Organize by reusing old things

Sometimes when we are ready to get organized, get rid of clutter, or clean things up, we think we need to buy something new to get the job done - a new storage container, for example. However, as Deniece Schofield points out, "One way people can cut down on clutter and organize themselves better is to find new uses for things they already have sitting around the home."

That makes sense. If we're trying to get rid of clutter, then using some of that clutter to help us out will already help the cause. She says, "I always recommend that before you shop for anything to get organized, you should look around to see if there’s anything else you can use. When you’re really pressed for space, you have to think creatively."

In other words, find new uses for things you already have. That saves time and money. So when you are looking around at things that seem to be clutter, think about how else they might be used. Be creative. It could even be fun thinking of new ways to use old things! Just make sure you don't fall into the trap of thinking now you have to save everything in case you might be able to find some new use for it some day. That is the definition of clutter for most of us!

Organizing the Clutter

The following was quoted in a blog called Declutter It.

When it comes to how we design, decorate or organize our “places” sometimes we give too much credence to things that don’t deserve it. Perhaps sometimes in parting, we will actually add clarity to what is important and truly necessary… and then we can think clearly about what is needed to carry on.

Simply put… maybe keeping all of Grandpa’s books is not as important as keeping the two that he actually read to you.

I think that quote speaks to many of the things we deal with on a daily basis. I have a hard time throwing anything away, especially books. When my wife says, "But you've never even read it," she simply doesn't understand. I might want to read it someday. She's gotten to the point of cleaning out closets and shelves while I'm not around. She says what I don't see her throw away I'll never miss. I've actually gone out and pulled things back out of the trash container before the trash men come around. Unfortunately what I pull back out of the trash, she finds again.

When you are doing some organizing, consider this: if you haven't needed it in the past five years, why would you need it in the future? If you work hard enough at it, perhaps you can throw it away and make your pile of clutter just a little smaller. Every item you toss will be one less item you need to somehow organize so you can find the things you do need. If it is something you know you will need in the future, be sure you put it somewhere where you will be able to find it.

When you catch yourself moving things around again and again because they are in your way while you are trying to find something you need, stop and think if it is something you will really ever use. If not, toss it. Then you wont' have to move it around again next time. And, as hard as it is for me to say it, you'll probably never miss it.