Tips for de-cluttering, letting go and getting organised

1. Consider the benefits of getting sorted – make a list of what will be better for you when you've cleared and sorted that cluttered area of your home. Visualise what you are trying to achieve, and write down what it will be like when you have finished.
2. Set aside some time and unplug the phones! Whether it's a half hour every day, or a whole day, clutter clearing takes time and requires your commitment. Remember that you do not need to do everything at once; bite size chunks of time and task can be easier to tackle than whole rooms for a day. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time available. Put on some happy music and start sorting!
3. Ask yourself – "Is this useful or beautiful to me right now?". If this doesn't apply to the things in your home, the likelihood is that they're clutter and it's time to let them go. Keeping things just in case can be a thankless hobby. It's probable that if you do need something, one will turn up when you do need it.
4. Learn to forgive yourself! So, even bargain clothes you bought in the sales and never wear – let them go, and forgive yourself. They seemed like a good idea at the time – ok, but they're not making life any happier hanging around with you feeling guilty about them.
5. Cut down on the junk coming into your home. To stop junk mail register with the Mailing Preference Service. You can also stop junk phone calls and faxes here. When you want a loan or to move your credit card balance, you can check out moneysavingexpert.com for unbiased advice on all the latest deals.
6. Avoid re-cluttering in the future. When you're out shopping, double check with yourself if that bargain really is something you want. Ask yourself if it is beautiful or useful – is that top really your colour? There's really nothing cheerful about cheap clothes that never get worn and gadgets that don't get used.
7. Get into habits and routines to avoid the clutter building up again. Procrastinating takes up time and energy – get into the 'do it now' habit for small tasks, and write the bigger ones down so you're not using mental energy remembering what needs to be done.
8. Keep a bag or box near the front door to collect any items that are 'on their way' to the charity shop. That way clutter will keep on the move out of the house.
9. For things that are bulky but not worth selling join your local Freecycle for giving things away to new homes.
10. Live your life purposefully. Remember that life is full of choices. You can choose to live with clutter all around you, or you can choose to move on and make some changes. By clearing your clutter you will not only make space in your home, you'll also clear your mind and create space and find energy for new possibilities.