Clutter tends to sneak up on people. Every so often we look around our homes and wonder how everything got so messy. While cleaning out the clutter may seem overwhelming, following these five simple steps will have your home organized in no time.

Make a Plan

Sit down and write out exactly what you want to accomplish before emptying drawers and rearranging rooms. Where exactly do you want specific items to be stored? What items do you use the most that you’ll need easy access to? Will you need to buy storage containers, and if so, what size? These are just a few of the questions you’ll need to answer before getting started.

Decide What You Can Live Without

We all have items in our homes we never use. It may be time to let go of some of the knickknacks in the living room or the clothes the kids have outgrown. If you have the time and energy have a garage sale. If not, donate the useable items to charity and throw the rest out. After getting rid of the things you know you don’t need you’ll be ready to organize the things you do need.

Start Small

Don’t overwhelm yourself by deciding to organize your entire house in one weekend. Start with one area at a time. Begin with closets, working up to bathrooms and bedrooms. Leave the massive projects like garages and basements for last. By the time you get to those places you’ll have learned some tricks of trade and will be ready to accomplish the big tasks.

Put Similar Things Together

When going through each room start by putting everything that’s the same in piles. In the kitchen put all serving spoons in one group. In the bedroom put all jeans in one pile. People often don’t realize how much of one type of thing they have until they see it put all together.

Use Labels

Finally, label all of your storage items. This goes for everything from dry goods in the pantry to items that are stored in the basement or the attic. Use clear bins so you can easily see what’s in each container without opening it.

Once you’ve completed these simple steps and find out how much easier it is to live with less clutter, it will keep you motivated to stay organized in the future.

April Labarron is a native of Southern California. She has her BA in English/Literature from MSJC in Menifee, Ca. She views her freelance writing, not only as a career, but as her passion. Other areas of interest include; movies, food, singing, soccer, traveling, shopping and a continuous desire for learning.   She lives on her own and is accompanied by her Pomeranian named, Elvis. She currently resides in Temecula, CA.