Welcome to Declutter

The Declutter How To Page

Latest Declutter How To News

Using Plastic Storage Boxes to Declutter Your Home - Associated Content

If you're like me, there are things that you don't really use, don't really have a place for, but you hate to get rid of them. Maybe they are items you just really like or they have a memory attached to them ...

Declutter (and De-Stress) Your Financial Life - US News and World Report

Back in the day you could manage your money with a passbook savings account, checkbook, and notepad. When I was growing up, most families didn’t have credit cards to keep track of, let alone a half-dozen of ...

Back to article - EDGE Boston

In this Oct. 27, 2009 file photo, Chinese customers shop at Walmart’s first Sam’s Club after the opening ceremony in China’s southern city, Guangzhou. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported a 3.6 percent increase in second ...

Home Organization: take a moment to breathe - Examiner

Sometimes, when things get crazy, organizing the chaos seems a little overwhelming. You just don't know where to start. Your organization tip of the week, is take a moment to breathe. Sit down amidst the rubble, close ...

Kids' artwork: What to keep, what to (gulp) toss - Oregonian

I did something ruthless over the weekend, something I can't bring myself to tell my kids, something that's caused me some degree of guilt, even shame. I tossed out my daughters' artwork. A whole grocery bag ...

Are There Any Benefits to Eating Cake? - Associated Content

~Stop the "binge" monster in it's tracks. When that first strike of temptation begins to peak, instead of running from it, give into it and allow yourself to indulge for a few minutes. If you wait, there is ...

Decluttering not as good as it sounds - Times Daily

Experts agree that to make the most impact on potential buyers, you must declutter. That's the new real-estate mantra: Declutter, declutter, declutter. When my husband and I put our house on the market, that's the first ...

Simplify your life to reduce stress - MayoClinic.com

You've probably noticed the word "simplify" popping up in magazine articles and talk show discussions about how to deal with the chaos and complexity of modern life. There's even a monthly magazine about how to simplify ...

Wal-Mart 2Q results to offer clues to Americans' financial health, where retailer is ... - Washington Examiner

NEW YORK — Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s second-quarter results, to be released Tuesday, should offer a clearer window into its working-class consumers and thus the overall economy. It will also give analysts more insight ...

Planning ahead can help ease the back-to-school transition, stress - Poughkeepsie Journal

The season of yellow buses, packed lunches and homework will soon replace leisurely strolls, barbecues and sunbathing. Planning ahead, simplifying and setting routines can help parents with the transition from ...

Resolved Question: How much should I be getting paid?

