How to Start Decluttering Without Overwhelm

Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing project. It can be thoughtful, respectful, and yes—even healing.

1. Start small.
Pick one drawer. One shelf. One box. Set a timer for 15 minutes. You’re not aiming for perfection—just progress.

2. Use the “Four-Box” method:
Label boxes as: Keep, Donate, Trash, Unsure. It gives you a system and lets you revisit things without pressure.

3. Set emotional boundaries.
It’s okay to feel sad, nostalgic, or even angry while letting go. But remember: you’re not throwing away people or memories. You’re making space—for peace, clarity, and maybe even joy.

4. Celebrate your progress.
Take before-and-after pictures. Share your wins. Notice how your space—and your mood—lightens with each step.

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Decluttering is not just a physical act. It’s emotional work. It’s also an act of self-respect and self-care. If you’re feeling stuck, it’s not because you’re lazy or disorganized—it’s because the process is more layered than it seems.

But it is possible. And once you begin, you may find that letting go of what no longer serves you doesn’t erase your past—it simply opens up space for your future.

 

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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What’s Stopping You from Decluttering?

And How to Finally Let Go Without the Stress

Your closets are bursting. Your garage is a maze. There’s a growing sense that your home is less a space to live and more a storage unit for memories, obligations, and “maybe someday” items. Everyone tells you it's too much. You know it's too much. But every time you try to declutter, you get stuck. Why?

It’s Not Just About Stuff

Decluttering sounds easy in theory—just get rid of what you don’t use. But for many of us, clutter isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s tied to grief, identity, guilt, and hope. That’s why even broken lamps, yellowing greeting cards, and old mismatched mugs can feel impossible to part with.

1. You’re Afraid of Forgetting

That chipped vase? Your mother gave it to you. The chair you never sit in? It was your grandfather’s. You’re not really keeping the item—you’re trying to hold on to the person, the memory, the moment in time. There’s a quiet fear that if you let go of the thing, you’ll lose the connection.

What to do instead:
Take a picture. Write a note about its story. Keep one meaningful item from that person instead of twenty. Memories don’t live in objects—they live in you.

2. You Think Your Kids Will Want It

You imagine your children someday taking these things into their own homes. The fine china, the antique mirror, the hundred family photo albums. But more and more, adult children are saying: “We don’t want it.” It’s not because they don’t love you—it’s because they want to choose their own life, just like you did.

What to do instead:
Ask them directly what they want. Respect the answer, even if it’s hard. If they say no, consider selling, donating, or giving those items a new life with someone who will appreciate them.

3. You’re Tied to “Someday” Thinking

You might be holding onto clothes you haven’t worn in a decade, gadgets you never used, or fabric scraps for a quilt you never started. There’s comfort in the idea that you might need it, that someday you’ll be the person who uses it.

What to do instead:
Be honest about who you are now, not who you might be in some hypothetical future. If an item hasn’t been used in years, it’s probably not going to be. And that’s okay.

4. You Feel Guilty Letting Go

There’s a silent weight of guilt with certain things: gifts you never liked, things that were expensive, items you inherited but don’t enjoy. Giving them away feels like a betrayal—or a waste.

What to do instead:
Remind yourself: the gift has served its purpose. You appreciated the gesture. Keeping something out of guilt is not honoring the person—it’s burdening yourself. Free yourself to let go.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Declutter Without Thinking: A 10-Minute Blitz That’s Actually Fun

Let’s be real—decluttering sounds productive but often ends in overthinking. Decision fatigue. Emotional spirals. “What if I need this someday?” Nope. Not today.

You want less clutter and more calm—fast. Here’s how to declutter without thinking, in one quick, fun 10-minute burst.

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🕒 Step 1: Set a Timer

Start with 10 minutes on the clock. That’s it. The urgency keeps your brain from spiraling into “maybe” territory. This is a speed round, not a therapy session.

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🎵 Step 2: Play a Feel-Good Song

Crank up something upbeat—whatever makes you want to move. You’re not just decluttering—you’re starring in a cleaning montage.

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🚮 Step 3: Grab a “Goodbye Bag”

Trash bag, box, laundry basket—anything to collect stuff you’re ditching. Label it “Bye!” if you want to make it official.

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🔍 Step 4: Pick ONE Tiny Zone

Not the whole house. Just one drawer, shelf, or corner. Some ideas:

• Kitchen: Spices older than your last vacation. Crusty condiments.

