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Is your home so cluttered that you waste time each day searching for what you're looking for? Are you often late because you can't find your car keys? Do you waste up to an hour a day looking for stuff? By using 5 simple tips you can save time and de-stress your life.
The first tip is to keep things in a place that makes sense for you. Put your keys in a dish or basket or hook by the front door so you will always know where they are and not need to spend time looking for them at the last minute. You can also reduce your stress when leaving the house by putting anything you need to take with you by the front door- outgoing mail, your laptop, the report you need for work, or the library books that you need to take back. You'll be amazed at how much time this will save you in the morning because you can now grab and go versus running around trying to make sure you have everything you need.
Second, straighten up in 1 -3 minute bursts. Put the newspaper in the recycle bin when you are through with it instead of leaving it wherever you read it. Put your dishes in the dishwasher when you finish eating versus letting them pile up on the counter. Sort your mail into 3 piles - items that need action such as bills, items to read or reference later and trash. Shred as you read the mail.
Third, keep your bathroom clean by doing spot cleanings. Wipe up the sink every time you use it. Have a weekly schedule for those annoying tasks such as cleaning the toilet and mopping the floor. By doing small things every day it won't seem so overwhelming. And you'll only need to do a quick touch up if unexpected guests come and need to "go".
Fourth, organize your closets by purging and decluttering. If your closet is too packed, you'll waste time finding what you are looking for. Instead of overstuffing your closet, decide what you need there and what could be packed away somewhere else. For example, out of season clothes can be put in the attic or a seldom used closet. Keep only what you love or need. Throw away anything that is torn or stained and donate any garments that no longer fit you or your lifestyle.
The final tip for de-stressing your life by decluttering your home is to keep your important documents and papers in a place where you can find them. Documents such as birth certificates, passports, tax returns, marriage licenses, and the "pink slip" to your car should be kept in a safe place such as a fireproof lockbox or in a safety deposit box at a bank. Don't forget to back up your computer if you keep any important reference information there.
As you can see, decluttering your home doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. Taking a few minutes a day to keep it decluttered and organized can go far to reducing your stress and creating harmony in your home.
Linda Williams has spent over twenty years lending her organizing talents to corporate clients by designing systems to create more efficient operations. She now brings her skills to the personal organizing sector sharing her unique blend of practical tips with the ancient principles of Feng Shui and the Law of Attraction. Linda believes that successful organizing is much like successful dieting - it requires vision, dedication, and sound techniques to succeed. But most of all it is a personal thing and what works is unique to each individual.
Linda is the author of Quantum Organizing and is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO).
Follow her on her blog at http://www.declutteryourhomehelp.com or on twitter at http://twitter.com/lindaqwilliams/
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