by Tiffany Dixon

Created on: May 03, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

"A place for everything and everything in its place". Like most of us, you probably heard this growing up and if you listened and follow this sage rule and you're one of those folks that alphabetize your canned goods, you probably don't need to read this article. But, if you are like the majority of folks whose life, job, or home is the result of normal, everyday life, there is clutter to be found. You would like some simple secrets or rules to get more organized. Maybe it is the hall closet, that is a catch-all for anything that doesn't have a place. Could be that kitchen drawer stuffed full of miscellaneous odds and ends with nowhere else to go, or even your desk with the drawers stuffed full of papers or receipts that haven't seen the light of day since 1995.

Do you really need all this clutter in your life? Probably not. So what to do?

Just apply a few simple secrets into your everyday life, making them into everyday habits.

*1: You cannot do it all in one day. Pick one area to spend approximately an hour on. You will not believe the difference it can make. That desk drawer; those old receipts may have been good in the case of a tax audit that year, but chances are if you have a receipt for paper towels and cheese doodles from Walmart, they aren't going to let you return them.

*2: If you don't use it, get rid of it. Check out that kitchen drawer. How long has it been since you used that rusy pizza cutter and do you actually remember what those old keys go to?

*3: Remember that everything does have a place. Keep often used items easily accessible and keep families of items together. An example would be to keep all manicure items in a box labeled as such and keep them wherever you use them such as your vanity table or in the bathroom closet.

*4: Put everything in it's own place immediately. When you come in from an afternoon of shopping, don't just lay purchases on the dresser or sit them in the corner to be "put up later". Later never comes soon enough. If you just returned from getting a prescription filled, immediately put it in the medicine cabinet or your nightstand. Put that dish-washing liquid under the sink or wherever you keep other cleaning goods. Once you have established a pattern of keeping things where they are supposed to be it will become a bother not putting it where it belongs.

*5: Simply put, simple is better. Simple is not complicated, if it is a complicated procedure to put something in it's place chances are it is something you can do without.

*6: Keep it constant. Don't just clean one day and think that is the end of your organizing. If you want less clutter and more organization in your life, you have to make it a life habit. Once you spend a few minutes each day putting things in their place or making the bed, you'll forget to notice you're doing it and it will become as routine as tying your shielaces when you put your shoes on.

Making these small changes and habits are a great way to begin living a more organized life which leads to a happier, mor fulfilling lifestyle. Also, less clutter can save you money. Think about this, if your closet is more organized you probably already own the perfect dress for that evening out on the town and don't have to rush out and purchase one. Too, if your pantry and cabinets are organized chances are you have a dinner to prepare for much less than eating out.

So the benefits of uncluttering your lifestyle can help unclutter your mind and keep a little more of the green clutter in your pocketbook.

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