• Bathroom: Dried-up makeup, stretched-out hair ties, half-used samples.

• Closet: One category only—sweaters, pants, shirts. Grab what you don’t love. Don’t think. Toss.

• Bedding: Old, scratchy towels or sheets with mystery stains? Gone.

• Tupperware drawer: Anything with no lid or base = out.

• Socks & water bottles: If it has no match, it has no future.

• Junk drawer: Expired coupons, dead batteries, mystery cords? Bye.

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❌ Step 5: Use the “No-Brainer Toss” Rule

If it’s:

• Broken

• Expired

• Unloved

• Forgotten

• Missing a match
  … it goes. Skip the guilt and move fast. If you hesitate, leave it for later.

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📧 Bonus Round: Digital Declutter

• Emails: Delete 10 a day for 5 days or set a timer and purge for 10 minutes.

• Unsubscribe as you go. Your inbox deserves peace too.

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✅ Step 6: Stop When the Timer Dings

Seriously—stop. You did what you came to do. Toss the goodbye bag in the trash or put it by the door for donation. Want extra motivation? Snap a “before and after” pic for yourself.

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Repeat Daily (or When You’re Bored)

Ten minutes a day. Different zone each time. It gets easier—and dare we say, a little addictive.

You don’t have to think. You just have to start.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Decluttering All Areas of Your Home

Here are some practical ideas to start decluttering key areas of your home, so it feels more like you:

1. Closet & Clothes

• Pull everything out and sort by category: pants, shirts, shoes, etc.
• Try on clothes you’re unsure about — if they don’t fit or you haven’t worn them in 6–12 months, consider donating.
• Keep only what suits your current style and lifestyle.
• Organize by color or type to make daily choices easier and more enjoyable.

2. Kitchen

• Clear out expired food or spices.
• Remove duplicates or appliances you never use.
• Organize pantry items into containers or baskets.
• Keep countertops mostly clear except for your favorite tools or decor that inspire you.

3. Living Room

• Declutter surfaces like coffee tables and shelves.
• Donate books, magazines, or media you no longer engage with.
• Keep decor items that spark joy or reflect your personality.
• Create a cozy, inviting space by grouping meaningful items.

4. Bathroom

• Toss old or unused products.
• Organize daily essentials for easy access.
• Limit decorative items to those that bring calm or refresh your mood.

5. Work or Study Area

• Remove old papers, broken gadgets, or cluttered stationery.
• Only keep tools and materials you actively use.
• Use organizers or drawers to keep the surface clean and focused.

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Quick Tips for Staying Motivated:

• Set a timer for 15-30 minutes and focus on just one area or drawer.
• Take before-and-after photos to see your progress.
• Play your favorite music or podcast to keep energy up.
• Celebrate small wins — even clearing one shelf counts!

 

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Does Your Home Reflect Who You Are Today?

Does your home look like the you of 10 or 20 years ago? Do you still have crafts and sports equipment of things that you no longer do or are interested in?

It's time to make your home reflect the you of today!

Your home can definitely reflect who you are today, because it’s where your personality, habits, and values often show up in physical form. When your space is cluttered, it can feel chaotic or disconnected from your true self. Decluttering is a powerful way to bring your living space back into alignment with who you really are now.

Here’s how your home can reflect you through decluttering:

1. Identify what matters to you now
   When you declutter, you get to decide what things are truly important or useful to you today—not what used to matter or what you feel obligated to keep. This helps your space feel authentic.

2. Let go of outdated stuff
   Items tied to old habits, past versions of yourself, or things you don’t use anymore can weigh your space (and mind) down. Removing them clears the way for the person you are now.

3. Create space for your current interests and lifestyle
   Whether you love cooking, reading, art, or fitness, decluttering creates room for those passions to flourish and shows what you care about.

4. Simplify to express clarity and calm
   A decluttered home often feels more peaceful and intentional, which can mirror your mindset and help you stay grounded.

Tips to make your home reflect who you are through decluttering:

• Start with a clear goal: What vibe or feeling do you want your home to give? Cozy, minimalist, vibrant? Let that guide what you keep or toss.

• Sort by category: Clothes, books, decor, sentimental items—this helps you make focused decisions.

• Ask yourself questions:

  • Do I use or love this item now?

  • Does this reflect my current style or needs?

  • Does it bring me joy or serve a purpose?

• Organize what stays thoughtfully: Arrange your belongings in a way that feels functional and aesthetically pleasing to you.

