Tips for Being More Organized

However, this doesn't mean things have to stay this way. Even if you think you're the most disorganized person in the world, there is hope, and becoming more organized doesn't need to be stressful or take up all your time or energy.
De-clutter
One of the biggest obstacles facing people who struggle with disorganization is clutter-too much stuff! Are you a packrat? Do you simply have too much stuff all over your house? When faced with the choice between getting rid of something and keeping/storing it, do you tend to favor hanging on to it? Face your inner packrat head on and start getting rid of junk; it's the first and best way to start getting more organized. Do you really need that sweater from 1992 that you wore twice? What about the five-year-old receipts and phone bills that don't serve any purpose? What about expired medicine, makeup, or even food taking up unnecessary space?
Of course, some things are sentimental, and some things you might want to keep "just in case," but you can't use these excuses for everything. Most people could stand to lose at least half of their junk, if they can learn to let go.
Don't want to just toss it all in the trash? Here are some eco-friendly ways to de-clutter:
-recycle paper products, plastic shopping bags, etc.
-shred your old bills, statements, and bills and then recycle
-consider getting your bills and statements emailed to you to reduce mail; say no to junk mail
-compost old food and peels, shells, etc.
-sell books, CDs, DVDs, computer software/hardware, toys, clothes, and jewelry you don't need (hold a garage sale or sell online)
-donate or give away
Start small
If your entire house is a disorganized chaos, you might feel overwhelmed-like it's too much to handle-and just give up. However, start small-take baby steps, and you'll soon find your way to an organized household. Here are some ways you can start small:
-start with about 10-30 minutes a day
-tackle a small project (one shelf, one drawer, one box, etc.) until it's done, then move on to the next
-if you have time and energy, try to tackle one bigger project (for example, one that would take a couple hours) each week
A place for everything; everything in its place
Once you start going through all your accumulated stuff, you'll need a place to put everything you've decided to keep. If possible, use a filing system for all your papers; toy boxes for toys; dressers and closets for clothes, shoes, and outerwear; shelves for books, albums, CDs, DVDs, etc.; and containers for other "stuff."
-purchase a variety of stylish, stackable storage containers in a variety of sizes
-don't forget to label your containers and boxes, etc. so you (and other family members) remember where everything belongs
-make sure each room has a garbage can, laundry basket, and "clutter bag" in which various items can quickly be stored and sorted later
-put toy boxes in kids' rooms
-sort laundry into different laundry baskets for each person in the house so they can take their own basket into their rooms and put away their clothes


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