Clutter can play a significant role in how we feel about our homes and ourselves. Messy homes and messy work spaces can leave us feeling anxious, helpless, and overwhelmed.

So what exactly does clutter do? For one, it bombards our minds with excessive stimuli, causing our senses to work overtime on stimuli that aren’t necessary or important. And, clutter creates feelings of guilt, I should be more organized, and embarrassment, especially when others unexpectedly drop by our homes or work spaces.

Here are a few tips from Farima Alavi (https://www.hgtv.com/design-blog/clean-and-organize) to get us on track to a happier, clutter-free home.

Linens: Even if your sheets are nicely folded, keeping linens you don’t use will take up precious storage space in your closet. Keep it to two sets of sheets per bed.

Old Spices: Sniff your old spices to see if they’re fragrant. If not, they don’t have any flavor either, so it’s probably time to throw them out.

Paper Clutter: It’s tempting to throw your mail on the countertop when you have a million other things to take care of. If you spend just five minutes a day as soon you walk in the door to sort through the mail, you’ll save the hassle later. To help reduce the amount of junk mail, sign up for online bill pay and research online to see how to opt out of mail service at certain companies.

Kids’ Toys: Don’t keep toys your kids have outgrown. Sanitize and donate them, then put away their newer toys in labeled storage bins for a clutter-free look.

Expired Makeup: Expiration dates on makeup aren’t just a ploy to get you to buy products more frequently. The active ingredients in your favorite brands become compromised after some time which can damage your skin. Replace mascara every three months, foundation and concealer every year and lipstick, eyeshadow and blush every two years.

Shoes: It’s time to leave your shoe addiction behind. They take up a ton of valuable storage space, so toss them if you don’t wear them anymore. This goes for clothing and lone socks, too.

Refrigerator Message Center: Your family most likely ignores schedules and notes on the fridge when all they really want is that ham sandwich. Designate a separate area for important memos.

Outdated Electronics: Tech companies release new electronic devices frequently. If you have an electronic device you no longer use, get rid of it. Check out the proper way to dispose of electronics.
Nightstand Clutter: We’re all guilty of using the nightstand as a catchall. Stuff accumulates quickly, so use the tray trick. If your stuff doesn’t fit into a small tray, get rid of it or find another place for it. Your bedroom is a place for relaxation, so keeping it free of mess is essential for a good night’s sleep.

Related Reading:
Clutter Busting: Letting Go of What’s Holding You Back, by Brooks Palme
Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps to Simplifying Your Space, by Kathi Lipp
5 Reasons to Clear the Clutter out of Your Life