• Be honest but gentle: It’s okay to keep some meaningful items that reflect your journey, even if they’re not “perfect.” Your home can show growth, not just a snapshot.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Decluttering Memorabilia Without Losing the Memories

Decluttering memorabilia can be emotional and tricky—it’s not just stuff, it’s symbols of moments and meaning. Here’s a practical guide to help you simplify without feeling like you’re erasing your past:

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🧭 Step 1: Get Clear on Why You're Decluttering

Ask yourself:

• Do I want more space?

• Am I downsizing?

• Do I want less emotional weight from physical items?

This helps anchor your decisions in purpose.

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📦 Step 2: Gather and Sort

Bring your memorabilia together. Sort into broad categories:

• Photos

• Cards/letters

• Childhood items

• Travel souvenirs

• School/job awards

• Gifts

Seeing the scope helps you be more intentional.

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🧠 Step 3: Use the “One Keepsake, One Story” Rule

You don’t need 15 items to remember a person or event—choose one that best evokes the memory. Ask:

• “Does this still move me?”

• “Would I miss this if it were gone?”

• “Am I keeping it out of guilt or love?”

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📸 Step 4: Digitize What You Don’t Need to Physically Keep

• Scan letters, photos, or ticket stubs

• Use apps like Google Photos, Evernote, or Artkive

• Add a short caption or audio note to capture the story

This way, the memory lives on without the clutter.

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🪄 Step 5: Create a Memory Box (or Album)

Limit yourself to one small box or binder per life stage (childhood, college, etc.). It makes space for what matters most.

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🖼️ Optional: Make a Display or Project

Some ideas:

• Frame 3 favorite travel items

• Create a collage or scrapbook

• Turn fabric items (like t-shirts) into a quilt

This honors the memory in a creative way—and gets it out of storage.

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❌ Step 6: Let Go Gently

Say goodbye. Thank the item for what it gave you (a la Marie Kondo). Remember:

"You're not throwing away the memory, just the object."

If it helps, take a picture before you let it go.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Declutter ing Your Pantry

Decluttering your pantry can definitely feel overwhelming, but with a clear plan and some simple steps, you can get it done without going crazy! Here’s a straightforward approach:

1. Set the Mood & Prepare

• Put on some upbeat music or a podcast to keep you entertained.

• Clear a workspace nearby to sort items.

• Have cleaning supplies ready (wipes, trash bags, containers).

2. Empty It Out

• Take everything out of your pantry.

• Wipe down shelves while empty.

• This helps you see exactly what you have and frees you from cluttered spaces.

3. Sort & Categorize

• Group items by type: canned goods, snacks, baking supplies, spices, grains, etc.

• Check expiration dates and toss anything expired or stale.

• Decide what you actually use and what you don’t.

4. Declutter Ruthlessly

• Donate unopened, non-expired items you won’t use.

• Toss expired or damaged items.

• Be honest about what you really need.

5. Organize Thoughtfully

• Use clear containers or bins to group similar items.

• Label containers or shelves for easy finding.

• Place frequently used items at eye level or in easy reach.

• Reserve higher or lower shelves for less used stuff.

6. Maintain Regularly

• Once a month, do a quick check to keep clutter from piling up.

• Rotate older items to the front to use them first.

Bonus Tips:

• Consider shelf risers or lazy susans for better space use.

• Avoid buying duplicates by keeping an inventory list.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Clearing Out Other People's Stuff

It's great when clients want to clear out/declutter/purge things that they no longer use or want. After the purge we can start the organization process and help them set up new systems that work better for them - so that they can find things easily and aren't buying the same things over and over again - because they couldn't find it.

But - just because one person in the relationship (or family) is ready to "let go" of their unwanted, unused or outgrown possesions - doesn't mean that the other person in the relationship feels the same way.

For some clients they feel that they have the "right" or "permission" to throw away/discard - other people's possessions. And that is a BIG "NO". 

Even if the client tells me that "it's OK and they have given me permission" to discard their items - I always want to get the other person's buy-in first. Because sometimes - the other person doesn't know anything about the intended "purge".

Not everyone is on the same page as to what is "clutter or junk or useless". And not everyone has the same idea on how decluttered or minimalistic they want the house to look.

