Clutter-control guide

Boxes, bins, baskets will ensure that you stay organized. Schedule regular maintenance to keep on top of everything.

Daily

• Sort incoming mail; recycle junk mail and newspaper
• Clear your desk or other workspace
• Hang up and put away backpacks, clothing, shoes, and handbags
• Put away toys and keep it in their boxes
• Leave the kitchen in order before going to bed; clear away dirty dishes from the sink and empty the dishwasher.

Weekly

• Discard any food in the refrigerator that’s past its prime or date.
• Empty your wallet of receipts and file them
• Sort through invitations and other notice, jotting down important dates in your calendar and tossing outdated items.
• File away schoolwork, such as art projects and returned homework.

Monthly

• Recycle magazines and catalogues you no longer want, store all others
• File paid bills
• Fill important documents for long-term storage, such as pay slips.
• Delete unnecessary digital files and back up the rest.

Twice Annually

• Toss out old cosmetic and grooming products
• Dispose of expired medication
• Discard pantry items that are past their use-by date.
• Replenish first-aid kit

Annually

• Sort through clothing, toys and shoes; give unwated item to charity.
• After paying taxes, do a thorough inventory of filed financial documents; shred anything you no longer need.
• Sort through spices and replenish as needed.
• Go through utility spaces; restock equipment, tools, batteries and such, as needed.