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	5 Tips To Banish Clutter From Your Life For Good

	by Sara Pedersen

Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes from 20 percent of what we own. That means that 80 percent of the things in our homes are RARELY or never used. Follow these tips to de-clutter your life.

WHERE TO BEGIN?

Start the process of de-cluttering. Divide a room into SECTIONS. Pick one section (like one drawer or cupboard) and begin de-cluttering. Ask if you consider each item beautiful, useful, or loved. If not, you can probably get rid of it! If you’re still not sure if you should get rid of an item, ask yourself, "What’s the worst thing that could happen if I toss this?" The answer may help give you the POWER to discard the clutter. Also be aware of the size of your space, as smaller spaces obviously hold less stuff.

WORK WITH A BUDDY

If you’re having a hard time letting go of the clutter, enlist the help of a friend or professional organizer to offer an OBJECTIVE viewpoint. She can offer support and ask the TOUGH questions like, "Are you really going to use that?" and "When will you ever wear that again?"

DON'T LINGER

Try to touch things only ONCE while going through this process. Quickly make a DECISION to keep or toss. It will be helpful to have large, dark-colored garbage bags, plus two large boxes on hand: one for items to donate or give to friends, one for items that need to go to another room in your home. The bags are for items that need to go the dump. The dark garbage bag will keep you from seeing the contents and having "tosser’s regret."

A DESIGNATED SPACE

Find an appropriate HOME for the items you want to keep. Once you’ve removed all the items that are not beautiful, useful, or loved, you are left with a room full of things you’ll use and appreciate frequently. ASSIGN a space (a "home") for each item and make sure to return it there after each use. Remember, if you don’t return each item to its home after use, it turns back into clutter and disorganization will occur.

GOOD JOB!

Give yourself a REWARD. At the end of a de-cluttering session, give yourself a pat on the back and a little treat, such as a bubble bath, a cup of tea, or a professional massage. Also take some time to RELISH the calm and tidy space you’ve created.

Sara Pedersen — AKA The Marketing Fairy — is a small business marketing specialist based in St Paul, Minnesota. She invites you to visit her website to learn about her Facebook for Small Business Owners How-To Guide, Purposeful Website Planning How-To Guide, Publicity Rocks! How-To Guide, and 50 Bright Ideas to Marketing Your Small Business Tip Sheet. You can also sign up for her FREE "Marketing Made Easy" e-newsletter and find helpful how-to articles at www.themarketingfairy.com.

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