It's About Time Ruth Wong

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More ways to conquer clutter

Clutter is a topic I return to often, as it's a vexation to so many. In my last column I gave six steps to corral and clear out the clutter:

» CLARIFY your vision of your ideal space.

» COMMIT anew to making the change.

» CAPITALIZE on your mood -- best time to purge is when you have the urge!

» CONCENTRATE on one area at a time.

» COMMENCE today! Strike while the motivation is there.

» CHISEL away at everything that doesn't belong in your space.

Here are six more steps:

1. Be CURRENT in what you keep.

Seasons, lifestyles, tastes and needs change. Our possessions need to reflect and support our current life.

Do you have clothes of a different size that you'll never wear again? Do you have college textbooks that you no longer need? Do you have accessories that don't reflect your current décor or taste? Do you have items that you're no longer interested in or passionate about? Can you let them go?

2. CONTRIBUTE your excess. Pass on your unneededs to organizations that can use them. Itemize your donated items and claim them on your taxes.

3. CANCEL unwanted subscriptions. Ditto for unneeded products that are automatically delivered to you. One month passes so quickly, and often the next auto shipment arrives when you haven't used up the previous supply. Why keep paying for and accepting things you don't need?

4. CONSOLIDATE storage of household necessities.

One of my Home Organizing Workshop attendees went home and began organizing. She said that she used to buy household goods, bring them home, stash them here and there, and then buy more at the next sale. In consolidating, she realized that she had enough goods to start her own Longs Drug store!

By designating certain places for storing household supplies, you'll know at a glance how much you already have.

5. Be CONSCIOUS of what you bring into your space.

What were the last three items you purchased? Were they things you really needed? Have you begun to use them?

When I buy something and use it within the first week, I know that it's something I really needed. The opposite is when I buy things that remain unused and unneeded. At such times, returning them to the store might be the best option.

6. CELEBRATE your progress. When you complete an area, take some time to enjoy the "after" results.

I remember when I de-cluttered and installed large turntables in my kitchen pantry. I was so in awe of the new order and functionality that at night I'd find myself tiptoeing to the kitchen and peering into my pantry just to enjoy the newly created order!

May this be the year you truly conquer clutter!

See you in two weeks!