Now Is the Time to Clear the Clutter - Part 3 of 3

If you're like most folks, you would say you have much more "stuff" than you need. But if you've ever wondered how on earth you would go about getting rid of all your clutter, then you're in luck. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the simplest, fastest way to de-clutter a space.

Take Time to Admire Your Progress

This step may sound unnecessary to you, or even downright silly. Most people are highly motivated to continue towards a goal once they can see evidence of progress from their efforts. You may have seen this phenomenon for yourself or loved ones with regards to losing weight. It's far easier to stick with a diet and exercise plan once you can see proof that it's working -- more room in your favorite jeans, more stamina and energy, and evidence of weight loss on the scale? Roomier clothes, a smaller number on the scale, and compliments from others are all motivating factors in continuing a diet and exercise plan, and de-cluttering your home is no different. Celebrate when you complete each room, consider taking a before and after picture of the next room, or just take time to sit down and relax in this newly organized, uncluttered room. Taking the time to admire all that you've accomplished will spur you on to continue working even more diligently.

Finish the Job

Unfortunately, it's also human nature not to finish things that we start. So you may feel a strong tendency to want to quit before the entire job is complete. But just think, if you quit before your whole home or office is decluttered, you won't actually achieve that vision you created of living in a comfortable, organized, clutter-free home! Persevere until the whole job is complete and the rewards will far exceed your expectations.

If you can press onward until you've decluttered every room in your house, just think how much easier it will be to maintain that clutter-free organization from day to day. What will you do with all the extra time you'll have now that you're not always searching for misplaced items throughout the house. It's definitely worth it to finish what you started - even if you have to take a break for a few days. You can do it.

Helpful Hints Certain areas or parts of your home require special attention. Here are some generally accepted guidelines.

Closets and clothing (including shoes and accessories): get rid of anything you haven't worn in 2 years. If you just can't part with it, move it to the front of your closet so it will be seen (and therefore get worn). Most people keep far more clothing than they could possibly use.

Family heirlooms and sentimental pieces: ask yourself WHY you are keeping each item. Time to part with anything you're keeping out of guilt or obligation. Keep only what has sentimental value, what appreciates over time, and what you intend to bequeath to your children. If your children are adults, ask yourself if you can realistically pass it on now, instead of waiting. Consider taking a keepsake photograph of special objects that possess sentimental value if you no longer want or need to keep them.

Files and Paperwork: Check with your accountant for specifics, but generally speaking, you should keep tax returns and annual bank statements for seven years; pay stubs and monthly bank statements for one year; credit card statements and day-to-day expense receipts for one month. The rest can be shredded or destroyed.

Congratulations to you! You've persevered in clearing the clutter from your home or office, and you must feel positively jazzed about all you've accomplished. Ahhhh, now it's time to kick back and enjoy an organized, non-chaotic space that is completely free of clutter and junk. What will you accomplish next?


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