It's All in Your Approach

Remember that vision you created for the space you want to organize? Most likely, it does not include the clutter living there! Your next step is to get rid of it. All of it. But first, some organizing ideas to help you along:

There are two ways to approach clearing out clutter. If weather permits you to work outside, or you have a large, open area inside, take absolutely everything—other than furniture or large items—out of the space for sorting. (If you’re really gung-ho and have a moving crew to help you, by all means take the heavy stuff out, too). The idea is that nothing will come back into the space unless you say so. Getting organized is about you taking control of the clutter, and not the other way around.

The other approach, if you don’t have extra space or dread lugging all that stuff around, is to remove items that you deem “clutter” from the space and sort those. The first method results in a more thorough cleanout, but working in the space can be just as efficient—as long as you’re disciplined about removing absolutely anything you don’t consciously choose to have in the space. It’s way too easy to leave things where they are just because you don’t know what to do with them. Take charge as you're getting organized and try not to feel overpowered by it all.