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Be a Clutter-Buster

by Maria Gracia Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Organizing Article is available. You can be a clutter buster! Every day, choose one of your possessions and take one of these four actions…go! 1. Store it in its home. Everything in your home or office should have a home…a consistent and appropriate place where that object is normally kept so you can easily find it when you need it. Some items that you use every day may be on display and/or readily available for frequent use. Other items, like holiday decorations or out-of-season clothing, can be stored in an out-of-the-way area until needed. When an object strays from its home, it can easily be misplaced, thus causing stress and frustration. Clutter build-up naturally occurs when items are not kept and/or returned to their homes. 2. Give it. When you have something that you never use, giving it to someone who will make use of it can really brighten your day. Give it to a friend. Pass it on to a relative. Or put it in a special charity box and make a donation to a favorite organization once per month. Giving during the global pandemic: Many donation centers are currently accepting (and in great need of) donations...and many people are in great need of donated items...even during the pandemic, and especially so in some cases. So many folks are out of work and can’t afford to buy clothing, food, appliances, etc. at full price. o Many donation centers have implemented safe drop off (curbside, donation bins, etc.)...and safe pick up (some allow donated items to sit (for a length of time) before anyone else touches them. o Call your local donation centers with questions about their safety protocols. o Of course, your local charities may still be closed, and if this is the case, you may have to stow away your donation bags/boxes for a bit until that changes. o There are also safe ways to donate to friends/relatives, again, dropping off (in a bag or box) and the recipient allowing the items to sit for a number of days before touching...perhaps in a garage. No contact methods are always highly recommended. o Anything donated and received should be washed thoroughly (hottest temperature safe for clothing), disinfected, etc. 3. Sell it. Need a few extra bucks? Consider selling those things you don't use. Hold a rummage sale…you can always host an online version as we navigate the pandemic. Or collect items in a box for an in-person rummage sale in the future when it’s safe to do so. Sell them to a consignment shop. Try an online auction company, such as eBay. 4. Dump it. Items that are outdated, faded, broken or otherwise unusable can often be dumped. If you don't want it, and you don't know anyone else who wants it, dump it today. You'll be freeing your space--and your mind! Note: This article was recently updated with COVID-19 safety information. Updated areas are in this magenta color. Back to Organizing Articles Index