How To Clean Up Your Clutter

Self-Help for the Pack-Rat

PACK RATS PAY ATTENTION this article is for you. You need to get rid of clutter, not re-arrange it so let’s get busy! Here are some ideas that will make your life simply CLUTTER FREE! Let’s get busy putting a lid on clutter.

Tupperware is out and ZIP-LOCK containers and every plastic storage box you can imagine can now be purchased for as little as $1.00. These clear containers can be purchased in all sizes to keep your life organized and clutter-free! The containers can easily be marked with a Sharpie pen so that you can store items in higher cabinets and know exactly which one you need to grab for items like batteries! Your utility closets can be more organized by placing mittens and ski goggles in larger containers or smaller office supplies in much smaller, round clear boxes.

If you have a habit of not getting film developed, now is the time to create a special place for the film you need to send off and the snapshots that are truly unforgettable. Place all film that needs to be developed in one container and never run out of film again by placing new film in another container. Store recently developed pictures in a small square container until you have time to put them in photo albums.

If you have a daughter (or son) who may be interested in scrap booking, mark one of the larger boxes specifically for Scrapbook activities. Stock it with any recently developed photos, class play programs, ribbons, and all sorts of scrap booking supplies.

Have a box designated for all books, tapes, old X-Box games and Western Movies that Dad no longer watches. When the box is full take the whole family to a SWAP shop and trade the old in for items that are new-to – you. You will be surprised what kind of treasures can be found …….old Beatles records , The Old Ronald McDonald glasses from McDonald’s , Old books and much more.

If you check books and videos out at the library, make a box for items to return to the library. You also need a “returns” box, especially right after Christmas. Anything you need to return to a SPECIALTY SHOP or the MALL, you will have it handy as you start to run out the door.

Everyone needs a Gift Wrapping Center which should probably be the largest container that you have in your arsenal of plastic boxes. Be sure you have ribbon, scissors, wrapping paper, Gift Bags, an assortment of paper tissue, tape and everything you need to simplify your life.

While you’re probably visualizing a mental photo of your house looking more like a clearing house for Tupperware, nothing could be further from the truth. After you organize your boxes, simply put them away ….shove them in closets, under beds and place your cosmetic box neatly under your bathroom sink. When you need something, you will quickly know where to find it, but don’t worry; your guests will never see the boxes because after you organize everything into neat boxes and containers, you’ll have plenty of places to hide them !