By Shayla Sharp

This time of year is often used to reevaluate one's life and goals--to get reorganized. Why not carry this idea into your entire house? Not only will you increase the perceived value of your property, but you'll also find that the tiem spent in organizing your possessions will be time saved later when you no longer have to sift through piles and search each room for that needed item.

Let's face it, by the time Spring gets here, we're ready for Summer but, we also have the pile up from over the late Fall and Winter standing in our way. There's yard debri outside where things are looking only so-so from winter rain and snow. There's also the debri inside where we used winter blankets, extra sweaters, heaters, and more. Maybe the inside has managed to multiply its clutter hidden away inside closets, bedrooms and in garages while we were toasting our toes by the warm fire. So, where do we start? Here are four simple steps to kill the clutter of any home.

1. Break down large tasks into smaller, more approachable jobs. For example, instead of attempting to clean out the entire overflowing closet or room, simply take ten or fifteen minutes each day to work on it. In no time, and without the boredom and hassle usually involved with such tasks, you'll have an organized and clean space to enjoy.

2. When organizing or cleaning any space, divide things into four piles (You may want to get out boxes and label them to make sorting easier.): Keep, Store, Donate and Garbage. Things you use regularly (daily, weekly or monthly are keepers. Items that are important or treasured (family records, heirlooms, etc.) but not used are items best placed in storage where they will be accessible, but out of the way. Possessions no longer wanted or used should be divided amongst the Donate and Garbage piles according to their condition and quality.

3. You have "stuff" coming into your house everyday, don't let it get the upperhand. As items, such as mail, enter the home, determine immediately if they belong to your To Do pile, another family member's pile, or the recycling/garbage pile. Putting items there right away prevents clutter pile-up!

4. For more involved cleaning efforts, involve the entire family. Pick a specific day and time for your "Cleaning Day". Assign each family member a room or area in the house to clean and organize. Working together can transform a house into a home in a single day! (You may want to reward your helpers with a treat--that way they'll be even more willing the next time around.)

• Online shopping for room organizers.
• Consider cleaners that are more environmentally friendly the next time you shop.

 

Article first published at NWAbode.com in January 2009.

Shayla M. Sharp, owner of White Dragon Studios and freelance writer, enjoys design in all its aspects whether she's designing jewelry or trying to get two-year olds to hold stilll for a portrait. She lives in Oregon with her best pal Stars, a border collie mix, where she plants vegetables and flowers for him to run over.