Ok, so Im 20 years old, and Im not certified or anything, but I've been taking care of my grandmother for a few months now. I get my own small room and I share the bathroom and she has a computer that we both use with internet and she also had satellite tv before i got here, but she uses the tv a lot more than i do. I do about 80% of the cooking and/or meal prep, I do all the cleaning, and I even decluttered her house without her asking me to. I never ask her for anything other than my simple necessities. I also do about 98% of the driving because she falls asleep often and can't drive that long at all. I also take care of her two dogs and my own dog. I help her go grocery shopping and make sure she doesnt buy too many sweets, and she smokes, even though it is an even higher risk for her to smoke more than others. and she buys about $65 worth of cigarettes every month. I NEVER go out. And I just got hired at a job but it wont start for at least 3 weeks. So I have NO money of my own. I do a LOT of driving. We drive 45 minutes at least 3 times a week to go to her husband in the nursing home or to go to walmart, or a doctor appt. Which I am always happy to do. And we eat out at HER request at least 25% of the time. And I NEVER ask for anything I absolutely dont need. So even with all I do, including the last 2 weeks her sister has been visiting and i've also been taking care of her when she needed it. However, when I ask for simple needs like eye drops for my contacts, and underwear, she acts like I dont deserve it or I havent earned it. When I found out I needed medication, she acted like it wasn't neccesity, like it would be cheaper if I just suffered. And she is not completely helpless. If she had to, she could make dinner for herself and she can drive short distances, but we live wayyyyyyyyyyy out of town on a lake, so town is about a 15 minute drive. Which is almost too far for her so she can drive herself to church and the hairdresser. Thats it. And she is not at all mentally deteriorating. Shes smart and still does her crosswords, and can walk, but she is kind of large and has other multiple medical problems and she needs help with her mobility and cant do any heavy lifting or be on her feet for very long. She is NOT broke or poor in anyway. She can afford to get her nails and hair done at least once every 2 weeks and is getting the house redone. So with all this, I ask for simple things like cheap eye drops to keep my contacts from drying, and the cheapest walmart underwear I can find, and the cheapest body wash because HER body wash makes me break out really bad. And the other day I found a list of things she had bought me with its price, and added up on the back. This made me very upset, I'm nice to her and I do EVERYthing she asks me to. And it makes me really upset that she never even thanks me when I declutter and clean her very cluttered house. And as much as I want it, I never ask for ANYthing I want to eat unless she asks me if I want something. So I'm wondering, even though I get free furnished room and board, how much would a regular full-time caregiver get in my position? I do drive her cars and I'm on her car insurance, however, I NEVER go anywhere for my own need or pleasure. I dont have any friends at all here, I dont go to college and I have not been driving to any kind of job and the only time I drive by myself is for the rare job interview or to get a prescription filled. And it was her suggestion to put me on her car insurance as well. So if I weren't a relative and I was taking care of her with free room and board, but I did all of the above, with no other job, how much should I be paid? Because Im EXTREMELY pissed off that after all I've done, she complains when I need something for my health or if I need friggin UNDERWEAR. She does NOT give me any extra money at all and I never asked her for any before, but I need money for my own needs and she's being extremely hesitant and I'm completely helpless until I start that new job at the end of the month, and even then I obviously wouldnt be paid for another 2-3 weeks. So if she doesnt start buying me what I need, I'm gonna start giving her a bill with how much I should be getting paid. Because even though shes my grandmother shes being way too stingy when it comes to my very simple needs and I cant one day wake up and need soap, and she's too selfish about her own nails and cigarettes to buy me it. I use cheap products, and I simply ask for some help outside of just room and board and food. I appreciate all of it, but I have done everything she asks and this is very rude to me that she gives me a stank face when all I asked for was eye drops or underwear. Especially when she spends about $400 a year on cigarettes which make her have to have breathing treatments and oxygen and many other complications. Please tell me what I should do and how much a normal caregiver would get.Actually I moved in with her because I didn't want to live with my mom anymore and my grandmother actually needed me at the same time. This was not an arrangement for work. This was originally just me helping her in exchange for a room, which she has a 3 bedroom house and nobody else lives with her, and food and just necessities and she makes it extremely difficult to even go get a job. So she expects me to pay for my own needs, but she wont lt me get a job because she complains and acts like shes gonna drop at any moment. And no, she wouldnt kick me out because she needs me. She cannot drive everywhere that she needs and she doesnt wanna pay for a caregiver. And shes honestly getting a good deal with me. If she kicked me out, she would be almost helpless and my family would be extremely angry with her.And Im sorry but just because somebody gives you a roof over your head, does NOT completely cancel out all the work Ive done for her. I can go back to my moms or even go live with my dad in europe, but she makes me feel guilty if I even leave her for an hour and then when I do everything she asks and MORE and do heavy lifting for her and rearrange her whole effing living room and cook for her, a roof is simply not enough and I have not asked for much. And actually its NOT her money. Its the government's money and her sick husband's money and thats like if you were to hire somebody and when it comes time for payment, saying, well, its my money and I can do what I want with it, so I dont feel like paying you. No, thats not how it works. She was paying for me when I first showed up, but now that she realizes that she cant buy new diamonds, shes not buying me things I need OTHER than a roof over my head. more

Resolved Question: how do I decorate/declutter a studio apartment ?

i want to make it seem more inviting .. and i want to know how i can organize and decorate.. more

Resolved Question: People, doctors and psychiatrists say I all have OCD, what's wrong with wanting things a certain way ?

I am 23 and for the past couple of years, I clean a lot. Probably like 6-8 hours a day, if not more. I clean , clean and clean. I organize things, everything. I label things, organize everything. Have to wash my hands about 40-50 times a day which is not a problem for me. I like clean hands. I hate clutter. I have to declutter everyday. Clutter to me means a cluttered mind and I cannot function around clutter. How is any of this a problem and is it a problem ? I have to do pledge on my kitchen table every time I sit at the table. I have to clean the kitchen counters everytime I use the kitchen counter. Isn't this how it should be or is this really OCD ? And I am dead serious. This is no joke. I organize the closets by size and colours and everything. I would prefer cleaning rather than seeing family, friends, everything. I can'y stop cleaning. It has affected myself more than it ever should have. more

Resolved Question: People, doctors, Psychiatrists say I all have OCD.. What's wrong with things just being a certain way?

