Tammy's Tips-Sorting through Clutter!

Welcome to my "new" day for Tammy's Tips!  

I probably need to clarify right up front that I am not a professional organizer.  I grew up in a family of perfectionists...we waxed cars every 6 months, we weeded the flower beds once a week, we would spend a day or two on the roof with screwdrivers getting the pine needles out from between the shakes, we painted our house every 10 years, we cleaned out the tool shed and garage every 6 months.  The list goes on and on.  So to say I am not a professional is accurate, I am just good at organizing because of my upbringing.  (Luckily I married my hubby who's family is exactly the same)!  

I got a bee in my bonnet a couple weeks ago and had the kids and I go through their rooms top to bottom.  With all the gifts Santa and family had given them, it looked as if we could open our own toy store.  We gave some toys to a friend and the majority of it went to a local clothing bank where my MIL works.  It is in a town where the economy is extremely low and people really need essentials.  I wish I had taken a picture of the pile we donated.  It was impressive!  The kids rooms have stayed cleaned since then and it's been about 2 weeks.  That shows how much stuff was overflowing in their rooms.

There's not a right or wrong way to go through a room.  I like to start in one corner and work my way around the room.  We make piles: "giveaway", "toss" and "keep", (large totes or boxes work well too).  Age is a factor in being able to part with toys.  Ours understands what it would be like not to have any toys.  Younger kids...much harder.  I tended to give away unplayed with toys while they were napping or occupied.  98% of the time they didn't notice but there were those times I got caught...oops!  We have a hard time getting rid of stuffed animals!  I had to put myself in their place and have allowed most of them to stay, (I collected teddy bears when I was younger, so I have a soft spot).

**PLEASE NOTE** Decluttering makes a bigger mess before it gets better!  You want to clear everything out of the room so that you can clean, dust and vacuum around the perimeter of the room (or closet).  As you put items back in, evaluate and decide if it's a keeper or a give away.  I just went through my clothes (that same day) and gave away 3 full garbage can liners!  I had clothes that had been sitting in my closet for 10+ years, (you know, those sentimental items you just can't part with).  I finally did it and gave them away.  My closet looks a little empty now but I remind myself that someone who really needs it is staying warm because I donated it. 

I don't want to get too lengthy on decluttering, I know we all have things to do today.  Take one room or one closet at a time and start with that.  I declutter pretty regulary so I can get a couple rooms done in a day.  When you are beginning, start small!  It is easy to get frustrated and I don't want that for you. 

Tammy's tips:  Start in a small room like a bathroom to practice decluttering!

Video Thursday

If you have time, watch this video of Peter Walsh talking about decluttering.  He has some useful tips to apply every day. 


**please feel free to email me with any questions on how to declutter any area in your home. 

For more Video Thursday visit Pretty Pink Momma.