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	Clutter Control Checklist
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

• start with the area of your life that causes you the greatest pain
• create a list of the areas you want to work on in order of priority
• include a deadline for completing each project
• try to tackle one small area at a time -- drawer, cabinet, shelf, etc.
• set aside some time each week to work on a different area
• move systematically throughout your home
• completely finish one area before beginning another
• find the organizing style and pace that suit you
• recruit some organizing "assistants" -- friends, family, neighbors
• if no volunteers, consider hiring a professional organizer to help

• When was the last time you used it?
• When will you (realistically) need it again?
• Why would you need it again?
• Who might ask for it?
• What would you need it for?
• Is it easily replaceable?
• What's the worst thing that would happen if you got rid of it?
• Is it beautiful, useful, or loved?

• know what you want from your storage before beginning
• maximize space? see everything you own? cut down on cleaning?
• make sure each storage decision meets these goals
• collect up everything that needs a home before starting organizing

• "It was expensive and I can't stand to see it go to waste."
• if you don't use it, it's still being wasted -- even if you keep it
• "I might be need it someday."
• if you haven't used it in a year, will you use it in the next?
• "It was a gift."
• once you receive a gift, it's yours to do with as you see fit

• set up several boxes as you go through each storage area
• "keep" (items you know you love and use)
• sort "keeps" into different boxes for each area of the house
• "get rid of" (items you know you don't use and don't want)
• throw items that can't be repaired or used by others in the trash
• put serviceable items in a "give away" box to be donated
• put valuable items into a "sell" box to consign
• "not sure" (don't know if you want it and aren't ready to let go)
• tape up the "not sure" box and label with the date and contents
• put in the garage or basement
• make a note in your calendar to check back in 6-12 months
• if you haven't needed anything in the box in that time, get rid of it
• "need to buy" (is missing parts or accessories)
• "need to repair" (requires some work before it can be used)
• "to return" (doesn't belong to you and needs to go back)

• create a set home for everything you own -- no halfway spots
• have a good reason for storing and item in a certain place
• store like items together according to purpose
• don't forget accessories and related items
• ex: store travel alarm, A/C adapter, and toiletry bag with luggage
• store items nearest the point where you use them
• store items you use most often in more accessible spaces
• store items you use less in harder-to-reach areas
• keep climate in mind -- heat, moisture, and insects
• don't store things in an attic or garage if they will be damaged
• leave 15% of your space free for future additions
• plan to go through your spaces to "purge" once a year

• use see-through containers whenever possible
• label every container so you know what's in it without opening
• use drawer dividers, baskets, shelves to subdivide larger spaces
• make use of hanging space with hooks and racks
• make use of low space with under-bed boxes
• choose modular components that can adjust as your needs change

 

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box and a link to www.RamonaCreel.com.

Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the original founder of OnlineOrganizing. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her  Facebook profile, and subscribe to her blog feeds.

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