Organizing? lots of crap, not enough shelves?
Question:I have a big townhouse. And i have alot of stuff.. it seems to be the kind of stuff that looks like theres no place to put it like stuffed animals, cords, just completly random stuff...and i just cant find anywhere to put it.it drives me nuts wherever i put it. and it ends up everywhere all over again. HELP ME THINK OF A WAY I CAN DEAL WITH THIS!!
Answers:
It sounds like you need to declutter. Sometimes surrounding yourself with "stuff" makes you feel better, but it sounds like your "stuff" is causing you more frustration than joy and that is exactly when you know it is time to declutter.
Here is a resource that will help you get started.
I'm pretty much the same way. Just get different tubs or organizing boxes to put things in. Then lable them so you know what is in each tub.
under bed storage boxes
My girlfriend just bought a PetNet, it helps a lot with the stuffed critters. I have also been checking out the clearance aisle at the local Staples store, when they wanna get rid of something, they drop the price incredibly, a printer cart w drawer for 12.45, a cabinet for 19.98, shelves for 9.99 etc.. i am sure other stores do this from to time as well.
Yard Sale! If you don't use it SELL it! If its broken throw it away!
I can empathize: I'm a packrat too.
First, you need to get rid of stuff. That will cut down on the clutter right there and make the rest less scary. Take one room at a time and sort the stuff into three containers: One to keep, one to decide on later, and one to dispose of. Rent a storage unit: That will help you get the 'maybe' stuff out of the way.
You'll want to invest in a plastic chest to hold your cords and tools. Also, if you have the space, buy a set of shelves to help you put stuff up neatly. I had to do that because I simply had too much bric-a-brac for the space I already had.
Have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place.
In the future, if you bring something into your home, take something out. That way it shouldn't get crowded again.
Good luck!
Put rarely used stuff in tubs. Buy a garage storage rack (like the one in the link below) and put the tubs of rarely used stuff in your garage.
I know you don't want to hear this but...you can't organize clutter. If you are having trouble fitting things into a small space you need to get rid of some stuff. Even on those professional organizing shows they make people get rid of stuff. Check out this site: http://flylady.com/
Do you really need all that stuff? If not, then give it away, sell it or throw it.
Use storage boxes for the things you need. Also get those vacuum bags, where you can put your stuffed toys inside and suck all the air out. It will occupy much less space
sounds like you need to have a garage sale- or go an a charity run. Think about what you actually use on a daily weekly and monthly basis and go from there.
I would get rid of some of your stuff. It will hurt at first, but you will be glad you did.
storage containers
i had that same problem a couple days ago...i took out allll my kids toys and dnated broken and younger toys to an opportunity store (6 trash bags full!) then i put the rest in totes and labled them toys or unused toys. same with clothes i haven't worn in 6 months _out the door! or winter clothes in totes also...don't forget to label!
I try to organize stuff like that in plastic totes
If I were you here is what I'd do. I'd go to Wal-Mart and get a big box of trash bags. Take the box home and make three piles of things. 1.) Pile for things to keep. 2.) Pile for things to give away to salivation army. 3.) Pile for things that you will never use or haven't use in a long time. And are sick and tired of seeing around your house. - Remember when your doing this that there are people in the US that don't have what you have and that one stuffed animal that you give away could be the love of a two year old. --- I know this is what you should do because I have been cleaning for a very long time. I'm 33. I cleaned for the military when families moved out of housing. My dad passed away a few years ago and my mom had a stroke. My brother takes care of her now. I go to my mom's house and take things from her house like baby stuff that she can't use any more. I'm giving the baby stuff to some one who needs it. I hope this helps you.
go to walmart or family dollar and get cute little storage boxes and for your cords empty cookie cans do the trick for me
Im going thru the same thing. I stash it away and then Im putting it in front of me again. It's good to get rid of extra stuff if we can do withour or get boxes that will neatly stack in the closet and mark outside with what is in them. That's my suggestion. I also got a couple of the long boxes that fit under the bed for stuff . bettyk
There are a lot of good answers. Here's something I appreciated. A book "It's here... Somewhere" by Alice Fulton & Pauline Hatch. The discovery channel has a good show on decluttering your life. Keep and organize what you need to have your life the way you want it to be. There are lots of chairities and yard sales are relatively easy. Good luck.
HAVE A YARD SALE
Sounds like you have alot of clutter. Maybe you should donate the things that you know longer use.
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