How to Clear a Cluttered House
Get Rid of Clutter and Make It Easier to Clean and Organize
Nov 7, 2009
There is an art to cleaning, especially cleaning up the clutter in a house, apartment or living area. Making good use of space is important, but making sure unorganized items do not pile up and obliterate the view of a once beautiful room is very important. If guests or expected visitors arrive (and they always do) or if a person is trying to sell their home it becomes even more of a priority to clean as other eyes are taking in all of the disarray.
How to Begin Cleaning
Begin cleaning by actually throwing things out that can be parted with. If an item has not been used in a reasonable amount of time (say one year) the item should be discarded. If there are duplicates of an item in the house (say two vases of the same shape and height) that should be considered, too. Repeat items should always be on the throw-away list.
Unpractical items take the first hit (items such as overused movies, stuffed animals and last year’s toys). The practical items (such as stepping stools, kitchen appliances, and tools) should remain, as they can be used many times over and never go out of style.
Finding the Right Organizers
It is not difficult to locate many practical organizers that serve to put all of those belongings into perspective. Websites such as QVC.com and HSN.com sell many types of organizers (from jewelry, to shoes to clothes). Also, Bed Bath and Beyond is a home store that carrying the same types of organizers (from kitchen items to bedding and bath items). If money is an issue. there are plenty of thrift shops that carry plastic organizers and baskets (with or without lids) to aid in getting all of those loose items together in one place.
Even without organizers, use of space could be seen as good cleaning and decluttering, too. Storing items under a bed or using everyday items such as large cases, tote bags or even suitcases to hold clothing and other items (such as glasses, candles and small items) helps in hiding things that would otherwise be left out on the table, thrown on the floor or piled up in a corner of the garage.
What to Do with Old, Favorite Items and Memorabilia
If the item is too new to be tossed and can still be of use, having a garage sale is the next step, as a little money can be made from many of these items. Giving things away for free is ideal for items that shouldn’t be sold or thrown away and would still be of good use and value to someone who needs it. Family members may also pitch in and take some unwanted items away or donate them to the local library, food kitchen or other cause.
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