By now everyone has seen or heard about the show Hoarders – but even if you don’t have a true psychological problem with holding onto rooms and rooms of junk, just about everyone has things that they either have been meaning to or really should get rid of. Typical places that we all stash these things away and out of sight (but never out of mind) are closets, basements, attics, garages and even under our beds. Additional places that often need a good clean out are cabinets, storage boxes/containers and shelves. By following a few easy steps and applying some general guidelines, de-cluttering your home can be very simple and extremely satisfying, especially when you are all finished.

First off, you need to take inventory, walk around your house or apartment and decide how much stuff you will potentially be throwing away – a good way to look at it is if you have a small amount, say 3-4 trash bags full with nothing large or bulky that needs disposal, then you can start right away and be done in a few hrs. If you have a medium amount, 3-7 trash bags and a few bulky items, you might want to consider renting a 10 yard dumpster from a local dumpster company. It takes the hassle out of multiple trips to the disposal center or trying to bag everything up in a way that your curbside service will take it. If you have more than this, you definitely need to rent a dumpster. Your local dumpster company can help you determine how large of a dumpster you might need, based on your larger items, so just ask for their help. Additionally, you should consider that some of the things, especially larger items, might be worth something and either find a charity of a consignment shop to bring them to. The Salvation Army will often come to your home and pick up larger items that they think they might be able to sell in one of their stores.

The next step is to map out a game plan, which room needs the most help? This is where you should start! Dive right in and then each room thereafter will seem easier and easier. Don’t forget about recyclable material – go online to your local municipality and print out the list of exactly what you can put in a bin to be recycled. It is the responsible thing to do for the planet and might make you feel a bit better knowing that things will be reused to make new things in the future. Mark a large bin or plastic trash can for this purpose and tape the recyclable items list to the front as a reminder. Everything else can be loaded into a wheeling trash can and when full, easily wheeled outside to be emptied into your rented dumpster (or tied up and put out on the curb for the garbage truck).

Things you are going to keep should be categorized, but not necessarily put away – it is often helpful to get all the junk out first before tackling the job of organizing and finding homes for the things that you want to keep. This is also a great time to dust, vacuum and wash windows as you will be moving things around and stirring up the dust anyhow.

If you have a hard time deciding to save or to toss, make a “maybe” pile – then once you have finished with the room, take a break, grab a glass of water and a snack and think about those items – then go back and make your decisions. The general rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used it in 6 months or more and/or you didn’t remember that you even had it, you don’t need it – toss it in your dumpster or give it away. Once all of this is finished you will be left with a sense of accomplishment and a clearer head (not to mention a cleaner living space)! “Less is more” as the old saying goes, so get to work.

No comments yet. You must be logged in to leave a Comment.