What “stuff” do you have in your home that you can’t part with? What “stuff” do you have where you live that has not seen the light of day for years? What “stuff” do you think you need to save but you don’t really want to? What “stuff” do you have stored because you don’t want to deal with it?

Dealing with “stuff” can be a stressful event in your life. Some people deal with their stuff and get rid of what they don’t use, either by donating it or throwing it out. Most people, I venture to say, store much more than they use. Take a look in your basement or storage areas, even your drawers you use every day. How many things are there because you might use them again? How many are there because they need fixing? What is there because you don’t know what to do with it? All of these can be reasons or excuses for not dealing with unused clutter in your home or office.

Once you get in the “I need to do something about this” mood, there are easy steps to take to clean out the clutter. It works best to use a very methodical system to de-clutter. First, gather a garbage bag for trash, a box for donations, another box for putting things somewhere else in your home or giving to a family member or friend, and a card table or similar surface so you aren’t constantly bending over to the floor. If you need water or a snack, bring it with you so you do not leave the area you are working in. Next, empty out an area that fits on your table. You might take out one shelf of stuff in a closet or maybe one drawer. But take it all out. It is amazing how many of my clients say they want to keep everything in a space but when they touch it, they realize they don’t use all of it. Put back only what you use and sort the other stuff into the boxes or bag. When that is done, empty out another section and go through the same process. When sorting through clothes, gather all the “like” clothes together on your bed before you start sorting and purging. Make sure to try on any clothes you haven’t worn recently. You may even want a second opinion.

Make sure you leave time to deal with the sorted items.Clean the emptied space and put back in a neat way what you want to save, take the donations to your vehicle, put away what goes around your house, and even put the table away until the next time you work. You will be amazed how much you can do in one session if you focus and do not leave the room. Don’t expect to get it all done in a day. When you are no longer making quick decisions it is time to quit and clean up. I find most people cannot work longer than four hours.

De-cluttering is a time-consuming process as you are making decisions about each item you own. Taking it in small increments and not looking at it as a huge, overwhelming task, makes it easier to accomplish. Tell yourself you can do a drawer or a shelf or a stack of boxes each session you work. If you cannot accomplish it yourself, get help from a family member, a friend, or a professional organizer.

Dealing with all the clutter now will ensure happier, healthier living and enable you to move around your home easier, and maybe even take up a new life interest.

Doris Puls, of D & O Decluttering and Organizing, is a professional organizer whose mission is to make a difference in the lives of the people she works with in homes and businesses. Contact her at Organizealpena@gmail.com or at 989-356-9545.