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Rules for Decluttering |
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Rule #1: A place for everything and everything in its place |
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Rule #2: If you get it out, put it away |
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The Multi-floor Dilemma |
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If you live in a house with multiple floors, putting things away can sometimes be a pain if it means climbing stairs to do so. One way that we deal with this in our home (2 stories plus a finished basement) is to use the stairs as a staging ground for misplaced items. When I am done using something that belongs on a different floor of the house, I immediately place it on the stairs where it serves as a visual reminder to take it with me the next time I go up or down. This method saves having to make multiple trips up and down the stairs (which is inefficient, time-consuming and tiring). At the same time, it prevents clutter build-up because stuff doesn't lay around for days (or worse) waiting for someone to put it in its rightful place. The trick is getting your family to utilize this simple method as well (and not leave stuff laying on the stairs).
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Rule #3: If you aren't using it, get rid of it |
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Rule #4: Purge Regularly |
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Rule #5: Toss Your Trash |
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Rule #6: Stop holding onto other people's stuff |
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Rule #7: Don't transfer clutter |
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Rule #8: Stop clutter before it enters |
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Rule #9: One in, one out |
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Rule #10: Follow the clutter litmus test |
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