If numerous piles of papers, magazines, and books are scattered throughout the house, and the clutter discourages you from inviting anyone over to visit anymore, seriously consider getting your house organized. Rather than purchasing an expensive organizational system to put your home in order, consider using some cheaper methods to reach your goals.
Get Advice
Take advantage of the free expert advice of Marla Cilley, also known as "The Fly Lady." Her website, FlyLady.com, offers advice for battle-weary homeowners and apartment dwellers looking to tackle a disorganized home. For example, Cilley advises starting by taking "baby steps" to avoid becoming overwhelmed with chores. To avoid housekeeping burnout, choose one task a day and spend only 15 minutes on it, after which you stop working on that task.
"The Fly Lady" also fills her website with tips and tricks to make cleaning and home organizing tasks easier and more efficient.
Organize Closets
Start organizing your closets by first removing anything that you have not worn during the past year. Many closet organizational issues result from overstuffed space. Organize your clothes by type, such as dresses, pants, shirts. Consider putting an inexpensive set of plastic drawers beneath a section of clothing that hangs higher, such as shirts. You can purchase these bins in any department store. Store folded items, such as sweaters, in these drawers.
Have a Garage Sale
Put aside any item you do not use regularly and have a garage sale. Throw away or donate any items that do not sell. Consider using online auction sites to selling unwanted items as an alternative to having a garage sale. These scenarios allow you to both get your home more organized and make money while doing it.
Unclutter for a Cause
Take advantage of charities that will come to your home and take your gently used items to sell in their stores. For example, if you are overburdened with books that you don't plan to read again, put them in a box and arrange to have them picked up by a charity like Big Brothers Big Sisters, which then places them on sale in their retail stores to earn money for their organization. Not only do you declutter your home, you help someone in need and claim a tax deduction for yourself.
Use Space Well
Get inexpensive plastic bins with lids that seal to use for storage in inconspicuous spaces, such as under the bed or a couch. Label these plastic bins to organize your home further.
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