I am 23 and for the past couple of years, I clean a lot. Probably like 6-8 hours a day, if not more. I clean , clean and clean. I organize things, everything. I label things, organize everything. Have to wash my hands about 40-50 times a day which is not a problem for me. I like clean hands. I hate clutter. I have to declutter everyday. Clutter to means means a cluttered mind and I cannot function around clutter. How is any of this a problem and is it a problem ? I have to do pledge on my kitchen table every time I sit at the table. I have to clean the kitchen counters everytime I use the kitchen counter. Isn't this how it should be or is this really OCD ? more

Voting Question: Need to declutter, how do I pull an all nighter? Motivation?

Feeling tired, and have just got it in me that if I can just stay up for one night and get it all done, then I won't be messing around the whole of this week in the evenings when I could be doing more important things like looking for new jobs. I am at work in the day time but can suffer one day without any sleep. Anyone have any tips or motivation? Thanks more

Resolved Question: How/where do I start in in turning my home into an oasis? Need advice on decluttering/cleaning.?

I'm sitting here googling "declutter where to start" because I'm so overwhelmed! I want to turn my home into an oasis, but I can't seem to make headway. Years ago when I was single, I decluttered my whole house in one week, got rid of about 44 giant trash bags of stuff. I want to do this again, but it's frustrating because now that I'm married I can't go on the declutter rampage that I want to do! Every time I try I end up with another box for my husband to go through and then piles start accumulating all over the house again. I'm thinking about getting one room "perfect" and then going from there, but that will require paint and buying a rug. Any advice on where to start, what to do to get started on this task would be appreciated! Thanks, Kerry more

Resolved Question: How to declutter a small apartment?

I wonder if anyone has tips on how to keep a clean, organized home without becoming a freak about it. more

Resolved Question: How should I declutter for college?

I just ended my senior year and I was wondering about how to declutter and organize all of my old notes that I might use for college. Do you have experience with this? Any advice? Thanks! more

Resolved Question: Are you using David Allen's GTD system and how has it improved your life?

I am looking at ways to get organized and declutter my life. I recently bumped into a leture that David Allen did for google and bought his book. I am looking for ways to apply this system in my life most effectively. more

Resolved Question: how many years of tax returns should someone keep?

I have tax returns dating back to 1995 can I get rid of some of these. I want to declutter. more

Resolved Question: Am i packing to move too soon? How can i make packing less stressful?

Since the lease is up at the end of February, we plan to move into our new apartment March 18 during spring break. We just found the perfect place 3 days ago and are so excited! I've already started packing boxes and have maybe 10 or 12 packed. My husband thinks I'm starting too soon and that we'll have plenty of time to pack later. But i know how our schedules are, hectic, always last minute, and stressful as hell. Family LOVES to break into our schedule and make us make time for them. But am i packing too soon? Also, we live in a 1300 sq.ft. townhouse (3 bed 3 bath) and are moving to a 1200 sq.ft. flat (3 bedroom 2 bath). So we're down sizing a little bit. I need some really good tips on how I can declutter, and pack at the same time. Please and thank you!!!i have a family member who gives me too much stuff! they have spent almost $1000 on the best of the best pots and pans. we dont have enough cabinet space and arent willing to get rid of them incase we need them. that family member is a HOARDER and gives my husband and i things all the time. it's not that we arent grateful, we just dont have the space. all the STUFF is interfering in my relationship with my husband. we have a dog that loves to chew on and destroy EVERYTHING. The clutter is too much. please help! more

Resolved Question: How can I remove icons from my Notification area?

My Notification area is showing icons that I rarely use. I have ticked 'Hide inactive icons' in Taskbar but they still appear. When I go to 'Customize'in 'Taskbar'it shows 'Hide when not in use' and it will not change. Can you help me to declutter this area please more

Resolved Question: How not to be such a packrat, whats a normal amount?

Now Im not to the extreme or anything. But I do find myself holding on to things that other people find odd. I'm just a keepsake person I guess. My question is I really need to declutter!!! However, I cant figure out on my own what should stay and what should go! I even keep some old clothes because they were my "favorite around that age" ....I know thats odd, but idk. Without just deciding to shove everything i own in the attic( since Im 21 and I'd assume I'd run out of space up there eventually ;) ) how do I know whats a normal amount of things to keep? more

Resolved Question: How can I convince my parents to let me spend a week alone at our lake house?

