Decluttering Tip

**SewCrafty** · 02-09-2003, 07:50 PM

Live Out of the Box

When you're trying to get your home organized, discarding
or donating your clutter is an extremely important action
that you most likely have to take. One of the easiest ways
to begin getting organized is to lighten your load.

However, getting rid of things is often terribly difficult
for most people--not physically, but emotionally. It's one
of the greatest struggles for the millions of people who
wish they were more organized.

The 'Live Out of the Box' Method can help. You see, if an
item is constantly in your sight, your emotions may
interfere with your decluttering process. You may think,
'Well, maybe I should hang onto it as I may need it
someday.'

Whereas, if it was buried somewhere out of sight, you'd
most likely never think of it again.

Get yourself a few very large boxes, choose the ONE room
that currently bothers you the most and pack everything up
-- except for bills that have to be paid and 'very'
meaningful heirlooms or decorative items -- just as you
would if you were moving.

Once you're done, everything should be completely packed up
and in boxes. Put today's date on those boxes.

For the next three months, live out of the box. When you
need or want something, pilfer it from the box, use it, and
then that item receives 'OK to Keep' status--in other
words, you can then put that item back in its appropriate
closet, cabinet, drawer, countertop or shelf.

After the three months have gone by, whatever still remains
in that box is donated, sold or dumped. After all, if you
haven't needed it or thought about it in three months, what
are the chances you'll ever think about it or need it
again?

Yes, it will be a bit of a pain to live out of boxes--for
that one room--but keep in mind that the things you really
want and need in that room will be out of the box and in
their appropriate homes within a few days.

Many of our discussion forum members have used this
technique with excellent results and swear by it!

Quoted from Get Organized Now Newsletter.

http://www.getorganizednow.com

**PrairieRose** · 02-10-2003, 12:02 AM

Thanks for passing that tip along Diana!

**CAGmomof2** · 02-10-2003, 02:22 PM

thank you for this tips and for the link to the website...

**SewCrafty** · 02-10-2003, 05:39 PM

So would I Carolyn! I think I could easily empty 3/4 of my house!!

**AmyBoz** · 02-10-2003, 06:55 PM

This is SO true! When we moved a year and a half ago, we put a whole bunch of stuff in the garage to be put away at a later date. Needless to say, it is a year and a half later and I haven't needed to dig ANYTHING out of the garage, so come Spring, Garage Sale!!!