11 May 2008
- Mail—The biggest culprit of clutter
- Try to touch or “make decisions” about your mail once.
- Throw out all junk mail and rip up all credit card offers (two or three times).
- Put bills in a place close to where you pay them.
- Place papers to be kept or filed (no envelopes) in one place and file once a month.
- Throw out old catalogs when new ones come, keep in one place alphabetically
- Keep invitations, things to take care of, and calls to be made, etc. in one place.
- Errands—Need to be taken out often, just like dogs
- Dry cleaning, items to return to stores or people, banking, mail, repairs, etc.
- Place things in a basket by the door you exit to take out to the car.
- Free or Cheap or Bargain!
- Just because it’s free, cheap, or a bargain doesn’t mean you want it or need it.
- Learn to resist this huge cause of clutter. Yard sale buyers beware!
- Holiday/Birthday gifts
- Make memories instead of buying or getting stuff.
- Suggest dinner, a movie, a museum, or a Broadway show.
- Regifting is a great idea, once it’s yours, you may do with it what you wish.
- Donation Box
- Keep a permanent donation bag/box handy to put unwanted items into.
- Take it to the nearest charity when it’s full and get a receipt for a tax deduction.
- New in/Old out
· When you buy anything new, throw out or donate the old model/item.
· Do not put it in the attic, garage, basement or extra room.
- Clothing
· Take out of your closet whatever doesn’t make you feel good or doesn’t fit.
· When you buy new, get rid of something you’ll no longer choose and don’t buy any new hangers.
- Keep Lists
· Lists save money and time.
· Take a list for all shopping including clothing, household items, food, etc. with details of the item (sizes, dimensions, etc.).
- HSN, QVC and catalogs
· Beware of these “home invaders”. They want to sell you something you don’t need, don’t have money for, or don’t have the room for.
- Maintenance!
· Make sure there’s a “home” for everything.
· Do a little each day in order to keep it that way. Taking a few moments now will save hours later. Have respect for yourself, your time and your home!
Vali Heist
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