Start this new year decluttering. Here are three easy tips on how to cut the clutter and keep a simple and organized year.

Now that the holidays are over, I can’t help but think about all the stuff I have and all the new stuff I just GOT and how I am constantly trying to get rid of things, organize it or find a way to use it. I know that I already have too much stuff for one household, yet all we did leading up to the holidays was talk about buying each other presents and MORE STUFF.

This year we’ve decided that we’re sticking to 2-3 small gifts for each other – things that we’ll actually USE, instead of the regular pile of goodies that end up getting forgotten about a month later. At The Betty Brigade, we often assist clients with organizing their already-full homes, and we are always working to “clear out” or “get rid of” excess stuff. Lately, we’ve been working with a few different hoarding situations that have really gotten me thinking – does everyone struggle with some degree of hoarding? Are we really becoming a “hoarder nation?” Take a look at all the Black Friday promotions, commercials, and hub-bub that happened this past year – stores staying open on Thanksgiving to allow people to purchase MORE STUFF.

There are even stories of folks causing altercations because they are trying to get more stuff. To make it all worse, this all happens on the day after we are supposed to give thanks for the things we already have in our lives and for those things that are really important – love, friendship, family, etc. So I personally think the answer to this question is yes, we are becoming a “hoarder nation.” No, not everyone is classified as a hoarder; however, with the emphasis on consumerism that we experience on a daily basis, I believe that is where we are headed if we all don’t stop and take a survey of our surroundings.

As the New Year starts off, let’s make some resolutions to work on clearing out the excess in our lives and getting back to what’s really important. January is National Organizing Month, so we’ve come up with some really simple tips that we use all the time to help you get started on organizing.

Take it Slow. Tearing your entire house apart all at once can overwhelm even the strongest person. Take it one step at a time. Start in one room, get that cleared out and organized, and then move to the next. While you’re in the process of organizing one room, you will likely find items that really belong somewhere else. Put those in a separate box or pile, and when you’re done with the room, put those items in the places where they should go. 

Sort it First. Don’t buy ANY organizing systems, bins, or boxes until you’ve sorted through your ENTIRE house. Start one room at a time, and discard the items you no longer want, need, or that are broken or unusable. We recommend that you create the following categories: Keep, Donate, Recycle, Sell, and Trash. Have a box or a bag for each type. Once they're filled, discard them appropriately. If there are any larger or more valuable items you don’t want or really don’t use, consider consignment or eBay to help you sell them and make a little money back. Once you’ve sorted through everything, then you can start looking for organizing systems that fit your space. Have a tiny closet? You probably don’t want a giant storage system. A few shelves, appropriate storage containers, and maybe a few pull out drawers or hooks should be all you need. By sorting through things first, you can really tailor the amount and type of organizing systems or bins that you will need for your home. Plus, it means you won’t have mismatched or haphazard systems in place.

Utilize Your Space. Wall hooks, shelves, or baskets are great ways to keep things organized and don’t add any bulk to your space. Anytime you can get things off the floor, you are creating more usable space. This is especially valuable in the garage or in storage areas. You can also use things like over-the-door hooks and racks which help you organize oddly shaped things. Don’t forget about overhead space! If you don’t have much space in a small area like a bathroom or a closet, consider installing shelves that are above eye-level or over the door. This can be a great space to store towels, luggage, or other items you don’t use regularly.“Keep things where they’re supposed to go” is an organizer’s motto and the key to exactly how to tidy things up! Create a spot for your keys and sunglasses so you won’t keep losing them. A wall hook works great, or you can just put a small container near the entryway. Other accessories and odds-n-ends also need to have their own space. You can create a space in your closet, in the bathroom, or in your bedroom, but wherever it is, keep it consistent. Once you get into the habit of things being put away and having their own place – it’ll be easier to keep things organized. We hope this helps you get started on organizing your home this year. Remember, organizing is a constant process, so once you get started, keep the process going by watching what you’re bringing into your home, what kinds of things you use and don’t use, and most importantly, how you want to use your space. At The Betty Brigade, we’re constantly coming up with new ways to help people get and stay organized so be sure to check back for more great tips and tools.

Until next time – Keep It Simple!