Organizational Tools for Cleaning Up Clutter
Garbage Bags, Cardboard Boxes, Markers, a Timer and a Camera
Jan 3, 2009
With springtime right around the corner, thoughts of spring cleaning and decluttering surface. Make cleaning up the clutter a successful project this year by being prepared with some essential tools.
Garbage bags
Large plastic garbage bags are a must for any clutter removal project. Throw away items that are broken or completely worn out. Use garbage bags to sort clothing that will be donated to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes of various sizes make excellent sorting tools for decluttering projects. Separate things that will be recycled, donated or sold. Keep each category in a separate, labeled box. Use other boxes to sort items that need to be stored or redistributed throughout the house.
For permanent storage, move items into plastic, see-through containers with tight fighting lids. Cardboard boxes are ideal for temporary storage, but they don’t make good long-term storage. They tend to attract rodents and retain moisture, leaving items vulnerable to damage.
Black Marker
Always label boxes as you organize. If you have a box of various items that will be stored together, it’s helpful to write a list of each item on a piece of paper and tape it to the outside of the box or plastic container. As the items in the box gets changed over the years, it’s neater to update the list than cross things off the outside of the box.
Timer
A timer helps to break down decluttering into small, manageable sessions. When clutter has been neglected and ignored for awhile, it can be a daunting task to clean. Using a timer for fifteen or thirty minute sessions can keep the task from being overwhelming.
Camera
It can seem unconventional to use a camera for decluttering, but it can be the tool that inspires you the most. Take a picture of the clutter before you start cleaning. Set the timer for fifteen or thirty minutes and declutter with no interruptions. When the time is up, take another picture. You will likely be astounded at your progress. Pictures can help keep motivation levels high even when there is still a lot of clutter to be sorted.
A camera is also convenient for taking pictures on the spot of items that you want to post for sale on eBay or Craig’s List. Having a camera at hand will keep any tendency to procrastinate at bay.
Prepare for spring cleaning and decluttering by having these essential sorting and organizing tools on hand. Use garbage bags and cardboard boxes for sorting and throwing away items. Stay on top of organization by labeling every box and container. Manage decluttering sessions with a timer and keep motivated by taking before and after pictures with a digital camera.
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