I live in a very fast-paced city and have a demanding, stressful schedule, and I have a really strong desire to spend a week of my winter break up alone at our lake house in the mountains just writing, painting, and chilling. I've been inspired by Walden Pond and want solitary time in nature to reflect. I would send them a text or email every day just to let them know I'm fine, but would spend the rest of the time without the internet or TV and just declutter my brain. The house is only like a three hour drive from my house, and I'm familiar with the route, but haven't driven it before just because it's slightly winding and they're paranoid about me getting into an accident. I'd go up during the daylight before it gets snowy, and go to the store and get everything I need for the week, then not drive again. I wouldn't have anyone over. The house has a high-tech alarm system so nobody could break in. I have a health condition, but I can manage it myself for a week, and one of our neighbors up there is a retired oncologist who knows us well, so if I truly needed help I could go to him. There are medical facilities up there. It's close to a ski resort so they have all the things you'd need. I'm 17, and will be 18 next spring. Do you think this is an unreasonable request? I mean, we have the house and it's just sitting there empty so why not use it? How can I talk them into agreeing to this? I really need to go, so helpful answers would be appreciated.CC - I don't spook easily. I don't think it snows that frequently in the mid-morning, and the roads are maintained. Yeah, our house is slightly more plush than Thoreau's! :) more

Resolved Question: How much should I sell my MegaDrive and games for?

I'm trying to declutter and thought its time to sell my trusty old megadrive.. I have 47 games (including things like Shining Force) and three controllers. Really not sure what I should aim to sell for, any ideas?We're moving house so i need every penny i can get ;) more

Resolved Question: How to de-clutter and prevent hoarding and bring myself to through things out?

I wouldn't consider myself OCD for hoarding as I don't have an awful lot of possesions. I have a tidy room and a bit of stuff in my closet and a few boxes in the garage, not a crazy messy house spilling with stuff if thats what one pictures of a hoarder(not too anxious about it too),but I am trying to declutter my life and need a little help here!I have in the past kept things because I think I will need them in the future habit from my mom i think, now I am trying to be ruthless because I want simplicity and space and organisation, should I throw away old school work papers/books too? more

Resolved Question: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.......................?

How can this mantra be applied to someone's personal life? For reduce I have: reduce the amount of toxins in one's life by getting rid of negative influences such as friends, cutting back on unhealthy foods, and taking the time to declutter. I can't think of anyway to apply the other two. I'm trying to view this mantra in a holistic light. It's not just about rescuing the environment, but our lives too. more

Resolved Question: How can I get my wife to declutter our house from all of her stuff?

Resolved Question: Need good sites to declutter and how to help a hoarder let go of there items.?

I have posted an other question about this friend who is being kicked out of his place by the 15th. I need to helop him and not sure how to start. We are having a city wide garage sale in my town. i am 30 minutes from his town. But can maybe have a yard sale at his home as well. With Hoarders does anyone know if he will flip or how to handle this sort of thing? Thanks for ideas. more

Resolved Question: how do you find a person/company to help you declutter?

alabamaMark C, to answer your question. YES!sojourn, Thank you!!! more

Resolved Question: Problems after i rebooted my computer?

I have a Gateway PC. My system is Vista. This was my first time rebooting and before everything was completely fine. I just wanted to declutter everything out and start fresh. When i finished installing the Operating System Disk it went straight to my Windows Desktop and the resolution changed. (I have a 15.4" screen but now the resolution only goes up to a 15" screen (1024 X 768 pixles) which makes everything on my screen abnormally large and not the right size. My laptop doesn't even pick up any wireless routers or anything wireless anymore. I have a build in wireless internet but all it needs to do is connect to a wireless router and i have a Linksys Wireless Router that works perfectly fine. My siblings have laptops of their own and they connect completely fine to the internet so i know this must be because of me rebooting. Not sure whats the problem but i can't restore my old settings since i rebooted more than once to see if anything would change. I'm currently using a chord to connect directly to the Linksys with Port 1 but i want to know how to access the interned withought wires. more

Resolved Question: What are some good ways to declutter?

I just feel like my house has way too much clutter, but when I look at the whole big picture I get discouraged so I don't do anything. I need to figure out how to get rid of the junk/clutter room by room? Also do you have any organization tips, since we don't have a lot of closet space, etc? more

Resolved Question: How do you declutter? Im looking around my place and wondering where to start!!!?

