Three Tips to Keep Clutter to a Minimum

This week, I thought it might be helpful to review some of the things that cause clutter. Everyone will have their own ticks that cause a build-up of clutter but for the most part, there are a few commonalities that are agreed on. And hopefully, after being able to recognize the things that make us tick, it will be easier to overcome them. So without further ado, let’s start breaking down a few of the common causes of clutter.

Put things away right away. This goes for mail, groceries, coats, books, new clothes…everything! Everything has a place, so once it goes into your home, apartment, car, wherever, PUT IT AWAY! This is an instant way to assure that chaos in your home is kept    to a minimum.

This one I have mentioned before but I am adamant about it so I’m putting it in writing again. If you haven’t worn it or used it in the last year then get rid of it. If you haven’t used it in a year than chances are it’s just collectingdust in your closet so time to move on.

Get motivated and start organizing. Dive into a project and set realistic goals. Give yourself a reasonable timeline to complete a project. The more progress you make the more pride you will have in the completed project. Motivation is not always easy to find but it’s worthwhile to set goals that are achievable and take pride in a job well done. 

The Infamous Closet

Oh, the infamous closet. Oftentimes closet organization stirs feelings of anxiety and countless hours of your valuable time. Or, faces like these…

                   

Closet organization can be a little time-consuming but, it’s one of those things that is instantly worthwhile. Having an organized closet will make your life so much easier.

Tick-tock, tick-tock, times a' wastin! 

Some people use closet organizers to help keep things tidy. This is completely a matter of preference. Some closets seem like they were made for an organizer whereas others shrink as soon as the organizer is installed. So in this area, I leave it up to you to decide if an organizer is the way to go. Personally, I have never used one as I take advantage of the top shelf and often use a shoe organizer below to maximize the space.

Some closet organizers are just perfect, love the baskets on top!

A tool I use to keep my closet in order is separate my clothing in terms of the occasion at which they would be worn. For instance, I keep all coats together, and then dresses/skirts, followed by professional wear and lastly casual wear. Each of these sections is then broke down into pants, tops and sweaters. And this is what I find works best for me. It also helps keep me on time when getting ready in the mornings because I don’t have to waste time looking for that one specific shirt.

Another helpful tip for keeping your closet immaculately organized is to recycle. Recycle what you may ask? Recycle your clothes. Every six to eight months, go through your closet and take out the pieces that you haven’t worn. If you aren’t ready to donate these clothes then pack them up for storage (i.e. under the bed). If you haven’t sought out these stored clothes after two more months, then it’s time to donate them. Your local Salvation Army, Goodwill or charity of your choosing will be happy to take these items off your hands. And chances are, you won’t even miss them.

I know it’s a little tricky to get up the nerve to start sorting through your closet and get a donation pile ready but it’s a necessary step toward getting, and staying, organized. At the start of a new year and then again mid-summer, take an afternoon or an evening to de-clutter your closet.  

Keeping your closet organized will help to keep you organized.