If I have something I haven't looked at for 3 months (except legal docs/tax returns or something of that nature) -- it is out the door -- either recycle or throw away.  That's my goal, I have a long way to go and a backlog of clutter to deal with.

WOW! Love that Idea! I usually just throw all my husband's knick knacks in the laundry room until they are so overwhelming that he actually moves them.  Usually 2 months later :)

Tracey

I began saying "no" to stuff when my mom started getting sick and we had to go through all of her stuff.  I also decided to give only gifts that are edible, drinkable, disposable, or useable to my inlaws and others who have too many knick-knacks. 

Hi Joan - how do you remind yourself every three months?

Tracey - Laundry is enough of a dreary task w/o hubby's knick knacks!  Good luck!!!

Edie - Interesting how focusing on true priorities can empower you...great tip.  I love the idea of "self-destructing" gifts too!  Any tips for managing that cluttered corner of my kitchen where I keep a lap top, bills, to file stuff, etc?

I go through all my closets, cabinets, and drawers during every summer/winter season change.  If I haven't used the item in the last six months it is given to charity.  It always feels so much "lighter" in the house when the deep sweep is done.

Well, I am drowning in paperwork clutter, as we speak - it comes in so quickly with 3 businesses that I cannot keep up.. Also, my dog just pulled a ton of receipts, etc off my desk and I am digging through them - this should teach me something!!  I do like to use my Treo phone to give me alert reminders as well as Outlook.  God bless,

Kristina - Great way to handle it!  You should reward yourself each time w/a massage or other indugence! ;)

Cheryl - Too funny...now your digging along w/the poochie!  Hang in there!

I love the bin idea, especially the weekly "putting it all away" ritual.  Great way to stay on top of clutter and train the family good organization skills at the same time!

Susan,

I didn't get a chance to read that article, but I do like the idea of the empty drawer!  In my house it's all about the shredder. I got tired of the papers piling up, so now as soon as the mail is in its handled or filed otherwise it goes to the discard pile and is shredded by the end of the week! One of the best investments I made was in that shredder. =)

I love the weekly bin idea!  I'll try that in my home.  We only have one daughter and we had a ritual when she was younger and accumulated so much stuff.  We would go through and eliminate items that she didn't want or need, pass them along to friends or charity and then she would be able to get one new thing to replace those items.  Another was once a year, she would collect everything she didn't need/use, she would have a garage sale with her friends doing the same.  They would then take the money they earned and buy something new or do something special.  Now she is a teen and feels she doesn't need a lot of "stuff".  It keeps things relativly organized in our home.

Interesting !  I like the idea of being "open" to accepting new things in your life.  I wonder how quickly it would fill up though :)

Sharon - The key is to actually get to it weekly.  But it does work...at least all are warned before things are pitched!

Michelle - Ooooh, yes...love the shredder too!  The kids think it's a hoot and take turns shredding for me!

Lisa - Isn't it funny how kids come w/so much "stuff"!  What a great way to teach her compassion as well.  I find when I streamline my 7 year olds room, she does a great job taking care of it.  I think they get overwhelmed as well sometimes. 

Sandi - Good point!  Just think what you might have missed out on in the past if you were not willing to let new things in your life (such as becoming a stager, perhaps!)  ;)

I have several empty drawers thanks to the FlyLady.net - if you haven't heard of it - check it out. It is free and saved so much time and frustration for us.

Your house will be clutter free and empty drawers and cabinets will abound - I promise :)

Susan- No empty drawers here! In every home I've lived in, I have had a junk drawer. In my present home, I have one drawer that ISN"T a junk drawer! ;) And, at times, I feel like my life is as messy as my drawers. Please send help, I am drowning in clutter!

Jessica - I checked out Flylady, and I LOVE the de-clutter kit!  Would be a great gift for clients too!

Elaine - Take heart - I believe that not all clutter is bad...it's a natural by-product of a busy life!  But do check out Flylady as Jessica recommended...it's pretty neat (no pun intended!)

