Tips on Getting Rid of Clutter

By following the same declutter process for each room you have now regained your living space and probably a sense of peace.  Now comes the time to get rid of all the different clutter from each of the zones.

Zone 1 – Keep

This is self-explanatory.  If you have done a great declutter job, you have everything you need to put your things back where they belong.  You have kept only what will fit back into the individual spaces in each room and you have found all the perfect storage solutions to fit your needs.

Zone 2 – Trash

This too is self-explanatory.  The only thing that might make it a problem is the amount of clutter trash that needs to go.  This can be handled in a few different ways.  If you declutter the entire house at once, which can be quite overwhelming, then you might have too much clutter trash to leave curbside.  Your clutter trash varies as well, of course you will have trash bags filled with clutter which can be left curbside, but you may have bigger clutter pieces, like broken furniture or old mattresses, etc. which will have to be dealt with. 

With the bigger pieces, there are a couple of options.  You may want to have a trash removal company either pick up or leave a container to be picked up later.  The costs vary and there are several companies to choose from.  Another option is to wait for the local special trash pick-up days which usually occur in the spring, summer and fall.

Zone 3 – Donate

Here again there are several different ways you can go depending on the type of clutter you are donating.  Shelters are always in need of various types of donations, they can either use furniture, clothing, linens, appliances, etc.  If you check the yellow pages in your area I’m certain you will find the right one to meet your needs.  Don’t forget your local animal shelter as they too can make good use of towels, washcloths, etc.

When you think of donating look into all the different places depending on what the clutter donation might be.  A list might include; hospitals, churches, libraries, shelters, kid’s clubs, schools, day care centers, etc.  They all need a little help and you will feel great in the process.

Zone 4 – Sell

There are a few different ways to deal with clutter which needs to be sold.  There may be items that are too valuable to sell at a garage/yard sale, placing an ad in the local paper or a classified ads website could be your solution.

Holding a garage/yard sale is a great way to deal with clutter.  The key thing to remember is to display your sale items in a buyer friendly manner.  Think of it as a store.  Sort and group the items of the same type together.  Make sure all items are clean.  Make sure all prices are visible.  Some items will be miscellaneous which you cannot put into any particular group.  You can handle these types of items by making separate sections by dollar value, i.e., everything on this table is $5 or $10 etc.

Lastly, whatever is not sold after your garage/yard sale must be either donated or put in the trash.

Having taken the time to declutter, maintenance is now the key.  When you bring something new in, something old must go.  By following this simple rule your clutter problem will not re-occur.  These basic tips should help you with the how to get rid of your clutter problem.