De-clutter your home with these tips

Springtime makes us feel more energetic, have a renewed joy for life and yes, an intense desire to clean out and de-clutter. More of us than not are decluttering challenged. For a good start to get past just the desire for a more organized home, a plan must be born.

Each room will have its own particular challenges, but there are some general suggestions that will help de-clutter any room. It is a good idea to get a few supplies that will give you the ability to get started.

Prepare before Getting Started 1. Go room by room and write down the trouble areas.

2. Purchase garbage bags and storage boxes.

3. Make the decision ahead of time to get rid of clothes, shoes, etc., you have not worn or used in the last couple of years and items you really don’t use.

Split Each Room into Sections 1. For example, in the kitchen divide the areas into: pantry, cookbooks, pots and pans, tableware, etc. In the family room, one might take a book shelf and de-clutter it before moving on to another spot in that room. In the bedroom, de-clutter furniture surfaces first.

2. Ask yourself if any of the items you come across are treasure or trash, then deal with them accordingly.

3. Use trash bags and boxes to sort out trash and to put items that can be given to a charitable organization.

4. Recycle, if possible, on items such as old newspapers, cans and anything else that counts as recyclable. Sort these and dispose of them properly.

5. Lastly, you might consider going through the “good” stuff in the room and ask the questions: “Do I ever use this?” “Would I miss this if it was gone?” Decide to keep or get rid of these items.

Major Rooms Defined: The Kitchen The kitchen can be a major overhaul or a minor straightening up one cabinet at a time.

1. Start with putting alike things together, such as tableware and glasses. Place them in close proximity. For instance, the plates, saucers and bowls on one shelf and the glasses that goes with that dinnerware on the shelf above. Stack pots and pans according to size on a shelf or in a drawer with serving dishes and lids together. Put small appliances that are the most used on the counter or in a cabinet made for small appliances.

2. Get rid of never used or seldom used pieces or put these items on the very top cabinet shelves if you cannot part with them. Place everyday dishes and serving pieces on the lower shelves.

3. Organize your pantry shelves by using stackable shelves. Use a door shelf for the inside of the pantry door for spices and other small ingredients. Use square or rectangle bins for placing paper goods, etc. These shapes allow for a better fit and more organized look.

4. Put your most used cookbooks on a low shelf close to your mixer and stove and the least used ones on the next higher shelf.

5. Spatulas, tongs, slotted spoons should be stored very close to the stove in an upright, topless container or in a near-by drawer.

6. Use a file folder rack to vertically store cutting boards and other items with the same shape.

The Master Bedroom To get started, place a trash bag, a recycling box and a clothes basket right inside the door or in the hallway.

1. First, take the trash bag around the room and throw away any obvious trash.

2. Then scan the room and choose the neediest area first. For example, go to the nightstand tables and check for anything that can be recycled, trashed or put away. Put them in the trash bag or recycle box or designated place. If time allows, go through the nightstand table drawers and get rid of unneeded items.

4. Place any jewelry lying on the dresser back into its proper place.

5. All that is left is to put clothing in its proper place and dusting the furniture. Change the bed linens for a completely refreshed bedroom.

6. Save tackling the closet when you have a long span of time.

The Bathroom Organizing the bathroom makes for a good start to the day.

1. Start with picking up any dirty towels and washcloths and putting them in the laundry room.

2. De-clutter the cabinet tops then clean and de-germ them. Clean the tub and toilet.

3. Get rid of old make-up containers.

4. Rearrange items under the sink so they are easier to find and see.

5. Clean out drawers and arrange items so you can get to your most used items.

6. Get rid of any old medicines if the bathroom is where you keep them.

7. Place some lavender scents in the room to make for a more relaxing atmosphere.

The Living Room/Family Room These rooms are generally the easiest to put into order.

1. Remove all items on table tops; putting magazines in the magazine holder or recycle them. Removing pens and pencils off of tables and put them into their special place.

2. File any papers that need to be kept.

3. Dust shelves as you organize books according to size.

4. Place blankets in storage baskets or bins.

5. Dust, vacuum and the room is refreshed

The Children’s Rooms 1. Provide bins for organizing all their toys and other stuff.

2. Provide places to put homework, school bags and other special items.

3. Have a container to put dirty clothes in so they won’t throw them on the floor.

4. Teach them to give gently used items they don’t play with any more or clothes that they have out grown to charitable organizations. Take the kids with you when you drop off these items. Talk about how another child will be excited to get the item.

De-cluttering can begin in small spurts as time allows, or it can be done by setting aside a special day or a couple of hours every now and then. But to maintain the de-cluttered and refreshed atmosphere, it is an effort that will be called upon on a daily basis. Just like losing weight, de-cluttering has to have focus and purpose on an ongoing basis.

After much practice, you will find yourself de-cluttering like a pro.

Don’t forget to include the children in helping with the overall organization and de-cluttering process. The more they are involved, the easier it will be for you to achieve the attractive home you desire.

When you have accomplished the de-cluttering challenge, give yourself a much deserved pat on the back, a glass of sweet tea and a soak in the tub. We will leave the attic and garage for another time, another day.