Conquer Your Clutter For Good

We know you’ve been meaning (and meaning, and meaning) to deal with it, so here’s the advice that will actually get it done. These pro tips tackle the most common piles and heaps so you can clear your head and your home.

- Rachel Rabkin Peachman

Basement

Furniture and decor you’ve inherited are collecting dust

WHY IT HAPPENS 

These home accessories can quickly come to represent the person who owned them or symbolize your relationship. So it’s natural to feel guilty— or heartbroken all over again—at the very thought of clearing them out.

THE FIX 

Ask someone who can be objective to help you divide everything into three categories: items you want to and have room to keep, things worth passing on to other family members, and stuff that can be sold or donated. As you sort, remember that these are just belongings—not the person you loved. Your goal is to keep the most meaningful pieces and give them a special place in your home so you can truly appreciate them. If letting go is still painful, snap pictures and create a photo book to keep within reach.

Surfaces

Papers are piled here, there, and everywhere

WHY IT HAPPENS 

Stash-and-stack is a heck of a lot easier than sort-and-file.

THE FIX 

First, gather everything in one place to begin the weeding-through process. Then tackle mounds piece by piece, even if it’s just a stack a week, and ask yourself these questions:

• Have I looked at the item in the last 12 months?

• Will I need to access it in the next year?

• Is it still useful?

• Is it difficult to replace?