Thanks more

Resolved Question: how can i organize and declutter my home and sort things out effectively?

hi everyone~ok i have been ignoring the clutter and disorganization that i live in,i am trying to make a start,but when i do nothing seems to change,any efective ideas advice or motivation much appreciated. i live in an old house which is my parents that needs so much repair,so itend to have clothes in suitcases,and piles of stuff everywhere,i am going to sort out the clothes by getting them done in the laundrete because im so overwhelmed with stuff even when they come back they have no place,i am on a limited income and cant completely fix up the house and remodel it,any cheap ideas,another big clutter problem is piles of magazines and newspapers i keep them for reference as i am interested in the beauty industry,i have no place to store them,i just cant cope with everything i have piles of bags with stuff and no where to put them i got in a bad rut,i also have stuff belong to my parents that i cant throw out as they are sentimental but they are adding to the clutter,if anyone has any thoughts on how i can tackle or get out of this please thank you more

Resolved Question: How to live on less, save more money?

This might be helpful. This is for those who are trying to get through the reccession. To do this on a long term basis, decrease all unnessecary expenses. Instead of driving, carpool, walk, ride a bicycle or take public transportation. (1)Take a look around your house or apartment. Go through every room and get rid of the things you don't need. Your stress levels will plummet as you enter into clutter free rooms for the first time. Declutter! Sell all of your unwanted items to a thrift store (You keep landfills free of rubbish and you save more money). By selling your unwanted items to thrift stores, it aslso helps those businesses get revenue. Keep them to the the essentials (You need food, water and shelter to survive). (2)Closets:Clear out all of your closets. Ten outfits of clothing is plenty for one person. Sell all unused clothing to a thrift store (as well as closet hangers). It saves space and time for packing if you are planning to travel. (3)Food. Buy food in bulk. It lasts longer, you save more money and you lose weight without even thinking of going on a diet. Avoid grocery stores (they are too pricey). (4)Repair and maintenance. Repair your clothing by sewing. Have your purses repaired too. (5)Shopping. Buy all clothing at a used clothing store (Department stores charge more). (6)Internet. Use the Internet at a public library instead of at home. (7)Suitcases:Replace them with backpacks (You travel lighter and it saves you more time, money and effort). By doing so, you save a lot of time, money, effort and space. Your stress levels will plummet and you have a clearer head and more freedom (more quality time to spend with friends and family). Having less is better. Trying doing this on a long term basis. Here is one more suggestion: By spending less, put all money in your bank accounts to pay off all expenses (bills, debt etc). more

Resolved Question: how can i ask my mom to plan a garage sale?

okay well we have a lot of junk, and my parents think so too. so i always ask if we can mplan a garge sale on august 10 (national garage sale day) but they keep saying no, we would still have to declutter and its a lot of work. should i just ask some friends (close family friends) if they can just help me organize things and t them in boxes and then like a couple of weeks before do youit hink we could just still plan it? as in pricing, what to sell, and what time to what time? more

Resolved Question: I HATE cleaning my room ! i need to declutter ! helppp !?

so i have the attention span of a dog . i cant do one thing for a long time or ill get really bored . i need to keep my room clean or my parents wont let me go to cheer practice . any ways to make it fun ? also help on how to let go of things like clothes ? more

Resolved Question: What do I need in a CORE wardrobe?

I'm planning on giving away most of my clothes to declutter. What list of items would you say was needed to create a fairly simple casual wardrobe? Eg: how many pairs of jeans, how many t-shirts... I really want to just get rid of all my old and unflattering stuff and stick to the basics of clothes i love! more

Resolved Question: I need advice on how to get rid of things I don't need...I'm packing for my move?

I'm labeling the boxes. But other than that I need ideas on how to keep everything organized! And....I would really hate to start opening boxes and find a lot of random stuff and things I dont even need. I want to simplify..declutter..... but I find it hard! I'm a pack rat I gues... more

Resolved Question: How do I declutter my house before moving?

I will be moving in a couple of months and I was wondering how do I get rid of the clutter around the house? My husband and I are living in a four bedroom house, it is just the two of us, we will be moving into a smaller house. How do I know what furniture and misc. to keep and what to get rid of? more

Resolved Question: Do you have any tips to help me re-organize, declutter, downsize my house (empty nest)?

