3 steps to decluttering

All of us have those spaces that are just too cluttered - places that could look much better, or be more work-effecient if they just were not so cluttered up. Here are three steps to solve that problem.

1. If it doesn't belong there, don't put it there in the first place! This is a preventive measure. These places wouldn't be so cluttered if we didn't put things there that don't even belong there. So when you get home from work, or shopping, or picking up the kids, or unpacking that new toy or gadget, or working at the desk or table, put things where they belong right away. Then you won't be building up clutter that you'll have to deal with later. The best clutter is clutter that never happened.
2. If it doesn't belong there, move it! When you are sifting through a pile of clutter looking for something important, move the things that don't belong there. Or when you are walking past the cluttered spot and you see something that doesn't belong there, pick it up and take it with you to where it belongs. Don't just add it to some other clutter. Move one piece at at time to where it belongs, and eventually you will have all the clutter moved. The best clutter is clutter that never happened. The second best clutter is clutter that is no longer there.
3. When it's not there, keep it not there! This is somewhat similar to # 1. Now that you have an uncluttered place, keep it that way. It is much easier to keep it uncluttered than to have to take a lot of time uncluttering it again later. You won't have those frustrating times searching through a pile of clutter looking for something you need, because everything will be in its place. If there isn't a place for something, create a place. Everything belongs somewhere. If it doesn't, throw it out. The best clutter is clutter that never happened. The second best clutter is clutter that is no longer there. The third best clutter is clutter that doesn't reappear!

So there you have it, three easy steps to decluttering. What better way to get yourself into the holiday spirit than to give your mind some peace with a non-cluttered home, office, workspace, car, or wherever you spend your time. 

By the way, children don't count as clutter! You can't throw them out! But you can teach them at appropriate times and ages how to help you with decluttering. Then you won't be alone in your decluttering dilema.