Control, Alt, Delete

When it comes to cutting through clutter, these expert organizers know how to get the job done

By Mirielle Cailles
CTW Features

Image courtesy istockphoto

Everyone has a junk drawer - the spot where they keep everything, from paperclips and pencils, to old bills and birthday cards. But if you're looking to throw out the clutter and re-organize your life in general, follow these tips from a few de-clutter gurus.

For Allison Carter, of Marietta, Ga.-based The Professional Organizer, organizing your home is about finding everything that's A-List. "Look at what is essential and choose what you need and love," Carter says. "Diminish things that don't make you happy and delete your second tier."

Carter recommends asking yourself three questions about items you're looking to toss, "Do you need, love it, or use it?" If you don't answer yes to at least one, or can't find a specific instance when you'll need something, then pitch it, Carter says. To de-paper your home, Carter also recommends using a filing system. "Use a basket or tray to create an action file - things you need to go to, do or pay - and a filing drawer for documents you'll need to reference in the future." Scanning old birthday cards and personal notes to a CD can help preserve the memories without the mess.

According to Sara Pedersen, professional organizer and owner of Time to Organize, LLC in St. Paul, Minn., the best way to stop clutter is to prevent it from accumulating in the first place. Remember the in-and-out rule, she says. "For everything new you bring into your home, take one thing out. If you buy a new pair of shoes, toss or donate an old pair. If you start a new magazine subscription, discontinue one you rarely read."

The kitchen and home office tend to be the most cluttered rooms in a home. To tidy up these areas, establish the function of these rooms. "To make the most of your space, determine what purpose your kitchen serves. Do you use it for activities other than food preparation, such as completing homework or paying bills?," Pedersen says. "Set up a specific area in the kitchen for those tasks and gather supplies. For example, to set up a bill-paying center, you'll need: checkbook, envelopes, stamps, return address labels, pens and a place to store bills to be paid. Then, clear the clutter." When it comes to bills, open all your mail right away, and recycle any junk mail, envelopes or fillers.

To better organize your kitchen cabinets, utilize space underneath them to install hooks for mugs, pots and pans, Pedersen says. Use the inside of cabinet doors to hang corkboards and post to-do lists.

Making your bed is another way to keep in line. "Start the day off right," Pedersen says. "You're sure to continue putting things in their proper spots all day." Creating an errand box near the front door can also help keep your tasks in order. And giving your purse a makeover can help get rid of expired coupons and old receipts, Pedersen suggests.

Whether it's your work bag or your kitchen counter, the benefits of organizing are ten-fold.

"When you de-clutter you make room for new, good things to come into your life," Carter says. "You get to buy new things and find a easy way to de-stress." Homeowners spend less time looking for things and can save on cash, too. You'll avoid purchasing items you already have, and may even find unused gift cards or uncashed checks, both of which Carter has found in her clients' homes.

The best way to maintain an organized home is to continue to control the clutter. "The difference between people who are organized and people who aren't is how they manage 10 to 15 minute increments of time," Carter says. Those who use these short time periods to do little tasks like unloading the dishwasher or straightening up a shelf help keep their homes clean 24/7, she says.

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