Simple: 30 Ways to Declutter Your Life Read Free Page B

your mattress on the floor. This will give your room a more simple, quaint appearance.
     
    This style of "look" isn't for everyone, so keep in mind that I'm not saying you should ditch your bed frame. I'm only suggesting it as an option if you cannot trust yourself to keep your bedroom clean and you want your room to look neater.

Declutter Tip #7: If you don't wear it, you don't need it.
     
    Whether it's your underwear drawer or your closet, you probably have some things that you haven't worn in awhile.
     
    For me, it was the extra-long size 5 skirt that I wore as a high school student. Why did I hang onto this piece of clothing after 10 years and two babies? Well, because I paid $50 for it, of course! And besides, someday I'll fit into it again...right?
     
    After staring at this skirt for weeks, putting it in my "get rid of bag" and pulling it back out again, I finally realized something.
     
    I am not 16 anymore.
     
    While I would definitely wear the skirt again someday (my style hasn't really changed much, to be honest) it's far too small for me right now and I'm probably not going to lose the weight to wear it anytime soon. Instead of hanging onto an item that I might wear someday , why not give it to someone who can definitely wear it now?
     
    Not only will giving away this item free up my closet space, but it will also bring joy to someone else who could really use it.
     
    Now, I'm not suggesting that you give away all of your unworn, unused clothing items. What I am suggesting is that you ask yourself if you'll honestly wear something again within the next year. If you won't, it might be time to consider getting rid of the piece of clothing. If something doesn't fit, doesn't go with anything else that you own, or is worn out, consider cleaning out that portion of your closet or dresser. You'll clear up space, decrease the amount of "stuff" that gathers dust in your room, and be able to rest assured knowing that someone else is genuinely enjoying the clothing.
     
    When it comes to cleaning out clothing, you have a lot of options. You don't have to just donate your stuff, but you can. Homeless shelters and women's shelters both frequently accept donations. Just make sure that you call ahead to ensure that the shelter you have in mind is currently accepting the type of donation that you're offering. Thrift stores also accept donations on a regular basis.
     
    If you'd rather get some cash for your clothes, that's fine, too. There's nothing wrong about wanting to make some money off of your old clothing. If your clothing is in gently used condition, you can sell it on eBay, list it on Craig's List, or even ditch it on local For Sale sites on Facebook. You could also hold a garage sale, check out local consignment shops, or even join a clothing swap in your area. Your options are virtually endless.
     
    You may find that you have a hard time giving up some of your favorite pieces of clothing. If you absolutely cannot part with something, but you truly don't have the space to keep it around, consider taking a picture of the item. Another option would be to cut out a piece of each item and turn it into a quilt or pillow sham. (Warning: only do this if you know that you'll actually finish the project! Never start something that you don't have the time to finish. You'll just end up with more clutter.)

Declutter Tip #8: Count your shoes. If you're in the double digits, it might be time to downsize.
     
    How many shoes do you have?
     
    Red shoes, brown shoes, black shoes, green shoes.
     
    More importantly, how many shoes do you need ?
     
    Chances are that you have your everyday shoes. Then you have your dress-up shoes. Maybe you have your church shoes, your work shoes, and your swimming pool shoes. What next? Your winter boots. Your rain boots. Your just-in-case-I-wear-something-pink pumps.
     
    Before you know it, your closet is probably overflowing with shoes.
     
    Please don't throw this book against the wall.