Skip to main content

"WINNING THE CLUTTER WARS" PART 3 - BE RUTHLESS

In my Part 2 of my series "Winning the Clutter Wars," I defined clutter as anything that is out of place, broken, unused, or just something you really dislike.  

By the way, if you would like to review any of these helpful hints you can find them here at my blog or on my website blog at www.valeriemcconville.com.  

Today, in this final installment of my series, we are going to start in one small place (a closet or junk drawer will do nicely) and put things in order!

First, you will need four cardboard boxes and a large trash can.  Label the boxes as follows:

  • Put Away
  • Fix
  • Set Free
  • Mementos

 Set an alarm clock to go off in one to two hours.  You don't want to overdo things!  Open the closet or junk drawer and select the first object.  Now we will use the four definitions of clutter to help us decide what goes in the trash can or which box to use for each item.

The trash can.  You will find plenty of stuff that is absolutely unusable.  Be ruthless.

The “Put Away” box.  Anything goes in here that is out of place and would be better off in a more convenient location.  As soon as the alarm clock goes off you will take ten minutes or so to put all the items in this box where they really belong.

The “Fix” box.  If the item is damaged or missing a part, but you are certain you would use it regularly if repaired, put it in this box.  Objects can only reside in the fix box for one week before they have to change residence!  If you do not repair the item by week's end it must go into the “Set Free” box.

The “Set Free” box.  This box will hold items that you dislike, things you haven't used in more than a year, orphaned gifts from friends and family (when you said, “Oh, you really shouldn't have!”), things that still have some good use in them, things that will surely fit again “someday.”  This box will go in the trunk of the car.  You will take the box to a local resale store or to a charity center.  Many charities will even pick up this stuff at your front door-what convenience!  You will be doing a good thing, since someone will be getting some good out of these items right now.

The “Mementos” box.  This one can be a bit tricky.  It's for things that have true sentimental or family heirloom value.  You will want to invest in a cedar chest or other similar sized permanent storage unit.  The items from this box will go into that permanent storage.  But remember, that cedar heirloom chest will fill up rapidly if you are too casual about “what's an heirloom.”  Consider passing on some of these things to extended family members right now-don't wait 20 years!

Now you are one closet closer to having a serene, uncluttered home!  Next week take this same process and tackle another corner of the house!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SPRING ROOF INSPECTION

The roof is the one thing between your home and the elements... doesn’t it deserve a little respect?  Here are some roof maintenance tips to preserve your home’s value. Ah, the humble roof. We forget that the single most important structural element in our home is the roof. It provides shelter for those we love and the things we value. It’s easy to let maintenance slide on something we take for granted. With better weather days upon us, now is a good time to inspect the roof and make sure it’s up to the task of protecting your home’s value. Here are some crucial elements you’ll want to look for during a roof inspection: Are the gutters clean and in good shape? Organic debris building up in your gutters can cause water to pool and foster an environment for roof rot. Do you see any curling around the bottom edges? Are there any gaps or holes in the soffit? Are there surface cracks in shingles? Cracks warn you of impending disintegration or sepa...
Post a Comment
Read more

A SPRING SPREAD ANY BUNNY CAN CREATE

  (Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe. With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous. It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress. Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net . Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread! Chick Cheese Balls Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com Yield: 10 chicks 1  package cream cheese 1/4  tablespoon garlic powder 1  tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2  lemon, juice only salt, to taste pepper...
Post a Comment
Read more

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order!  Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement.  With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter. Tip # 1: Do Your Homework Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009. Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a...
Post a Comment
Read more