Five Steps to Get Rid of Clutter

Following are steps to guide you through an organizing project:

1. Sort – Set up labeled containers: trash, donate, move to different area, along with categories specific to your needs, for example: toys, arts & crafts, clothing, etc. As you are sorting, anything you definitely won’t use, put in trash or donate now.

Now take each of your specific categories and sort it further. Sort the toys into dolls, doll accessories, building blocks, dress-up, cars, etc

2. Purge – This is getting rid of duplicates, items missing parts, and items you don’t have a need for. Now that you’ve sorted you see six black sweaters. You wear three of them. Now is the time to get rid of the others.

3. Assign a home – Determine where each item will go in the space. Put it as close to where it will be used as possible.

4. Containerize & Label – Use containers to hold small items. You’ve sorted & assigned a home. Now chose containers that are the appropriate size for the category as well as fit in the area selected as “home”. Label the containers or shelves, so everyone will know where items belong.

5. Equalize – Make maintaining the order a part of your routine. Put things back when done to keep the space organized.

Adapted from “Organizing from the Inside Out,” by Julie Morgenstein

After 3 Hours

Marybeth was overwhelmed at the thought of starting this room. She must have thought I was nuts when I said I'd been dreaming about organizing this room. I was excited. She was reluctant. After setting up categories and sorting and purging for three hours, it was time for me to leave. Marybeth was ready to keep going. Once she had a direction, she was off and running!

We now have American Girl dolls and toys in boxes on the left, dance costumes in boxes on the right, and boxes of photos and memorabilia in the closet (all labeled, of course). Look at the progress we've made!

Getting a house ready to put on the market (especially after living in it for fifteen years) can be overwhelming! I have learned a great deal from Pam, and am proud to say I have put her methods into practice. Sorting and being ruthless about what one really needs is the key. I get great satisfaction from hauling junk out to the garbage, and filling my van with "stuff" for Love Inc. (my favorite giveaway place). Soon Pam will be able to put up some "after" photos.

Treasure or Trash?

Marybeth is getting her home ready to sell. She has been storing belongings for her parents and her adult children. We are starting in this room. What could show as a big, beautiful bedroom is being used as a storage room. Her challenge is to sort through everything, purge what is no longer needed, and pack up.