The problem is I have too much clutter. I keep throwing things away but it makes no diference. A lot of it is paperwork that needs to be kept. HELP! The mess is so bad the rats are finding it difficult to get around
2006-09-27 02:06:09 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Please know you are not alone in this. I am on year 4, yes 4 of a house where everything was kept and never thrown away except the daily paper, and many of those were kept.
I sought help from feng shui, which says if your house is a mess, your life is a mess. Great inspiration. I have just finished the second room, and it is a great feeling. By finish, I mean also painting, and total cleaning.
My biggest hinderance, as it sounds like yours, is there is just so much you do not know where to start. Go to one corner for just 30 minutes. I can do that. Then compliment yourself on what you have accomplished.
My house is so messy, I do not even let anybody in. Inherited it from my mother who was a pack rat. She came up through the depression and always thought you might need something --- someday. The only trouble is, it is here, but where???
Good luck. Don't get discouraged. I'll be thinking about you.
2006-09-27 02:28:28 · answer #1 · answered by violetmax 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks like Hercules had easier task. Anyhow, based upon experience (and i'm no Hercules) pick a vacant place(this should be a problem but try) where to put things that you will be rearranging. Pick a place to start. Sort out things into "trash, keep, will think about it". Put the last 2 into that vacant space. Don't do it at one time. Budget a time that will fit your schedule, once or twice a day. And warn everyone that if they're not going to help, at least not to touch what you are doing. And yes, Rats. If you see them, ask them to take a vacation. Good lucks!
2006-09-27 02:14:37 · answer #2 · answered by Liwayway 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use the website from an american call Flylady.net - really works. They will even send you emails to remind you of your daily jobs. Its all about not being a perfectionist and do 15 mins a day in a certain room chosen for that week. You start by doing 15 mins of clutter clearing. Babysteps and very small routines to start/end the day. You don't even realise that once these routines are in place you can actually sit down and not feel guilty.
2006-09-27 02:20:04 · answer #3 · answered by Kerry 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I cut down on paper clutter by teaching myself to handle mail on once. When mail comes. toss or shred junk mail immediately. Put bills to be paid in a pile or in a folder. When you pay bills, file anything that you keep as receipts. Create files for other things that you want to keep for future reference. If your keeping a magazine for one article, tear it out and file it and toss the magi zine. As for other things, spent 15 minutes before you go to bed putting things back where they go. Teach children to do the same. Take a good look at what you have. If you haven't used it in the past 6 months to a year you aren't going to. Toss it, or start gathering it all up and have a garage sale and make a few dollars with your clutter.
2006-09-27 02:21:48 · answer #4 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to set aside a whole day and make yourself sort it out! Get some filing boxes for youre paperwork and buy a load of binbags, make sure you only keep things you REALLY need, and take that well needed trip down the skip! Good luck!
2006-09-27 02:31:09 · answer #5 · answered by jackie t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can, keep a small room or understairs cupboard for all your paperwork, then declutter everything else- if you haven't used it or even looked at in 6 months, it can definately go! Do a bootsale to get some money back for your stuff. Don't forget to shred any old paperwork.
2006-09-27 02:43:09 · answer #6 · answered by jowigley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
Have you ever seen "Clean Sweep"?
They go by the 6 month rule. If you haven't used it, it goes.
You may have to get into the habit of setting aside 5 to 15 minutes once a week say, for doing filing.
I have to same issue. I'm a born pack rat. Once a week i file. And once a month i go thru and trash papers and go thru clothes.
I bought plastic totes to cut out boxes so bugs won't find homes.
Best of luck
God bless
2006-09-27 02:23:29 · answer #7 · answered by aggedflame 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If some of your paperwork is copies of old bills and Bank Statements - they only need to be kept for 5 years or less.
Have a mammoth car boot sale to get rid of old toys, books, videos, CDs and the like.
2006-09-27 02:43:15 · answer #8 · answered by k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start in on room and do not go into another until you finish. Just do it one room at a time. It took me about 2 weeks to finish unpacking everything and getting situated. Have Fun!
2006-09-27 05:09:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only do 1 room at a time like me hahaha.
2006-09-27 02:08:36 · answer #10 · answered by jammer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