4 Tips for Keeping Your Home Clutter Free

Clutter is not something that occurs overnight. It is the result of a few purchases here and there that overtime leave you looking around overwhelmed by the mess. Even if you are able to manage the mess, you may have noticed how tricky it has become to keep your closets, drawers, attic, basement, and garage organized. Below are 4 tips for keeping your home clutter-free.

Practice the “One In, One Out” Rule

The “one in, one out” rule is simple—every time you buy something new, donates something. Ideally, try to keep the item from the same area of your home. For example, if you buy a new clothing item, donate an old clothing item. If you buy a new computer, donate or sell your old one. You can also teach your kids this rule. If they get a new toy, they have to pick one toy to donate. Even if this rule is not 100%, aim for at least 7 out of 10. This rule does not have to apply for areas of the home that are not yet fully furnished. For example, if you just moved into your first apartment and are in the process of stocking your kitchen, you won’t have an equal item to part with.

If You Forgot You Had It, Give It Away

The next time you stumble across something that you haven’t used for so long that you forgot about it, give it away. Even if the item elicits strong positive memories, it clearly was not important enough that you could recall it a few seconds ago.

If You Haven’t Used It in 1 Year, Give It Away

There are few items in your home that you really need if you have not used them in over a year. The exceptions to this rule are tools, family heirlooms, and a small selection of mementos. Some sporting goods fall in this category. For example, if you have skis and simply didn’t make it to the mountains last winter, then hold on to them—but if you haven’t been in 5 years, reconsider.

Downsize With Each Seasons

Spring is a popular time to do a major deep clean and organize, but that simply isn’t often enough—especially if you have a large family. Instead, downsize with each season. Donate summer clothing when fall begins. Donate winter clothing when spring begins. When the season is over, sell sporting gear that won’t fit the kids next year. Get rid of the holiday décor you no longer want or use as you are packing away the items you do use. 

The tips above are designed to help you manage your clutter year-round, but if you already have clutter it is time for a deep clean. Start with one room at a time, and clean out all closets and drawers. To ensure you have somewhere to dispose of the trash, rent a mini bin from Core Mini Bins.

Is It Finally Time To Clean Out That Cluttered Garage?

It happens. Slowly but surely, over time, your garage becomes a cluttered mess. Between the tools, lawn and garden supplies, mementos, holiday décor, sports equipment, and the boxes of “someday I might need that again” items—you garage becomes an eyesore. If you have the spring cleaning bug, and are ready to clean and organize your cluttered garage once and for all, turn to the tips below.

The Key to Sorting

Organizational experts from around the world have similar advice to share for cleaning out a cluttered garage. It all begins with proper sorting. Keep things simple by sorting items into 3 or 4 categories, but no more. The categories should be:

·         Keep—These are the tools, gear, holiday décor that you still use. A great general rule of thumb is: if you forgot you had it or have not needed it in the past 12 months, you probably don’t need it anymore. Mementos will also fall into the “keep” category, but set some guidelines as for what qualifies as a true memento. Do you plan on keeping it forever? Is it something your kids will truly want?

·         Donate or Sell—There will be many items you no longer need, but that are still in good working order. These items are excellent for a summer garage sale, or to donate to a local non-profit. Also, consider making extra cash by selling things on Craigslist or eBay.

·         Recycle/Trash—There are sure to be many items that are damaged, broken, or simply trash. These items must be properly recycled or thrown out. Consider setting aside a box for any items that need to be shredded, so that no sensitive or private information is lost.

·         Give To Friends Or Family—This last sorting category is optional, and must be managed with care. The goal is to clean and organize your cluttered garage, so if you are going to set aside items for friends and family, confirm they want the items, and that they will retrieve them in a reasonable timeframe.

Don’t Underestimate the Trash—Rent A Garbage Bin

What is sure to surprise you when cleaning out the clutter in your garage is the amount of trash or large items that must be disposed of. This is why we suggest that you plan ahead by renting a garbage bin. This will limit the number of trips to and from the dump, and will ensure that the clutter is cleared promptly. Our smallest bins take up no more room than a car or van, and can be removed just a few days after delivery.

And if you are going to rent a garbage bin to clean out your cluttered garage, also consider cleaning and sorting your closets, attic, or basement at the same time!