Clear the clutter, so family members will “utter”, ………

Posted by on Jul 24, 2012 in Family Organizing | 0 comments

Clear the clutter, so family members will “utter”, ……… what a great home to live in!!

Here are easy steps to get you started.

1)    Pick a room, any room BUT I highly recommend the basement, storage area or a cluttered room that you just can’t stand anymore! These areas tend to be out of sight, out of mind locations  so you will have great success in letting go of items since you have not seen or used them in a while.

2)   It’s a family affair. You didn’t create this clutter on your own so pick a date with the family and get their commitment.  Keep in mind, food and cash always perks up teenager’s ears. Plan on a morning or afternoon, not a full day because kids with electronics or cell phones tend to go missing in action!

3)   The de-cluttering supplies:

–      Drinks & snacks, don’t want anyone leaving the chosen area to get a drink that takes an hour to get!

–      Timer, set the timer for an hour each time, when it goes off, then everyone can take a 5 MINUTE BREAK to have a drink, stretch or etc.,

–      Bags/boxes/labels/markers – These supplies will be for departing items such as:

  • Charity items – these items are not being used but suitable for the places such as Value Village, Goodwill etc.
  • Toss – these items are damaged, unsafe, or have no use, etc.
  • Recycle – everyone seems to hold on to a gazillion magazines, a gazillion glass jars and plastic containers, etc., give them to the blue box.
  • Family member items – Aunt Gertrude has departed but you just can’t give up that ugly (blank) so pass the guilt on to another family member!!!
  • Doubles items – Am I seeing doubles??  If you are not using one, then you are not using the other, give one or both the boot
  • Memories –There are usually lots of items that have memories attached to them that bring up emotions, so be kind to yourselves.  Take these items and put them in a box to go through when you have the time to truly enjoy them, then you can make clear decisions to let go of or not.
  • Don’t belong – these are items that belong in other rooms, contain them in a box.

4)   Focus, Focus, Focus. Stay in one spot at a time, DON’T wander.  Don’t be distracted, let the phone ring, they will leave a message if necessary.  With everyone staying on task your de-cluttering goal will become reality.

5)   As each box or bag fills up take it away and put in one of the appropriate areas such as , i.e. by the front door, garage, car, blue box, etc., For charitable donations check in your area, some charities pick up donations.

6)   Look Ma we have space!! Yes that is what it is called when all the unwanted bags and boxes have been removed.  Now for the fun part!

– With the left over items start to group “like for like”.

– Assess what you currently have that can contain your precious items. Are there shelving units?  Do you have plastic containers?  If not, let your fingers do the walking, lots of stores have websites for shelving units, containers, etc.,.  This way you save time by measuring your space, picking out items on the websites and you can go and purchase these items or have them delivered.

– With your purchases assembled start placing and containing your items; keep in mind, heavy items on the bottom of the shelf units and light items on the top.  I highly recommend clear plastic containers and they are usually on sale during the spring season.  Remember; if these items are to be kept then treat them properly.  By using plastic containers because they keep things safe from dampness, humidity; possible flooding and they are durable and stack well.

 

Now for the final word…..maintenance. This is the easiest part of all when it comes down to organizing.  Right now you have a clean organized spot, everything in it place!  Lets keep it that way, advise all family members that at the end of the day take 5 minutes to survey their areas and any item that is not in the correct place, pick it up and put it where it should go.  With just 5 minutes a day your place will stay neat and tidy so you can get on with the important things in life, such as family time, me-time, golf course…………….

 

At Organize Me Please we fully understand the hurdles you can have with de-cluttering your home. If these steps are difficult to do with family, give Organize Me Please a call.

Rose@organizemepleasecanada.com

 

Organize Me Please

  “We create order for families.”

905-681-1659

www.organizemepleasecanada.com

 

 

 

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