Are you a clutter-free person? Pls post tips here

I try very hard not to be a packrat but I come from a long line of packrats so it's a very hard habit to break. I'm trying but since I come from a clutterer upbringing, I dont have the skillset in place. I envy people who are able to throw things out, have space in their closets, have organized items,etc. I need help. Please post your tips and advice on how you get/stay organized & clutter free. TIA

Re: Are you a clutter-free person? Pls post tips here

Pick up as I go.

Throw away clothes that haven't been worn in two years or more and/or I have in the hopes they will someday fit again.

Have an anal retentive husband.

Re: Are you a clutter-free person? Pls post tips here

I try really hard to not bring anything in the house unless I throw something else out. Also, I try not to buy more "products" (usually beauty products like shampoo and conditioner, facial scrubs, moisturizers, etc.) until I've used what is in the house already. I tend to follow the first rule but often break the second.

Re: Are you a clutter-free person? Pls post tips here

Am I clutter free? God NO! This is a good post for me too. But recently we've been giving things away, selling on ebay and listing on Craig's List. But I think we're hurting for money more than anything!

Re: Are you a clutter-free person? Pls post tips here

If I haven't worn a piece of clothes in the past year I get rid of it.

If I haven't used a household item like a vase or frame for 2 years, out it goes. Except for things like family heirlooms that aren't my taste but I just can't get rid of.

I try not to buy too much of household products at a time, even if there's a really good sale. I have limited space to store toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, etc. And I've realized that they go on sale often enough that I'll get a good deal on them again before I run out.

Re: Are you a clutter-free person? Pls post tips here

Living with small closets really helped! I hate pushing useless things out of the way to get to something I need.

I don't save much for sentimental reasons. I don't see the value in that. It is just time consuming b/c everytime you go through things looking through all the old mementos & reminising is just distracting.

I think it is key to really ask yourself why you need an object & what would happen if you got rid of it.

Re: Are you a clutter-free person? Pls post tips here

We are very anti-clutter. The Goodwill store benefits a lot from us.

1. Go through the mail the second you walk through the door. Recycle all junk immediately... offers, pennysavers, etc. Bills, minus all of the inserts, go on a small pile in the office. Papers are not alowed to pile up.

2. File papers as you do the bills. Don't let them pile up in a huge unorganized pile. Go through the files once a year and pitch what you can.

3. Whenever we buy clothes we usually pitch one or more items of clothing.

4. WE have a box for Goodwill in the garage at all times. When it's filled we drop it off.

5. If I get a gift that I don't like I try to return it or donate it right away, MIL loves to buy me clothes for the holidays that I never like I always return or donate knock-knacks. I just think of them as things to dust.

6. We cancelled Newsday years ago. The paper would just build up in the house and all of those ads just get you to buy more.

7. Sell or donate all of the books we read except books that pertain to my job. I go through the books about once a year.

It's really about trying to build in a schedule a little bit everyday and then seasonally going through your closets. I find the more often you do it the less daunting the job.

Re: Are you a clutter-free person? Pls post tips here

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

We are very anti-clutter. The Goodwill store benefits a lot from us.

1. Go through the mail the second you walk through the door. Recycle all junk immediately... offers, pennysavers, etc. Bills, minus all of the inserts, go on a small pile in the office. Papers are not alowed to pile up.

2. File papers as you do the bills. Don't let them pile up in a huge unorganized pile. Go through the files once a year and pitch what you can.

3. Whenever we buy clothes we usually pitch one or more items of clothing.

4. WE have a box for Goodwill in the garage at all times. When it's filled we drop it off.

5. If I get a gift that I don't like I try to return it or donate it right away, MIL loves to buy me clothes for the holidays that I never like I always return or donate knock-knacks. I just think of them as things to dust.

6. We cancelled Newsday years ago. The paper would just build up in the house and all of those ads just get you to buy more.

7. Sell or donate all of the books we read except books that pertain to my job. I go through the books about once a year.

It's really about trying to build in a schedule a little bit everyday and then seasonally going through your closets. I find the more often you do it the less daunting the job.

Message edited 9/4/2006 6:41:33 AM.

Re: Are you a clutter-free person? Pls post tips here

I can totally relate to your situation!I feel overwhelmed and hopeless in this area.I have even hired professional help to help me out but while I am a bit better I still can't quite get it right