More Tips on How to Get Rid of Stuff

The hardest part of organizing your home is deciding what to get rid of and what to keep. Here are some handy tips on weeding out the clutter in your house.

  • 1. Stick to the rule of three: When you tackle an organizing job, you should sort things into three piles: one to keep, one to give away, and one for trash. Forcing yourself to sort your belongings into these three categories will keep your mind clear and focused on the task at hand.

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  • 2. Will you miss it? Odds are, if something has been in the closet for a year or more and you haven’t missed it, you should get rid of it. If it’s been a year and you still haven’t trimmed out your pillows with all those pieces of ribbon, you probably never will. That old dress you really like but haven’t worn in three years? Donate it to Goodwill. Don’t fool yourself if you haven’t missed it, you probably won’t need it.

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  • 3. You don’t need everything: Cleaning out clutter is about being honest with yourself and truly owning up to what you have and what you need. Sure, you make like all five of your salt and pepper shaker sets, but do you really need FIVE of them? The answer is no. So get rid of them.  Also, many people keep things for sentimental value, but don’t let the fear of dishonoring grandma make you keep boxes of junk. The best homage to the ones you love who have generously passed you on their junk is keeping a few things that you will use and getting rid of the rest. Do you entertain a lot? Then keep grandma’s china, but ditch the hat collection? Remember, grandma would probably rather have you be happy and clean than miserable in a pile of junk.