Finding time to de-clutter can be a big issue for many of us. There are so many other priorities that can get in the way. But de-cluttering your home is important. Clutter can cost you money in a number of ways, such as when you need a bigger home. To look at more ways in which clutter can cost you money, you can read this article: 4 Ways Clutter Can Cost You Money
For now, though, let’s find some ways to deal with de-cluttering when there isn’t enough time. At the end of this post, you’ll find your next assignment.
To de-clutter when there just isn’t enough time, try to find a way to multi-task and do it while you are doing something else. I find that this can help me de-clutter when the items don’t require too much thought, such as sorting through t-shirts to discard worn or unloved ones and fold good ones. Here are some ways I de-clutter when I am in the middle of something else:
- Clear up a pile of ironing while talking on the phone
- Go through a box of papers and file them into folders while watching television
- Clean out my purse while in the waiting room of the doctor or dentist, or while waiting for a restaurant to deliver food
- Organize donations in the garage while supervising the kids outside play
- Clean out a kitchen junk drawer while waiting for a pot to boil
- Go through a bin of toys while playing with the kids (they discover favorite old toys this way that are at the bottom of the bin, so everyone wins)
- Sorting through a stack of mail or magazines while watching little ones in the bath
See if there is a small bit of clutter that you can easily do while multitasking. I know these are small bits of stolen time. But, you might be surprised how much you can get done.
Next, I’ll talk about using a timer, being committed to dedicating time for de-cluttering, getting the kids to help, and using time rewards to help you get the job done. But first, here is today’s assignment.
Find one cluttered box, basket or container that you haven’t touched in a while. Open it up and go through all of the items inside. Every item either needs to be put away, thrown out or donated. There is no throwing stuff back in the box, basket or other container. Chances are that if you haven’t touched it in a while it may no longer be valuable or useful. I’m going to tackle a box of card making/ scrap booking supplies.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don’t miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
Related Articles:
Welcome to De-Cluttering Boot Camp
De-Cluttering Boot Camp: Roadblocks
4 Ways Clutter Can Cost You Money
De-cluttering with Young Children