decluttering

[ariamac]

So, I'm pretty much sick of how cluttered my apartment is... and I've started the ugly task of decluttering... but I'm running into problems. Not sure what I throw out, what I should store, etc.

Right now I have a bunch of baking pans on a shelf in my dining area, and it looks cluttered cause they're in the open but i have no idea where they'd fit in my kitchen.

I also have one of those rubbermaid storage towers with 5 drawers... for my craft stuff but because I centered my dining table, it seems like there is no room for this craft thing.

Ugh... it seems like we have way too much stuff for this tiny apartment... and I can't seem to find proper homes for much (but would like to keep it, like my craft stuff).

What do I do?!?! Ahh, sorry, needed to rant. I'm so sick of looking at it all!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

There is a difference between clutter and things you actually use.

It sounds like you have a space and storage problem more than a clutter problem.

Basically you can go by the rule, have I used this within the last 2yrs?

Now if you have holiday stuff or "old stuff" that you want to keep like grandma's iron skillet you have to find a way to store it so your kitchen storage is functional.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Cute Baskets. Cute baskets with lids.

I can't tell you how many things I have that are stored in cute baskets I bought at garage sales and thrift stores. In some cases, I put baskets on my bookshelves, and I can put things I need in them so they're not cluttering up somewhere else.

I use big market sized baskets and larger to store big things that I don't have another place for and then use the baskets for decorating.

I also maximize space in my cabinets by using the vertical space. Things that don't get used very often go into clear lidded tubs and everything else on top, or I get my DH to knock together a shelf to fit inside the cabinet.

Also, I've learned to be ruthless about getting rid of things. Anything I haven't used goes away. I'm fairly unsentimental about things, (Although I am rather glad I didn't get rid of all my plaid shorts from 5 years ago, as they're now "in" again. . .now if they'd just bring back drindl skirts, I'll be happy.) and I'm happy to toss anything and everything.

Things that don't get used often but that can't go to charity or the garbage go into the attic. If you don't have an attic, rent a storage space, just a little one will be enough. Trust me. It is AMAZING how much necessary clutter can go there.

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

ok, I have just been going thru this! I do have a storage room inside my apartment complex, so I have most stuff there, but I have downsized crap! I had two big Ikea Expedit bookcases to which I used a ton of baskets on them, and that worked for a bit. But now I am under going knee replacements, and I sold all bookcases, couches, and dining furniture.
I bought a sectional, and I nice Hutch to add all my crystal and dishes I had out, and I will have plenty of room to "hide" some stuff.

I tore thru my whole apartment and just threw things out that I have not used for 6 months or more. that was my rule, unless it was a personal item!
I also have a 4 drawer file cabinet to keep paperwork into.
I guess the best bet is to do furniture that can hold and hide stuff!
I found the baskets are nice....BUT they end up cluttered also!
so if you can do something like what I am doing, and I am also selling stuff on craigslist! lol

But good luck! It is not easy with limited space!

 

[SookieStackhouse]

Clutter is definitely a problem, I de-clutter every now and then. It doesn't matter if it's a small apartment or house... seems as your living space expands, so does your clutter.

It also seems as if every time I get rid of something, I will end up wanting it.