I need to streamline my house a bit. It's amazing how much stuff a family can accumulate, we've lived here since 1981, and have recently become 'empty-nesters'. I'd love to learn about how other people have 'decluttered'. more

Resolved Question: How long did it take you to completely declutter your home?

Hi there, I'm on a bit of a journey. For as long as I can remember I've always had too much stuff. Its a trait passed on from my mom and from hers. I've been embracing the joy of purging and clearing out cupboards, but somehow it feels like there's never an end. Somedays I look around me and I feel overwhelmed. I'm sure there are folks that are far worse off then my husband and I are, in regards to our junk. But I find as I get older, I just want less stuff. How long of a journey is this going to be? How long did it take you to be rid of your 'stuff' and finally live better with less? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. more

Resolved Question: Suggestions to reduce stress in the home?

My wife and I have recently noticed the level of stress in our home has increased. Much of it is related to our jobs (my company is in Chp11 so job security is an issue, her company is having issues also). We have two children, ages 10 months and 3 1/2, they are an absolute blessing, but keeping up with them can be challenging. Our mornings are rushed, and our afternoons are rushed to figure out and prepare dinner, play with and get the little ones down for the night...then we are exhausted and feel like we are letting ourselves and our house get further and further behind. Any ideas or suggestions from others out there in similar situations? Need ideas on how to better organize our time, declutter our home and lives, and learn to relax. more

Resolved Question: Am Attempting A Total Declutter!!?

Hey all I'm hoping to move into a 2 bedroomed house by the middle of june; and I'm intending to declutter my bedroom, which still has a load of stuff from uni etc. As I don't drive, I'm slightly worried as to where to put all stuff that can't just be chucked in a regular bin. Does anyone have any idea how I can declutter with some amount of organisation? Thanks! Marissax more

Voting Question: how do i delete an "empty shell" of an icon (vista)?

i uninstalled a program before deleting it's icon on my desktop. now when i try to delete the icon, it says it cannot be deleted because it's location cant be found!! i know it's not a big deal, but my whole purpose of uninstalling the program was to declutter my desktop, and now i cant even get the icon off! any ideas? more

Resolved Question: Declutter / spring clean question?

I am trying to declutter / spring clean by chaotic home. Everytime I try to do that I feel overwhelmed with things like how did I get into such a mess. I know the basic rule - do you need it? do you use it? do you love it? Can anyone offer me any pratical advice? more

Resolved Question: How long does it take to declutter your throat?

please! more

Resolved Question: How do I remove film safely from an old camera?

In my recent efforts to declutter I have found two cameras with film. Neither will rewind. I would like to try to save the film and find out what pictures are on there. Is it possible? Are there any camera shops left out there? more

Resolved Question: How to remove old carpet foam stuck to wooden floorboards ?

I have just had a major declutter upstairs and am left with 2 quite large areas in 2 bedrooms that have had carpet down, the remains of the backing are firmly stuck to the wooden floorboards. Does anyone have an easy way of getting this up so i can get some rugs down ? Thanks. more

Resolved Question: Book search for cleaning book, or decluttering book, that has sample rooms, HOW LONG IT TOOK (hrs), and then?

Book search for cleaning book, or decluttering book, that has different rooms (bedroom, basement, etc), HOW LONG IT TOOK (hrs), and then how it looks when done. My need is the How Long It Took to Declutter portion. Might be a TV Show book, ie. Clean House, TLC shows, etc. more

Resolved Question: How can I help my family declutter our house?

We've got so many papers, antiques from my grandparents' house (after they moved to assisted living facilities), and just JUNK in general. I want to help clean but I never know what papers or documents are important, and I really don't want to throw out like a bill or something... We're trying to move all my grandparents' stuff downstairs to the basement, so that's slowly getting taken care of... But yeah. The problem right now isn't mopping or vacuuming-- the problem is getting rid of junk! Thanks for your help. more

Resolved Question: Decluttering--how to "let go" of THINGS?

