If you are at your wits end with your cluttered house, and don't know what to do about it, why not give yourself a One Week Declutter Challenge? A One Week Declutter Challenge is just what it sounds like. You dedicate one whole week to regaining an organized and clutter-free space. One week is not a lot of time, is it? Think of the months, years, and possibly decades that have gone by with you eyeing that clutter every day. Surely you can dedicate one short week to the decluttering cause! What follows is a description of and some advice for taking such a challenge. Meet the challenge head on, and get your house (or a certain room) neat and organized once again!
Step 1: Set a challenging goal for yourself. Depending on the level of clutter in your house, you may be able to set the goal of a One Week "Whole House" Declutter Challenge. However, most people find that it works best to concentrate for the 7 days on one particularly cluttered area. For example: A One Week Bathroom Declutter Challenge, or a One Week Bedroom Declutter Challenge, a One Week Basement Declutter Challenge, or a One Week Garage Declutter Challenge.
Step 2: Clear your social calendar. If you are going to do this, be serious about it and make the time to clear the mess. Turn the TV off (or tape your shows so you can watch them the following week when your challenge is over and you have tidy house to enjoy). Consider asking your family members or friends to help you meet this challenge by assisting you with your outside responsibilities. Or, challenge those who live with your to take on their own One Week Declutter Challenges and encourage each other to commit the time together!
Step 3: Do a serious DECLUTTERING every day. This means getting rid of "stuff", not just moving it around! Before the week begins, have a plan in place so that you will make the most of your time. There are many decluttering techniques, so select a few that will work for you! (For some of these tips, see the links below).
Step 4: Allow no interruptions. Although this doesn't seem like a real "step", it actually is, because as the week goes by, the challenge aspect of this One Week Declutter Challenge will really step up. You'll want to return to your daily activities, you will miss having time to relax at night with a book or a movie, and there is the possibility that on occasion you will feel like you really aren't accomplishing much. Don't give up! And don't allow distractions and/or interruptions! Keep decluttering!
Step 5: Finish it off! Get your decluttered items out of the house for good. At the end of the week, make a trip to the local charity, or the dump, or the recycling depot. Do NOT consider your challenge finished if your discarded items have simply been moved to the garage, or if there are six bags of clothes to be donated still piled up by the back door. Chances are they will simply stay there for days or weeks to come.
Step 6: Take the time to enjoy your newly decluttered and organized house! Buy yourself some flowers to make that newly cleaned den beautiful! Host a luncheon and show off your immaculate and welcoming kitchen! Or just relax and enjoy that calm and relaxed feeling that comes with a clean and clutter-free house. Congratulate yourself on a job well done!
My fellow clutter-bug, I urge you to take a One Week Declutter Challenge soon! You will never regret the time spent. In fact, both you and your family will be thrilled with the results of your hard work and dedication, and you may even find that you want to do another One Week Declutter Challenge in a different area of the house the next week! Why? Because Declutter Challenges really WORK!
Want to cure both your home of clutter and yourself of your "clutter-bug" status? Check out http://www.declutterdiva.info to learn about the quick, interesting, and helpful tips that have received overwhelming raves from former pack rats and clutter-bugs alike. If you want to join in on the latest craze in decluttering, take a quick peak at other Declutter Challenges today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Marlee_Dorst/509704
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