De-Cluttering Boot Camp: I Can't Get Rid of that! 2

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

14 Jul 2008 07:07 AM

When de-cluttering, it is easy to get sidetracked by items that have no place in your world but are still hard to get rid of. A good example was given in Sherry's post, Treatment of Special Items when Conquering Clutter. In that blog, she talked about taking some old trophies and giving them a place of honor in the home because they really couldn't get rid of them.

If you have an item that deserves that place of honor, by all means take it out of the box or the dusty corner and display it proudly. But what about all of those items you don't want to display or use but simply look at and say: I can't get rid of that!

In my previous blog about the subject, I covered two reasons that people tend to hold on to things that aren't useful, beautiful or loved. Now, let's cover a few more reasons.

One big reason that people hold on to things is that they belong to someone else. When you home is already filled with clutter, other people tend to dump more stuff on the pile. Do you have items that you are holding for a sibling, a cousin, a parent or a friend? Maybe you borrowed items that you haven't gotten around to returning. Whatever the case, put a time frame on the stuff.

For anything that you borrowed, take the responsibility to return it at the next possible opportunity, such as a weekend. For items that have been dumped at your home, you'll have to let everyone know that they need to go. Hold a "come get your stuff" party or just set a date. Blame the clean out on upcoming renovations or company coming to visit if you must. Most people will understand that you want to de-clutter your home.

Gather the stuff in one place or tag it all with each owner's name. Set a date by which it should be claimed. Two weeks is especially generous. Let everyone know that if items aren't claimed by that date, then they will be donated to a worthy charity. Don't be surprised if the people don't even remember what stuff you have been holding for them!

Your assignment for today: Pick one lateral surface that tends to collect clutter, such as a kitchen table or desk. De-clutter it by starting at the top and working your way down. Then declare that the space has been sanitized. Mime using invisible spray that will act as a clutter repellent.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

De-Cluttering Boot Camp: I Can't Get Rid of that!

De-Cluttering Boot Camp: Being Overwhelmed

De-Cluttering Boot Camp: Finding Time

Welcome to De-Cluttering Boot Camp

De-Cluttering Boot Camp: Roadblocks

Care of Product Manuals

4 Ways Clutter Can Cost You Money

De-cluttering with Young Children

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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