There is a great article that really brings all of this to light.....read it below >>>

Secret Purges, Tense Standoffs: The War Over Household Clutter

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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4 Weeks to Decluttering Your Life and Mind for More Focus

 

Feeling Overwhelmed and Unproductive? Learn How to Find More Focus by Reducing the Clutter                           in Your Life and Mind Sign up for this Course now >>>>>>>> 4 Weeks to Decluttering Your Life and Mind for More Focus   Life is busy. Between working long hours, raising a family and other obligations, it's no wonder we feel stressed. Our minds are  constantly filled with necessary and unnecessary information that has no end, or so it seems. The good news is, you can relieve yourself of all that unnecessary clutter that's clogging your life and mind. You can become more  focused which automatically reduces stress in your life. If you're feeling unfocused and stressed, this 4-module course can help you understand how clutter affects you and how to get back on track with a clutter free life. This package includes: 4 Decluttering Guides: You'll get 4 illustrated reports that will teach you              step-by-step how to improve your physical, mental and financial health by             decluttering your life and mind.         Topics Include: 1. How Clutter Affects Our Lives 2. How to Stop Accumulating Clutter 3. Decluttering Your Home 4. Decluttering Your Mind 4 Worksheets: That accompany each one of the guides so that you can              stay on track while decluttering your life and mind. 4 Detailed Checklists: That will give you a summary of what steps to              take based on each of the isntructional guides.               If you are ready to have more focus and less clutter, then sign up for the course  right now.  For only $ 27 this 4-module course will be automatically delivered to your inbox for you to download.                                    Buy Now Less Clutter = Less Stress SM     in your home, your business and your life Organizational Consulting Services http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com . Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest *** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....

Clearing Out Your Closets for Year End

As we head into the last couple of months of the year - it's time to start thinking about clearing out your closets of things that no longer serve you or your family. The holidays are coming and the kids will be getting new toys and maybe some new clothes. Your holiday shopping may have already started and you only have so much room in your home. 

When purging kids toys it's important to make them a part of the process. Kids (and teenagers) outgrow their toys and games. Let them help you declutter. It gives them ownership and power over their decisions. Frame it as "they are giving toys to kids that might not have toys or wish they could have a certain toy but can't afford it". Start teaching your kids about decluttering early in their life. Make donating a part of your decluttering and purging process. 

Go through your own closets and get rid of anything that no longer fits or you no longer like (or wear). 

Go through the drawers in your bathroom and clear out old makeup and lotions (yes - do they expire!).

Go through your kitchen cabinets and look at your spices and make sure they are still good. Since the holidays are coming up you want to make sure that you have fresh spices for all of the wonderful things you will be making for the holidays!

Go through your files and clear out any old papers or documents that you no longer need.

By doing a little bit at a time from now until the end of the year - you will have purged your entire home of things that no longer serve you - and that just take up valuable space.

Start clearing your clutter now and be ready to start the new year on a clutter free note!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Scheduling and Consistency

Most people have good intentions when they say that they are going to declutter and organize their home. Unfortunately, a lot of people just don't follow through. 

The key to their success lies in scheduling their intentions to declutter or organize. Just saying that "you are going to do it this week..." doesn't work. You have to actually schedule it - on your calendar (paper or phone).  Writing things down has a real affect on making things a reality. By running your home like a business - scheduling regular cleaning days or laundry days or paying your bills on certain days - makes your home run more smoothly. You know exactly when things are going to happen and things won't fall through the cracks.

Flexibility should be added into the mix - because we don't want anyone to be stressed out - but by knowing when things are going to get done - there is a better chance that it will actually happen.

The other part of the equation is consistency. Decluttering or organizing is not a one-and-done deal. It is something that should happen on a regular basis. That doesn't mean that you have to declutter/purge or organize something every single day - but you should have some type of a system in place where you might do a big declutter of (for example) your closets once or twice a year. 

If you are working on a big project - you might want to work on it 30 or 60 minutes a day - a couple of times a week. Even with only 15 minutes a day you will accomplish something. If you only work on a decluttering project (like purging/organizing a drawer) for 15 minutes - but do it at least 4x a week - that's 1 hour of decluttering/organizing! It all adds up!

Start small by establishing some consistent habits - such as taking anything out of the living room that doesn't belong there when you are getting ready to go to bed. Take your snack dishes or cups to the kitchen and put them into the dishwasher. Put the magazines back into the magazine rack. Your room will automatically look better. 

By putting things back where they go (after you have established their homes) - the amount of time that you will have to spend cleaning is greatly reduced.

