How to Declutter in 30 Days

Preparing to Remove Clutter

• 1

  Arrange your schedule to allow time for cleaning. Set aside a minimum of one hour each day to complete the project in one month. Schedule your sale for the final weekend.

• 2

  Write a list of the direct mail you receive through the postal service. Divide the list into keep and stop. Track your mail for three weeks.

• 3

  Establish the final area you'll be cleaning, such as the garage or a covered porch. Place your recycling bin and boxes in this area. Label each box "donate" or "sell."

• 4

  Buy small, assorted price stickers and a marking pen at a discount or office supply store.

• 5

  Advertise your scheduled sale through local newspapers, websites or a sign in your yard or street corners in your neighborhood.

Removing Clutter

• 6

  Place the price stickers and marking pen into the laundry basket, Carry it into the room you're cleaning. Work around the room from left to right, examining each item that's out of place.

• 7

  Decide if you're going to sell, donate, recycle or throw away the item or if it's simply out of place. Write a price on a sticker if you choose to sell it. Place the sticker on the item immediately.

• 8

  Place each out-of-place item in the laundry basket. When you'e finished cleaning that room, return items that you're keeping to their appropriate locations. Take the basket to your final area and put each item in its appropriate container.

• 9

  Register at DMAchoice.org to remove your address from mailing lists of items you no longer wish to receive. DMAchoice.org also gives you the option of registering for items you want to continue receiving, such as coupons.

• 10

  Prepare the night before for your sale. Set up the tables in your garage or yard. Place all of your priced items on the tables and cover with a plastic tablecloth to prevent moisture from rain or dew.

Day of Sale

• 11

  Expect early arrivals, even if you've advertised your sale to begin at a certain time. Have change and small bills available for buyers.

• 12

  Sort any leftover items at the end of the sale into the recycle bins, donation boxes or garbage. Take the donation items to a designated drop-off center and the recyclables to a center if you don't have curbside pick-up service.

• 13

  Take any items designated as garbage to the pick-up area when scheduled.