Keep it Tidy: 4 Steps to a Clutter-Free Apartment

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Keep it Tidy: 4 Steps to a Clutter-Free Apartment

Rachael Weiner · Sep 7, 2009

Nothing will make an apartment go from clean and comfortable to shabby and disorganized faster than clutter. Fortunately, clutter is one aspect of your apartment you can keep under control. Keep it tidy by following these easy steps:

Step One: Find a Place for Everything

We all know clutter occurs when piles of items are left strewn around an apartment, but it also accumulates from simply having too much stuff. The best way to fight clutter is to go through your apartment room by room and clear out any unwanted or unused items. Chances are if you really have a need for a particular item, you’ll be able to find a place to store it. If you can’t find a place to store it, you probably need to make room for it by ridding of other items. Make it a habit to sort through your belongings every three to six months or whenever you find excess piles accumulating. Keep your belongings to a manageable level and you’ll fight clutter in the process.

Step Two: Make Storage (And Be Clever About It)

One of the easiest ways to create extra storage is to find multi purpose units to place your belongings. Stores like Target and Walmart sell functional storage ottomans that can serve as extra seating and as well as a place to store your goods. Simple baskets or linen cubes are great places to stash papers and random items that would otherwise accumulate on your table or kitchen counter. An old trunk or chest can serve as a coffee table and as a place to store things. If you’re especially limited on storage, turn to your bed-or under it, that is. Shallow plastic storage bins are a great place to keep everything from shoes to clothing to books and knick knacks. The best part is they can easily slide under your bed and keep clutter at bay.

Step Three: Clean Regularly

What good is having a place to store your belongings if they always end up in piles throughout your apartment? Make it a habit to straighten up your apartment regularly. If you tend to let things pile up over the week, change your routine to allow for a couple of weekly sweep-cleaning sessions in your apartment. It requires a little bit of time and effort, but if you clean regularly you’ll save yourself time in the long run.

Step Four: Try To Stop the Problem Where It Starts

The best way to ensure a clutter-free apartment is to not allow clutter to accumulate in the first place. For instance, mail is a common form of clutter. Make it a point to open your mail and toss out unwanted pieces in the garbage can or recycling bin as soon as it comes in. This may also be the time to invest in a paper shredder to dispose of your mail efficiently and protect your security as well. For all other items not mail-related, put them back in place immediately after use.

Follow these steps and soon clutter will be out of sight and out of mind.

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Rachael Weiner: I’m a communications professional for a non-profit, which financially necessitates my status as an apartment dweller. Constantly “on-the-go,” I’ve resided in five different apartments across the United States over the past five years. Roommate issues, budgeting, organizing and handling problem neighbors are my specialty.

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