Elaine, I am with you, every drawer in my house is a junk drawer.  I feel so sorry for my daughter when the times comes and she has to sell or get rid of everything.  I try and I'm soooo good with other people's stuff but the cobbler's children ya know.  My husband is just as bad.  My next stop is that flylady.net.  Can't wait to check it out.

I know what the problem is, our community will only allow garage sale once a year, yeah, that's it.  It's all their fault, right? ;)

I like the idea of keeping one drawer empty for whatever comes.  I think once we become of age to own an house and have kids we start filling up the space with whatever comes into the house; but really we don't have to live like that.

Robyn - Trust me - they'll just pitch everything when the time comes!  I really think there is a big biz opportunity to provide a service that responsibly disposes of excess - working with a variety of charities, etc. 

Tori - That's exactly why I don't want a bigger house!

No empty drawers or empty time slots for the time being here.

No worries Kathleen - there's always tomorrow, or 2009, or whenever!  Busy is good!

I had several empty drawers but now they're full of candles that can't take the heat of my storage facilities.  I would like to have them back(-:  Checking out flylady.net now!  Thanks. 

My husband has slowely edged his way into empty spaces in my kitchen --of all places!  He's claimed the top pantry shelf as his and dedicated two kitchen drawers for his stuff.  No empty drawers in my house!

Susan: I love that idea of having one empty drawer for whatever comes along. I often tell my clients that they need to get rid of whatever they aren't using, so there is space for something useful to come into their lives. I try to do that in my own life, but am not always successful:o))

Hi Ginger, You can never have too many candles...at least you have a place to put them!  Let me know if the flylady is helpful!

Karen - Ahhhh - time for action to reclaim your kitchen!  Sounds like he needs a "hubby cubby!"

Michelle - it so much easier said than done, isn't it!

I should also mention that if you sign up for the flylady's emails - i think it is a yahoo group? - expect MANY a day - several years ago when I first signed up I would receive at least 6 emails per day. I think for the first month I used them, but once I found my own routines and got on track I dropped the emails...just to let you know!

Thanks for the warning Jessica!  Guess we should also look at our email input when decluttering, huh?  How about "Do you have an empty email folder?"  ;)

It makes perfect sense, but I am the type of person that feels like every drawer has to have something in it.  I have a lot of drawers in my house and am always trying to figure out what needs to go in each drawer.  I guess I should practice this technique and relieve my self of trying to always have a drawer with a purpose.

Smart idea!  Thank you for taking the time to share.  However, I beleive getting rid of stuff is much better than allowing the accumulation of junk.  It has been my experience over the years, that clutter is based on indecisiveness, and the ability to make meaningful decisions.  What I see are boxes under beds in garages, in basments, in attics, stuff in drawers that should have been tossed 2 moves ago.  I encourage sellers to rethink keepers!

Michelle - I think an empty drawer has a wonderful physchological effect - that there is room in your life for something new!

Jim - wow, you cut to the core!  It's even tougher for movers who hire packers because they don't see what's being packed.

Susan - What a great idea!  I know just the space I can put those "family" drawers in, too!  I hate seeing a pile of papers/clutter on the kitchen counter or anywhere else!  Love it!!!!

Hi Michelle, clutter is inevitable, but having a plan at least helps us feel (somewhat) in control!

Hi Susan,

The only room in this house that has an empty drawer (I believe two) is the guest room dresser. We like our guest to upack for their stay and not live out of their suitcases.  I like the idea in theory though, to leave room for what may come. Interesting.....

Susan ~ This is something I tell all my clients when staging their homes for sale. Pack up what you do not need get it out of the house, and keep some drawers empty in every room so you have place to put all those things that you need on a daily bases hidden from the buyers that will be touring your home.

Like the "time clutter concept. ;-)

As far as real clutter we have been throwing away pounds of it lately at the office and home.

Karen - what a great idea for guests! 

Barbara - It's a good idea whether you're moving or not!

Trey - Congrats on your purging!  

I recommend www.flylady.net to clients, but advise them to sign up for the DAILY DIGEST, which is one email/day only that compiles all the day's total emails into one list.  Multiple daily emails must send anyone slowly crazy.  Don't know why it is set up like that, but the tips are very worth it.