by Vicki Andis

Created on: July 14, 2008   Last Updated: November 29, 2011

A clutter filled home can not only be a dust filled, allergy inducing nightmare, it can cause tremendous stress and anxiety. Just the thought of cleaning and organizing a large home, can stress someone out.

The trick is not to try to accomplish the whole job in one session. You can start by having a definite plan, or overall stategy in mind.

Start with a mass cleaning to get rid of clutter. The best way to do this is to use three large bins, or boxes, marked keep, donate, recycle, and trash. Don't keep clothing that is never going to fit again. Donate clothing items that are in relatively good condition to a non-profit organization. Women's shelters, Goodwill, or other small thrift stores usually accept items that are in usable condition.

Make sure that items in the keep box are truly necessary, as this box can become full quickly. Hang up any items of clothing, don't let them sit in the box. Never keep broken items that you think you can fix. .

Another way to declutter your home is to invest in some organizing tools. Install closet organizer systems in clutter filled closets, allowing you to have your clothing, shoes, and other apparel neatly organized. You can arrange your clothing according to color, and season. Having an area that is just for shoes will help keep shoes in pairs, allowing you to find both shoes when you want them. You can put smaller bins on the shelves, for items such as scarves, hair accessories, gloves, or purses. Make sure to label each of the bins so you know at a glance what is in them. If you need more room after you finish organizing your closet, try one of those clear, plastic bags that hang anywhere, and function as an extra closet. These can be hung in the garage, or practically anywhere, and give you more space to store items like sweaters, or heavy winter jackets.

Another great idea is a small filing unit for clutter prone areas. Use this to store paperwork. Make one drawer for incoming bills, making sure to file the receipts for payments made. Label each file with exactly what goes in each space. Important items, such as birth certificates, should be kept where you know exactly where to find them.

Have a white board next to the filing cabinet, to keep track of things like doctor appointments, birthdays, and errands that need to be accomplished. As you take care of an appointment, make sure to erase it from the board.

Another idea for a white board, is to post a chore list. Divide tasks among everyone who lives in the home.

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