Operation Declutter: 6 Tips to Help You Declutter and Get Organized

Spring is almost here, so what better way than to get prepared than by doing a little Spring cleaning? With the cleaning should come organizing and clearing out the old to make way for the new. It’s time for Operation Declutter!

When you declutter, you maximize what you really need and minimize what you don’t. It’s all about making your space free of disorder and chaos, so that you can live a more stress-free and organized existence.

Are you with me so far?

Decluttering can lead to better health, a happier home life, and and freer life. I’m in the full throes of Operation Declutter myself and I feel like tremendous weights have been lifted.

Here are 6 Tips To Help You Declutter and Get Organized:

1. Throw Away Catalogs and Junk Mail:

Catalogs are such a waste of paper. And be honest, when was the last time you actually shopped or purchased from the catalog? Of course your favorite store sends you a catalog hoping that it piques your interest—and you keep it around because you think that soon, you will open it and do so “shopping”. Wrong. I would bet that most of you end up not even looking at the catalog, and before you know it, another one comes in the mail, then another one. Soon, you are up to your neck in catalogs and junk mail.

Throw them away! You don’t need them and you don’t use them. You can easily browse your favorite store online, and get this—most stores have their most recent catalog available for download on their site! Catalogs are a waste of paper (help save trees) and time. Throw them away, or better yet, put them in your recycle bin. Thank me later!

2. Get Those Closets in Order

With Spring comes the retirement of winter wear. While you are switching out your wardrobe, take an inventory or your winter items. What is no longer in style? What did you buy but didn’t wear much of? What items will your child not be able to wear next year? Box these items up and hold a Garage Sale, or donate them to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or a non-profit in your area.

3. Shut Up and Drive

…and clean out your car. Declutter your car of papers, receipts, trash, and other items that shouldn’t probably be in your vehicle. A clean car is safer for us all!

4. Toys!

I know our kids love to play with their toys, but how much of your child’s toys do they actually play with? Take the time to go through your kid’s toys and box up the ones they no longer use or have grown out of. Read my article on Time to Play for tips on what to do with the toys that you are getting rid of.

5. A Clean Fridge

Not all of us clean our refrigerators on a regular basis, so what better time than when you are doing your Spring cleaning to clean your fridge and rid it of old, out of date foods, sauces, etc. Now you can finally see what you are looking for without having to move out-of-date food around. Killer!

6. Unsubscribe From Those Emails

Official decluttering means cleaning up your online life as well. Clean up your inbox by taking a few minutes daily and unsubscribing from those e-newsletters and mailing lists that you never read. These emails do nothing but clog up your email and can delay your attention to important emails you need to respond to. With a clean inbox, life is so much better (also scrub your social networking followers on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Unfollow those who don’t bring value to your feed).

It’s time for us all to dive head first into Operation Declutter. I hope these tips help you declutter and get more organized. Your home will thank you!