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4 Steps to a More Organized Home

Linda Lombardini

"Linda is the consummate professional when it comes to dealing with real estate in the Ann Arbor area...

"Linda is the consummate professional when it comes to dealing with real estate in the Ann Arbor area...

Jan 29 2 minutes read

One mistake many would-be organizers make is trying to organize their entire household in one fell swoop. Even if your home is relatively neat, a project of that magnitude can be daunting – and lead to a serious case of burnout. 

To avoid throwing in the towel early, be realistic about your goals by focusing on the areas in your home that accumulate the most clutter each week. Get started with these steps.

1. Set up a paper storage system – Designate an area for all papers close to an entrance or centrally located room, like the kitchen. When you notice documents accumulating, take time to go through your pile, shredding any that could compromise your identity, and recycle non-sensitive information.

2. Pare down crowded closets – Your closet may store everything and anything, but that doesn't mean it has to be filled to capacity. Many seasonal items can be reduced significantly in size by vacuum sealing, and bed linens can be stored inside pillowcases. If you've got a hang-up about too many hangers, note which garments haven't been worn as you take down and hang up frequently used pieces. If they haven't been worn in a few weeks, donate, toss or sell.

3. Donate multiples – Many homeowners actually own multiples of common household items, such as hand towels, umbrellas and pot holders. Pay it forward by donating the multiples you can do without. A good rule of thumb: if you haven't had a need for it in a year or more, donate it.

4. Simplify your desktop – Disorganization can happen digitally, too. If your computer's overloaded with files, consider purging your desktop. Give priority to programs you use daily and delete other shortcuts that aren't accessed on a regular basis. Streamline your photo collection, saving only the ones you'd keep in an album. And to really free up space, consider uninstalling programs that haven't been opened in six months or more.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.
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