With the beginning of a new year, we’re excited about making resolutions and getting off to a fresh start – which includes decluttering at home! If you’ve resolved to get your place organized in 2012, here are a few tips from around the web to help make the process easier!
Living Room by welcometoalville, on flickr
1. Start off slowly. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the process (or even by the thought of organizing!), take a moment and map out a plan. As advised in Real Simple, don’t work for more than an hour continuously. It’s also helpful to allot more time than you think you’ll need. If you think a task might take an hour, plan on working for two.
An organized craft room by bluishorange, on flickr
2. Ask yourself questions. If you get stuck while sorting through your things, try to assess why you want or need to keep a particular item. The blog IHeart Organizing recommends asking:
- When is the last time you used this item and was it in the last year?
- Is it broken, damaged or the wrong size?
- Does it make you happy or have sentimental value?
- Do you really need this item?
By figuring out the item’s purpose, you’ll be better able to determine where it should go.
An organized craft room by bluishorange, on flickr
3. Add color coding. To keep things organized without using lots of labels, try using a color coded system, as suggested in Martha Stewart Living. This can be applied to bins (designate colors for shoes, seasonal decorations, recycling, etc.) and folders for mail (coupons in one color, bills in another).
Tell us, what are your favorite tips for organizing and reducing clutter?
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