How to Get Rid of Clutter and Regain Your Life

Everyone accumulates "stuff", it's a normal fact of life. Hardly anyone comes home from work, school, or shopping without something, even a new piece of paper.

The problems start when the things start to pile up. It can become a big issue if we haven't learned how to take care of the clutter.

For instance, when you need to quickly find medication (for asthma or heart problems), clutter could delay you just long enough to lead to deadly consequences.

Or if you can't quickly access an exit door or window during a fire, clutter could cost your life (or the life of a loved one).

If the babysitter needs to find emergency phone numbers right away, but is met with a mound of disorganized papers...

I think you get the idea. Get help: learn how to conquer the clutter and streamline your life.

Declutter your home!

You will need:
* 4 boxes, ideally all the same size
* a large trash can with a black plastic bag liner
* a large black permanent marker
* a roll of packaging tape (like 3M Scotch Mailing tape)
* a bottle of water
* music optional
* a positive attitude

Mark each box with the permanent marker:
PUT AWAY
GIVE AWAY
SELL/CONSIGN
30-day AMNESTY

Plan to spend a chunk of time in this one room or closet. Start in one corner, and pick up each item and decide which box it belongs in (or trash).

If you concentrate on your accomplishments (boxes being filled) and don't get overwhelmed by the size of the job in total, you will feel more relaxed and get more done.

Try to not leave the room - this is easier said than done, because some items belong only one or two rooms away. FOCUS.

PUT AWAY: anything that belongs in another part of your home
GIVE AWAY: charity or relatives; be ruthless, will anyone really want that item?
SELL/CONSIGN: if you are an EBayer or consignment sale person already
30-day AMNESTY: if you just can't part with something, or can't make up your mind right now, let it rest here for a month. BE CAREFUL that 80% of your stuff does not end up in this box!

When time is up, or when you are finished with this room, tape shut all boxes except for the PUT AWAY box. Tie up the trash bag and throw it downstairs - do NOT go through it again! Take the PUT AWAY box and quickly run around the house placing these items inside each room.

Now go make a phone call and tell a friend how proud you are of what you have done so far!

Find out several more detailed ideas!

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