De-Clutter Your Space

De-cluttering your space can be a difficult task. It takes determination, patience and the willingness to part with items that you no longer use, or that are simply using space and not adding any value. Below are a few helpful tips to help you in your quest to free up your space:

1. Take your time, and do a little at a time. You can realize some great results by spending as little as 15 minutes per day attacking the clutter in your home. That 15 minutes per day can be spent by dumping out a drawer and going through it, tackling a shelf or designated area in a closet, or even just tackling a stack of mail or paper. Over time, you will be surprised at how the appearance of your space will transform.
2. Sell the stuff you don't need. In working with clients to organize their garages, attics, etc. I've found that there are so many items stored away that people don't even realize they still have. I have made a few bucks on many ocassions by selling clothes and other items that I no longer use on ebay or craigslist. If you haven't worn it in over a year and its in good condition, sell it to somebody who will.
3. Get rid of books that you've read and don't need to keep. A good way to get rid of books you don't need to hold onto is to create an exchange with friends. You will have an opportunity to read their old "must-reads" and you can pass the books you've read along to them. You can also contact your local library and inquire about donating old books to them.
4. Give some to charity. You can also donate clothing and shoes that you don't wear anymore to charity. In our town, we have a bin outside the supermarket where we can donate items without hassle, just drop the items into the bin and be on your way.
5. Have a "give-it-away" party. Whether its clothing, art, dishes, china, drapes, or a peice of exercise equipment you no longer use, have a friend's night out and order pizza, having all of your friends bring their items they want to give away. But be careful not to end up with more than you brought to the party.
6. Recycle gifts. For gifts that you've received for Christmas or other ocassions that you have not used, and know you are not going to use, try recycling them by giving them away as gifts.
7. Lastly, hire support. If you still feel overwhelmed, and need support in getting your home de-cluttered, call a professional. Our company, Collective Concepts, LLC (www.conceptscollect.com) employs skilled professionals who can walk you through the process and work with you step by step to make organized living a reality for you.