Old magazines can add to clutter.
Over time, it's easy to accumulate unnecessary clutter. Clutter makes an environment feel stressful. Even storing items with good intentions--such as cleaning supplies and canned food--isn't smart when you overlook expiration dates and add new items to the pile. Items with sentimental value are some of the hardest to discard. You may cherish them, but they're much less lovable when threatening to overrun your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Start with unimportant items. First, discard expired cleaning supplies, old sponges, and old takeout food, recommends "Good Housekeeping" magazine expert Heloise. Next, tackle old newspapers and expired cosmetics and recycle whenever possible.
2. Toss paper clutter, including junk mail and old receipts and bills. You can safely discard personal tax records after 6 years, according to a 2004 CBS News "Early Show" feature.
3. Sort things you think you might still use. If you can't bring yourself to toss these, store them in baskets or boxes.
4. Use the "ABC" method recommended by Heloise to sort sentimental items. Sort everything into one of three piles: A for items you always use, B for items you use occasionally, or C for items not used in at least a year. If you had completely forgotten about the item, you can probably safely toss it.
5. Reorganize the A items so you can reach them easily. Place the B items in storage bins for occasional use. Discard, sell, or donate the C items, unless they're heirlooms or other items that are impossible to toss.
6. Consider donating items to a good cause, as "Family Circle" magazine recommends. Teach your children generosity; you can donate or recycle clothes, books, musical instruments, glasses, cell phones, and computers.
Tags: cleaning supplies