Clutter, the old enemy of anyone who is trying to keep a tidy home!

We all hate clutter and mess in our homes, that’s a given… but what can be done to purge that mess and prevent it from coming back? Well, luckily (depends how you look at it) I’ve had my fair share of spring cleanings and just general clean ups!

Regardless of whether its spring cleaning, cleaning up after a renovation, moving or just doing some overdue housekeeping… the process of cleaning up and getting rid of the clutter is always the same. Surprisingly enough it doesn’t have to be difficult or even very time consuming.

Here are a few “essential tools” (as I like to call them) to get the job done easier:

• Trash bags (or just plain old plastic bags)
• Cardboard boxes of varying sizes (or plastic storage containers)
• Old rag (or paper towels) and a universal household cleaner
• Comfortable clothing :)

The first thing you want to do is to get rid of things that you know are garbage. Things like old newspapers (anything older than today’s paper is old) and magazines that you will not read again or have a need to archive for information are all considered trash. Obviously real trash is also considered trash… so toss it.

By quickly going through this first round of cleaning up you will see an immediate difference. There is an added psychological benefit, the quick results will motivate you to press on to the end and help you envision the final results.

Once you’ve gotten rid of the actual trash, you need to take care of what’s left.

Separate your stuff into piles (if you have the room):

• Things that are used often
• Things that are used occasionally
• Things that are almost never used
• Valuables and Collectables

This is where those cardboard boxes come in, pack up the stuff that you rarely or never use. It won’t be easy to get rid of these things but it’s necessary if you really want to purge the useless items from your home and life. There is a bright side to getting rid of them also, you don’t have to throw them away, you can give your things to people who actually need them or even sell them on Ebay and recoup some of the purchase price.

Pack up your valuable items and those that you simply can’t throw out into stackable boxes and find a good place to store them. Closets, garage or attic space is good for this purpose as long as it’s climate controlled. Make an effort to keep this group as small as possible as you really don’t want to be holding on to too much stuff.

Finally we are left with the objects you use most often. You should find a suitable place to store these items for not only easy access but also easy storage. You want to keep them out of view even though you will be using them.

A clean and clutter free home is a place that you can really enjoy. By keeping your home clutter free you will be creating an environment that is easy to relax in and maintain. Not only that but you will feel better knowing that you will be able to keep it clean with less effort than before. It’s good for your Karma. :)