Decluttering Tips for Pack Rats

By Jesse Badolato

It's very easy to assume that anyone who lives in a decluttered, organized house was born organized and always lived clutter free. However, some of the most organized people I have known started out as disorganized pack rats.

I'm also a former pack rat. People I've met in the past few years are often surprised to find out that my space used to always be very cluttered and disorganized. Because I work to live clutter free, I know that if you set your mind to getting rid of your own clutter, you can.

If you're a pack rat looking to put some order to your house, these tips can help the process along:

Start Small

Decluttering a house is hard. Decluttering a room is easier. Decluttering a desk is even easier. Divide the space you need to declutter into smaller and smaller sections until you can look at a section and say, "I can tackle this!" Work on this space, then move to the next.

Track Your Progress

Take a camera and snap a few pictures of your space before you start. When you finish decluttering a section, snap another picture of that area. When you compare the pictures, you'll be able to see the decluttering progress that you've made.

Get Rid of the Obvious Trash First

The first thing you should do when you declutter is take a trash bag and get rid of the obvious trash. Junk mail, packaging, last week's shopping list - trash them. You will instantly see some progress in your decluttering project.

Start With the Noticeable, Then Move To the Hidden

It is easy for pack rats to start emptying out all of the dark corners and hidden spaces when they declutter. However, if you already have clutter sitting out in view, this only adds to what you need to work on to have a visibly decluttered space. Start with what you can see. Then tackle your hidden clutter zones one at a time.

Keep Fewer Multiples

Do you really need six travel cups and four weeks' worth of socks? Much of the extra unused stuff in our lives is easily obtainable again if we find that we need it in the future. If you have more of something than you use, thin it out until you only have what you actively use.

Just Start

It's easy to get involved in planning your entire course of action for decluttering your home, but if you spend all of your time planning and don't get rid of stuff, you will be no better off than before you decided to take the decluttering plunge. Start now by finding five things you don't want to keep, or by clearing the junk mail off of your desk. Doing something small is better than doing absolutely nothing.

There are also a couple of things that you can do to help you keep your space decluttered over time. These tips take some dedication, but will help you long-term.

Don't Try to Change Overnight

You didn't become a pack rat in a day -- it was a habit that you built up over time. So, for long-term results, don't worry about trying to change yourself in a day or week. Work on finding and changing the little habits that all contribute to your pack rat nature. If you work on changing your habits one at a time, your progress will be more sustainable.

Learn About Your Buying Habits

A decluttered space is energizing, but if you are still following your old clutter-building ways, that space will fill up before long. Pay attention to the reasons why you buy things. Do you buy new things to cheer you up? Or do you feel a thrill when you find a new yard sale gem? I used to compulsively browse through craft stores and used book stores when I felt bored. Learning why you buy and keep things will make you more aware when you're about to buy something that will quickly turn to clutter in your newly decluttered space.

When you're a pack rat, decluttering your house may seem too big or too involved of a task. But if you break the process up into sections and learn a few things about yourself, you can not only get rid of the clutter, but keep it away.

Jesse has worked to eliminate clutter from her life for the past several years. Over time, she's gone from being a pack rat to loving a neat, clutter free living space that she can come home to and be comfortable living in. Visit [http://declutteringmyhouse.com] to learn how you can not only rid your house of clutter, but also keep it that way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jesse_Badolato/787608

Declutter Vlog: Less Stuff, Less Stress! Part 2

We all need some decluttering - part 2 of the series.  More to come!

Declutter Your Life: Less Stuff, Less Stress! Part 1

We all need some decluttering - watch this to get you started.  More to come!

The One Week Declutter Challenge!

By Marlee Dorst

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

Declutter Vlog: Less Stuff, Less Stress Part 3

We all need some decluttering - part 3 in the series