Ways to declutter

sort one room at a time,make piles of keep and donate or sell.

Under the bed storeage in plastic containers, ottoman's that are on wheels and hollow holds a lot of magazine, etc., I went thru my kitchen cupboards and got rid of duplicate things like crockpots, etc. store spices etc. in wire holders attached to the inside of cupboards, a cedar chest with a padded top will function as both a place to seat to put shoes on and a place to store stuff.

Forgive the "name" they give for this article but it might help. There are some videos also.

Take absolutely everything off of every table and cabinet. Then put back only the things you absolutely have to have. Give away anything you haven't used in 2 years. Rearrange cabinets so that what you use most is at eye level, no more bending to get that pot way in the back! Give away dishes you seldom use. Remove throw rugs, that's exactly what they do....throw you. Remove shelves that hold knick-knacks...and dust! Give the little pretties away. Throw away or donate seldom-used clothing, no you don't really need 7 coats! Do you see the trend here.......use it a lot or get rid of it!

check out the flylady www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/decluttering/

Start small with : Keep things that bring you joy, that you use or need. Keep things that are very sentimental.

Give up items which you have duplicates - like an ice bucket, giant salad bowls. Get rid of the small appliances for which you have no interest like a bread maker, ice cream maker. Items in colors yo may not use again like bed linens , towels. See if any of your relatives such as grandchildren are getting their first home or apartment and see if they are in need of the extra set of dishes in the basement, the extra Christmas ornaments, towels and extra furniture in the basement or garage. I keep just two sets of sheets for my beds in use, and a few pares in the attic. Just offer, they may not want them. Sometimes it helps if you are providing the items to a good cause. Some communities have programs for foster children who are "aging out" and getting their first place. But don't let people talk you in to getting rid of anything you love or brings you joy. Those items should be out where you can see and enjoy them, not in a box in the basement. Once you clean out some of the items which you really do not like or have no use for, you will have some room to work and rearrange.

One cupboard or set of drawers at a time - then go through wardrobes (all those clothes you like but haven't worn for years, the ones that are still too tight or short or not really in fashion now. - Kitchen cabinets. Give to charity all that you don't use anymore. Throw out everything that has never been fixed. Keep Photos but only the best - Pass on to family all the others. Give to Charity - Unfinished Projects or craft items no longer required. Bed Linen that you no longer use because it is too heavy or too big or not your colours now. Only keep items if they are going to be used or give you pleasure when you look at them, Don't take anything with you that will cause you a problem to keep.......good Luck.......remember Rome wasn't built in a day!

When I am doing a clients house, I start with all the countertops/tables in each room. I use the method of having a box for donate, gift, sell, keep, and a trash bag..... each day as I leave (even if its my own home) I take the donate box to the car, and when close drive thru one of the thrift stores to get rid of it. I take the trash out daily.

I try to get my clients to use the principle if you haven't used it in a year to let it go whether to gift it now to other family/friends, donate it, sell it on Ebay or trash it.... Everything kept needs a home to be put away. Ridding yourself of clutter opens the door to new things in your life including a healthy home.

As you remove the clutter from each area, I clean it of the dust, cob webs and even spiders, If you decide to put the object in a drawer, i clean that drawer also. Having a shredder helps get rid of excess paper, old mail and bills. I usually start in the living room.

Get help from a professional organizer, it will keep you on track and help you making decisions in reaching your goal(s).

Yes, thanks

Spot on advice, Sharon!