What do you tell yourself to 'let go' of things and not keep them just because they were you mothers or grandfathers (both long ago deceased) or one of your greatest friends (also deceased for a few yrs.). It's not like those are the only things or I'll really lose my memories. I have a bit of guilt when I let go. Some are just 'not me' and just 'dust collectors'. Maybe someone has some magic words, thoughts, a proverb that would help me let go and help me declutter. I would most certainly appreciate it! more

Resolved Question: i need some advice on housekeeping?

im really bad at housework etc i hate it although i do like having a clean tidy home i find it hard to maintain as i have 3 young children it has now become quite bad and im embaressed of my house dont think its ever been this bad im clean dont get me wrong i clean i just dont declutter or tidy away now there seems to be stuff everywhere evry cupboard is full every draw theres stuff everywhere and then there are clothes in the bedrooms again everywhere i just dont know where to start and i feel i wanna get it all sorted now had a bit of a reality check when i realised that im soon to be 25 and i shouyld be grown up enough to take care of my house by now but i just dont know how to do it where to start im sure you can tell by what ive written already that im not organised enough for routine and rotas ive tried really hard i have tried fly lady but its the motivation that i lack i look at what needs doin i write lists rotas everything but dont do it please help any advice welcome x more

Resolved Question: Decluttering, what do I keep?

I am 22, trying to declutter my life. I have so many clothes.. much of which are not even all that nice.. but I keep them 'just in case'. Same with everything else around. I don't want this much stuff. I don't want to throw away something I may need either. Help! Ps. How do you know what is worth pawning? more

Resolved Question: how do you get rid of gifts you don't want?

My extended family gives me and my kids way too many gifts. Stuff I really don't want... my 8 year old loves everything she gets, of course. I need to declutter without hurting feelings! I don't want the 8 year old to get sad, and I don't want my other relatives to feel hurt either....but I have too much clutter!David, I didn't say these were Christmas gifts... They are garage sale items! Like a puzzle made to hang on the wall (already made) and a croquet chicken that lays an egg and won't stop making noise. A torn purse, a candle holder dated 1994 with half a candle in it, etc. These aren't things I can regift. more

Resolved Question: Where and how do I start to declutter dresser and desk?

How do I start to declutter desk dresser closet etc,, I need help more

Resolved Question: How do I cut out the clutter?

I have a huge home and you would think with all the space it would make it easier to keep things organized. But with four children 3 of which are in elementary school (lots of papers hanging around) and one being a toddler, a husband who is a pack rat and myself trying to keep up with all of it is a huge task. Seriously i am at the point of getting a huge trash can and tossing anything no matter how important it is! I don't mind being the one doing all the housework considering i stay home and my husband works his ass off to support that decision. But now i am just overwhelmed with all the mess. I guess what i am looking for is any and all suggestions to try to declutter my home and find places for everything all while on a tight budget. It would be easy to just go and buy tons of organizers but honestly I've looked and that could get expensive. my trouble areas are kids rooms and laundry! more

Resolved Question: How can I declutter my home and keep it tidy?

My husband & I started off in a tiny 1 bedroom flat. We were happy like that & figured we'd get a bigger place when I finished college & we were ready to start a family. But we had a contraception accident & we got pregnant earlier than planned. I had to give up college and now we have a beautiful baby but we are stuck in our tiny home with only one income. Everything is a big mess. We have no time, no energy, no space and even when I try to tidy up, there is no room to put anything. There are 3 of us in a tiny place that was meant for only one person. The place is a wreck. We need all our stuff but there is nowhere to put it and we can't find anywhere else till I have a job and we have 2 incomes. That's 3 years away and it seems like we're wasting our sons early years in this mess. I see families on tv where the child has his own little bedroom and it all looks so beautiful and it makes me cry to think we can't give that to our son. We have his cot and our bed and clothes and toys and everything in one room and it just looks like one big mess. I don't know where to start - even when I try to clean up, there is nowhere to put anything anyway! :( more

Resolved Question: For mums of multiples...should i be dreading the crawling stage?....and...(lots of qs warning!!)?

....any tips on how to prepare my home / body / mind / teenagers for when my twins start crawling? i know the general drill with singletons...stair gates/declutter/remove dangerous objects etc, but are there extra things i will need to consider with twins? is it gonna be a logistical nightmare? my house has 3 levels...kitchen/living room/bedroom on different floors not by choice. wouldnt it be easier if one of them started crawling a few weeks before the other? what were ur experiences? more

Resolved Question: advice; moving in 11 weeks?

any tidbits on moving this far out. I will be gone two weekends between now and then. I have not moved in 22 years however I am organized and declutter all the time. I don't have anywhere to put the packed boxes short of piling up my house. How much should I do now? I would like to pack boxes according to the rooms I am putting them in and then have a color chart for each box to where everyone knows where to put them. I also think I am going to move my kitchen the week before so I can have a pot of chili waiting for those moving us. I don't want to wait too long however I don't want to be rushed or stressed either. Thoughts? TIA more