5 steps to de-junk your house (and life)

5 steps to de-junk your house (and life): "

Is your resolution to get a
handle on your cluttered house? Try one of these 5 steps to manage
your messes.


1. Set small goals.

Pick the area of your home that would bring you the most peace if
it were organized.
Is your closet in disarray? Is your junk drawer
overflowing? If the task seems too big, break it down: Instead of
tackling the whole kitchen, take it one shelf at a time. The sight
of even
a small clean space will inspire you to keep
going.



2. Make a plan.

Create a vision of
how you'd love the area to look. This mental
picture will help you develop your action plan. Then, figure out
how much time you can devote to the project, and stick to that
schedule. Be ruthlessly honest with yourself about how much time
you can give to the task and how long it will take.



3. Don't blame yourself.


You're not the only one drowning in clutter, so
don't beat yourself up about it. Save your energy for making
positive changes. If you catch yourself thinking a negative thought
like I'm such a slob, replace it with something
positive, like
I'm taking control. Give yourself credit for
trying.



4.Divide and conquer.

Sort your belongings into three piles: 'toss,'
'keep,' and 'donate.' If you're struggling
with whether to keep a sentimental item you don't use, ask
yourself, How will I feel next month if I give it away?
And remember, sometimes the meaning is in the memory, not in the
memorabilia.



5. Stick with it.

You did it! To stay organized, set rules on how you'll

keep the area clutter-free. Maybe you'll declare
the kitchen counter a sundries-free zone; maybe you'll vow to
toss flyers twice a week. The more you stay organized, the more
you'll feel like you own your space, instead of your space
owning you.

Source: Shine

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