a side table that doubles as a DVD holder
# Leave a tray or bowl on top to collect random things like bobby pins that often end up in random places
Misc.
# Add a wastebasket to the room if trash seems to accumulate (most people don’t have one in their living room)
# Utilize a basket for storing miscellaneous items like blankets
# Keep a tray near your entryway for holding keys to avoid misplacing them
The Pantry
Pantry
# Store grains, pasta, etc. in mason jars (American brand glassjars) to eliminate bulky packaging
# Dedicate separate shelves for breakfast foods (cereal, oatmeal),
lunch and dinner options (pasta, legumes), baking goods (flour, sugar),
and snacks
Cupboards
# Store tupperware lids in a hanging pouch on a cupboard door
# Store spices in a spice rack for added cupboard space
Fridge
# Keep soon-to-expire food on the top shelf so you reach for those first
# Take a fridge inventory before grocery shopping to avoid buying multiples
Miscellaneous
Hobbies
# Dedicate a room or space for hobbies or exercise, and keep related tools in their own drawer or cupboard in the same space
Junk Drawer
# If you have no idea what a cord or button goes to, you might as well get rid of it
# Don’t worry about organizing too much – everyone needs a junk drawer!
Sentimental Items
# Scan photos to an online album or start working on that photo album you’ve been meaning to put together
# Don’t feel too bad about getting rid of unwanted gifts. Let people
know that you’d appreciate gift cards or a donation to charity in the
future
# Try to sell expensive items so you can at least make a little bit of money
It’s important to avoid letting
clutter creep back in and all the tips above will help as will the one in, one out policy. If you find yourself wanting to
buy something new, you have to donate something you already own. This makes it easier to resist impulse purchases because
you have to pause and ask yourself if there’s anything you can get rid
of to make room for it.
End