Organization doesn't have to be stressful if you have a system in place. Just take it one step at a time.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Pass It On - NOT !

Parents (especially Mom's) have a tendency to hold onto things to "pass on" to their children. They are the "keeper of the memories" - the "keeper of the heirlooms". And they want to "pass it on" to the next generation.

Unfortunately, most of todays children don't want their parents "stuff". They don't want to be burdened with furniture or dishes or knick-knacks. They have their own stuff and their own style.

Yet - they don't kow how to say "no" - "no thank you!".  They don't want to hurt your feelings. So for some of them - they have a basement or attic or garage full of stuff they don't want, won't use and yet won't throw away.

Children expect us to keep all of their drawings and things they made for us - when they were childen. But when they are older - most of them don't even remember making it and they wonder why we even kept it!

Some very brave children have told their parents that they don't want their stuff and that they will get rid of it (toss it in the dumpster) when they die. Hear that gasp of horror???? Their parents are stunned and hurt that their kids don't appreciate their "stuff" which is sooooo special. But it's not special to the children. They have their own stuff, their own taste, their own lives. They don't have room for more.

We should not expect (or in some cases, demand) that our children will take (and cherish) our stuff.

So, if you have family heirlooms or keepsakes or things that you think your childen (or family members) will want after you pass on - ASK THEM!!! If they say "no - don't like it - don't need it - don't have room for it...." - RESPECT their wishes. Let it go to another family member or friend that will appreciate it. But ask them also.

Each person's home is a reflection of them - not of you. By not taking or keeping all of the stuff you give them doesn't mean that they don't love or care about you. They can still keep the memories without keeping the physical stuff.

Ask your children or family members before you unload your home into theirs. They will appreciate it!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Living in the Past

Our stuff defines us. When someone walks into your home - they know what your interests are. They can tell if you are an organized or an unorganized person.

By looking at your clothes they know what your style is like. By looking at the pictures that hang on your wall they know what type of art you like or who your favorite artist is. Your furniture tells them what decorating style you like. 

Your stuff defines you.......  or does it?

Does your stuff tell us the story of the "you" of today? Or does it tell us the story of the "you" of 20 years ago? 

Does your home reflect your current interests? Or your interests of the past? 

Do you still have furniture from when you were first starting out your adult life (makeshift furniture and fixings....)? Do you still have clothes in your closet from college - and you're now 50? It doesn't matter if it still fits (we all wish!) - sometimes it's not appropriate for where you are in the world today.

Do you still have arts and craft items from things that you were interested in 10 years ago - but haven't done since?

Do you still have dozens of cookbooks thinking that you were going to make gourmet meals - but you never cook?

It's time to stop living in the past.

Your home and your life should reflect the "you" of today. Your closet should reflect the present you - not the "I still think I'm a size 2" you. 

Your decor should reflect who you are today - not stuck in the past. 

As we age - our interests change. That's OK! But we need to let go of the clutter of the past - to make room for our new interests. By purging out the clutter of the past - we might actually be able to see and use all of the wonderful things we have now.

Let go of the your past interests that no longer serve you and start living the life you have today - without any guilt.

You deserve to be living in the present.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Many Benefits of a Decluttered Home

Having a decluttered home has many benefits beyond the clutter being gone. You will have gained more space and more peace of mind. 

By starting with the basics - getting rid of any garbage (empty snack bags....) and then moving on to things that don't belong in the room, things that are broken or that you no longer use or no longer like - and you will immediately have created more space. Now take a step back and see what your room really looks like!

Clearing your clutter helps to lower your stress levels. When you are constantly searching for things that you can't find because it's hidden in all of the clutter - you tend to become stressed. 

Clearing your clutter - finding things that were "missing" so that you aren't buying something again that you already had - but couldn't find - saves you money. 

By having a home for everything - so that you can find things easily - saves you time. You aren't wasting your time searching for things.

A decluttered home takes time and the willingness of everyone in the home - to take part in the decluttering and organizing process. By having buy-in from everyone - there will be less pressure on one person doing it all and it will lead to a calmer home environment.

Our homes should be a place of calm - where you can relax. Coming into a cluttered home doesn't allow you to destress and relax. By removing the clutter you are improving your mental health.

Clutter distracts you from being fully present and being able to concentrate. 

By removing the clutter - you are making your cleaning routine easier. If you have less stuff to clean around and take care of - you will have time for other things - such as spending quality time with our family.

