In With the New - Out with the Old

Declutter and Organization Tip

An easy way to keep from allowing your clutter space to multiply worse than it is already is to use this simple rule. Every time you buy an item or receive a gift from someone that you choose to keep you must in turn rid yourself of an older similar item from your living space. With clothing applying this rule is particularly easy. Whenever you purchase a new pair of jeans, toss out an old pair. If the older pair still has a life to it donate it to a charity closet. And while you're rearranging your closets and dresser drawers don't forget to get rid of all your odd socks too, those mates are never coming back. And if they do reappear, toss them out as well with no regret.

If you enforce this rule religiously then you may even be able to curb any purchasing impulses you have. Knowing beforehand that in order to add that funky looking leopard-spotted handbag to your purse collection means that you will have to give away one of your other cherished bags. If you are not ready to release something then your purchasing impulses will be given pause. MAKE IT A RULE! Be ready to let something go before you bring something new home with you.

Use this "in with the new, out with the old" rule for other items outside of your wardrobe. Exchange items "one for one" each time an article enters into your kitchen and other rooms in your home as well. Did your kids give you another "Greatest Dad Coffee Mug" for Christmas this year? Well, great! But reach into your cupboard and dump that old cracked and stained cup you haven't used in years into the trash. How many coffee cups do you need anyway? If you are already over-cluttered why not try "one for two" - ridding yourself of two items for every single new item you bring home with you until you have a more manageable amount of possessions.

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