Getting a handle on clutter

Is the clutter in your home getting you down? If it is, then you will need to take some time to get things under control. To do this, you need to take into account what kind of person you are. Do you like to do a lot in one session - or do you prefer to tackle a single problem for a short period of time? Then set a schedule according to what your preferences are.

You’ll also want to understand why you want to get organised. This might seem a little silly, but it will help you define what needs to get done and will help you set goals.

When you actually start dealing with your belongings, look at each item and ask yourself why you have it. Is it something you need or use? Or is it something you’re emotionally attached to? Will it ever be of use to you again? Try to be honest with this task. Often, this is the hardest part of tackling clutter.

Then just go for it. Take action. Clear that shelf. Sort everything out - one by one. Make a list and decide what you are going to keep and what you are going to throw out or give away. Then put everything you keep back in an organised way.

Here are a few organising tips:

• Put like items together and put them away.
• Use space efficiently.
• Use plastic storage bins and color-coded files within for paper storage.
• When you label a box, make sure you do so on the top and the sides.
• Observe the one-year rule—if you haven’t used it or needed it in one year—then get rid of it.

Adapted from Modern Sage