Start the decluttering process today. Make it a fun project - decide to purge 1 thing out of each room. Tomorrow - pick 2 things to purge out of each room. And so on....

See how many things you are actually able to purge in one week! 

You can do it!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

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The Effects of Clutter

The effects of clutter is not only about the physical stuff - the mess in our homes - but also about how it affects our mind, body and spirit.

Clutter causes stress! It cauases anxiety. It causes sleepless nights.

Clutter can take over your mind and stress you out.Clutter overwhelms a lot of my clients. It causes dissension among family members. One person wants a neat and clutter free home and another person doesn't see what all the fuss is about.

A clutter free space promotes a calm environment where you can think - you can create. 

An organized space frees up your time and your money. You aren't buying the same thing over and over again - because you didn't know that you had the item - or you can't find what you are looking for so you are buying the item over and over again!

An organized space promotes producitivity. Since you know where everything is - you spend less time having to search for things. You can access everything you need quickly - saving time. Your files are in order - your reports are done on time - your to-do list has all of the necessary tools that you need for your projects.... Your are prepared!

Having a clutter free and organized space gives you more time to spend with your family to do "fun things" - instead of complaining that the house is a mess! 

Start decluttering and organizing now - for a stress free and fun future!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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It's Time to Declutter Your Bathroom

Decluttering - room by room...

When was the last time that you declcuttered your bathroom? 

How old is that makeup?

How many creams and lotions do you really need?

A place that is seldom decluttered and organized is the bathroom. And it usually has a lot of "stuff" crammed into the drawers and cabinets.

Makeup and lotions expire - beleive it or not! It is a good idea to put a date on your makeup and lotions so that you know how long you have had them. 

Start with one drawer at a time and take everything out. Wipe out the drawer - it usually will have a lot of make-up dust in it. If you have dividers in the drawer - wipe those out also. Then take out each item and ask yourself when you actually used it last. Is it empty? Is it almost empty? Do you really like the item?

A lot of people buy makeup in a variety of colors - and then decide they really don't like the shade - but it never leaves the drawer! If you don't like it or are not using it - get rid of it!

If it's old - get rid of it. You don't want to take a chance of getting an infection by using make up that is old or has been contaminated.

If you don't have drawer dividers in your drawers - get some! They are really helpful in separating your makeup, lotions, brushes, hair clips....  It's much easier to find things when they are all together in one group. Also - you will probably use the items more if you can actually find them in the drawer - instead of  having to dig through a pile of "stuff".

Medicines expire - check all of the medicines - including such things as cough and cold  medicines, antacids,  pain relievers, sun screen, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic cream, laxatives.....  and anything else in your medicine cabinet - for expiration dates. If it's expired - throw it out! 

Make it a habit to declutter your bathroom at least a couple of times a year. It's much easier to maintain a space then to constantly have to take everything out and start from the beginning.

Happy Decluttering!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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Declutter Your Kitchen

Decluttering and Organizing is not a "one and done" process. It's a "continuing process".  As we age - so do our "things". 

Each room of your home should be decluttered and organized on a regular basis. 

Today we'll talk about the kitchen.

We all know that there is a drawer in your kitchen that has tupperware without lids. Not sure where those lids disappeared to - but they are gone! You probably have tupperware that is cracked and badly stained (and doesn't look good). It's time to purge those old, beat up, lidless containers! 

What about old chipped glasses or dishes? They should probably be thrown out (they are not safe to use).

Then there are those old pots and pans with the non-stick surface that is all scratched up and coming off. These can release toxic compounds into your food - so into the garbage they go!

We are making progress - so keep on going!

Let's look in your cupboards - are there any small appliances that you never or rarely use? Yes - you probably had good intentions when you bought them - but if you aren't using them (making fancy drinks or chopping things into cute designs....) give them away - donate them - purge them. They are taking up valuable real estate in your kitchen.

Next, check out your spices. Are they old and expired? If so, toss them. 

Next - the freezer and refrigerator......   you probably have food (or a science experiment - because you have no idea what it actually is - because you didn't label and date it) that is expired. Toss it out!

Make it a habit to label all of your food (in containers or in the freezer) - with the contents and date.

You have just gained valuable space in your cupboards and refrigerator and freezer!

Make it a habit to go through your kitchen on a regular basis - at least a couple of times a year - to clear things that are broken, missing parts, not used or expired. 

Well - that was a good days work! Keep it up!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....