New De-Clutter Book I'm Reading

**AmyBoz** · 02-13-2004, 08:05 AM

Okay, so now I'm reading Lose 200 lbs This Weekend: It's Time to Declutter Your Life by Don Aslett. I've actually read it before and owned it for a few years, but I'm re-reading it as I go through the declutter process of my storage room. Today I thought I'd share with you his thoughts on one particular type of clutter that he identifies as "Cave Clutter."

"Cave Clutter - That which is out of sight but out of control - clutter under the bed, in closets (the number one cave), drawers, cabinets, cupboards, bookcases, boxes, refrigerators, freezers, "junk rooms," storage units, basements, attics, sheds.

To clean out a cave, you have to go in, not just keep passing by. That means all the way in, or what is in back of, under, and behind will remain forever. Up to now we have just removed the overflow or in the way stuff, dodging anything that is difficult to get through or around. Pull it all out, and you'll know what to eliminate. As for the good stuff, condense it, re-box it (don't leave it rattling around loose), and mark the box on all four sides and the top with a marker. This will jog your memory or help others the next time around. Otherwise, you or others will be forced to open and go through every box, when you're getting ready to move, desperate to find something, or faced wtih a fire or flood situation. Or when someone else (after your departure from this planet) has to deal with it all. When you're finished, you've eliminated the fire, odor, or safety hazard, regained the use of some of your most convenient storage space, and have room for fresh and important future stuff."