

The trick is to associate each number with a separate storage subject.Īs you are storing your items, create a detailed inventory of each box, either on 3×5 notecards or on the computer. If you find she has enough papers, awards and memory books to fill more than one box, begin using the letters (i.e. For example, the box labeled #10 may include your first daughter’s school memories. She then labels them using numbers and letters, with a log describing the contents of each box. Otto’s system involves using identical, plain cardboard boxes (15x12x10), although you may prefer plastic tubs. Create a Storage System. Once you have cleared the clutter and have returned frequently used items to their rightful places, you can begin working on a storage system. Otto suggests using three bags or boxes for each room - one for trash, one for charity give-away or a yard sale, and one for storage and put-aways (items that need to returned to their proper place in the house).Ģ. Take the time to determine what you need, what you don’t, and what can be put away for later.

Don’t focus on the length of the project, but on thoroughness. You may find it will take you one Saturday afternoon just to go through the clutter of one room or one closet. Your first step will be to collect the clutter that you either no longer need or want to store. So don’t set yourself up for procrastination by telling yourself the project is just too large. Gather the Mess. Your home organization project won’t be completed in one afternoon.
#UNCLUTTER YOUR HOME HOW TO#
So how to we take charge of the clutter in our homes? Otto suggests utilizing an easy storage system.ġ.

We have so much stuff - and keep it in improper places - that we stumble over it, create a fire hazard, and have difficulty finding things. Do you have too much clutter in your home? According to organizational expert Donna Otto in her book, Secrets to Getting More Done in Less Time, most house plans designate about 18% of its space for active storage, but due to poor organizational skills, many people use up to 35% of their square footage for storage.
