how do i clear out my home and make it into a clean spacious home?

Answer 1

www.flylady.net


BABY steps. Your house didn't get this way in a day, so you can't expect a miracle!

Answer 2

I know it may seem hard but there is only one way. I learned this the hard way from my husband. He can throw away anything and not even feel a bit nervous about it being a mistake.

So take it easy..step by step... only one thing at a time. If it doesnt have a good organized spot consider its purpose. Take a big box or bin or even a garbage bag. Just try it with the first corner you start on. You'll feel an immediate difference. I have taken to quickly tossing my kids useless toys into a bag under my kitchen cabinets. They forget about them and I donate them or recycle them without hardly even thinking about it anymore. Little useless clutter goes much quicker into the garbage these days TOO!! Thats the other side of this trick. So...

JUST THROW IT ALL AWAY ( or donate it all in that box) But the old addage is correct. Out of sight, out of mind...and the Zen of it is really quite healthy....it keeps a clearer heart and mind to live in a clear and open space.

Hope to have been helpful.

Answer 3

It is not easy by any means.

You have to be ruthless in getting rid of items you no longer use and even items you sometimes use but don't really need. That means going through every drawer, cabinet, closet and room and boxing or discarding all the excess "stuff." That would include throw pillows, knick-knacks, framed pictures, throw rugs, etc. - anything that is not a piece of furniture or appliance...and some of those would have to go, as well.

If you have an attic, you can store it until you know for sure you don't need it. Plus, you have to KNOW what you're getting rid of. You don't want to discard that ugly vase that belonged to Great-Aunt Irma until you make sure it has no value beyond sentimental.

You might even consider renting a storage area for a few months to give you a taste of how it feels to de-clutter and see if it is really what you want.

I've been trying for several years now and almost had it where I wanted it...then my kids started moving back home...

Answer 4

I have recently had the same problem.

Secret is to start one room at a time, and be ruthless. Set some rules on age, or how often it is used.

Stuff that is small and you can sell: EBAY it.
Stuff that is large, but difficult to sell: http://www.uk.freecycle.org
Stuff to consider
Stuff to keep.

Do each room top to bottom, not just the stuff, but furniture, books, electronics etc. Take a picture before you start.

As you go make space, and tidy everything into its home. Get storage boxes and labels if need be.

We found working from the Attic down was best.

Once each room is done, take a picture, this is how it should always look, or better.

Then onto the next room.

Answer 5

Stick to your objective of obtaining that clean spacious home and then look at every item and see that it is between you and that objective. If it doesn't have enough to redeem itself (ie, you wear/use it often) then get rid of it. Sell it if you can, donate it if you can't, trash it if you have to. Then institute a better organized plan for your remaining stuff that works with your decor.
Take it a room at a time so you don't get over whelmed. No cheating though, you can't move things from room to room to avoid making a decision on them!

Answer 6

I have the same problem as you.
I have read that you should spend 15 mins each day going round the house with 3 bags.
1 for things to chuck out, another for things to be stored(loft, garage, shed etc), and the third bag for recycling/charity shop. You are supposed to start from front door and work your way round the home. Time yourself and stop when time is up.(This is to stop you getting fed up with doing it all at once) Also try and clear out a drawer a day.
It the getting it done that's the hard bit,
Good luck
Sandra

Answer 7

Here is an idea. First with clothes. Put a tag or something on the hanger or clothes. Make sure it is on every item of clothing. If after say the six months (after fall and winter months) any fall/winter clothes that still have tags on them pull them out and donate them to salvation army. Repeat this procedure for spring.
Also go through and find clothes that are stained, ripped, too big, or too small.

Go room by room and get rid of stuff you do not use or have been outgrown and get rid of it. You are going to have to force yourself to get rid of stuff.

Clean out closests and get rid of stuff and rearrange things in the closet. This will help clean clutter.

Also get those rubbermaid totes and put stuff in it and into the closet. This will keep stuff in boxes and make the closet or storage area like neat and tidy.

Best of luck

Answer 8

If you have boxes sitting around, go thru them for ONLY pics or valuables... other wise throw it out.... clothing- keep what you wear.. not what you MIGHT wear... cut down on the nick nacks... keeping the meaning full ones... minimize your furniture.. do you really need enough sitting space for 50 people in your living room? Doing things like that will help.. trust me, just did it.. I still have 1 room to go and my attic and I will be all spring/fall cleaned.. good luck and get a truck

Answer 9

Do one room at a time and just start sorting and pitching. Donate or have a yard sale of the things you don't want and let the garbage guy take the rest. We all hang onto things for way too long and let it burden our lives. Good luck and happy cleaning!

Answer 10

whatever you haven't worn or used in two years throw out, give to a shelter, paperwork is a pain but file it and if it is a must save, ask yourself is it really over and over again? You can get rid of 55% of your stuff with the two year thing alone, so be strong and diciplined, and if you realy want to alter your life make some sacrifices for others and let them share the wealth of the things you use to have to have.

Answer 11

If its something you havent touched in say 6 months set it into a box in the garage. If after another 6 months you still dont miss it two words YARD SALE!!! make some money off your old stuff, or donate them to the salvation army or goodwill they would love to have it.