Homemade Ideas for De-Cluttering Your Room

Make a Checklist

• Before you tackle the mess that was once your room, plan out exactly what it is you want to do. Write a list of goals on how you want your room to look and feel. A checklist helps keep yourself accountable and makes accomplishing each task rewarding. In the checklist, include the time frame you want to give yourself regarding each task. That way, you won't be able to continue putting things off, and you'll get a little work done each day.

The Four-Box Method

• The four-box method tests your ability to use, donate, store and throw away. Label four office-use cardboard boxes as: "Put away," "Donate/sell," "Storage" and "Trash." Take the boxes in the room to be de-cluttered and begin putting various items in one of the boxes. Make quick decisions and don't look back. When finished packing the boxes, move them immediately from the clean space. Put the "Donate/sell" bag in your car, throw the "Trash" box outside, put the "Storage" box in the garage or attic and put away -- in the proper spots -- the items you're keeping.

Recylced Organizers

• By now, you should know that every group of objects should have a container to call home. If you don't want to invest in expensive store-bought organizers, improvise with your own household supplies. Convert a wooden dish rack into a craft organizer; use the pegs for spools of yarn or thread. Recycle old shoeboxes and use them to create individual drawer compartments. Clean out old glass jars and re-purpose them as pretty containers for brushes, toothbrushes or makeup.

Closet

• If your closet looks like a hurricane hit it, you need an organizational makeover. Start by making your closet look clean and uniform by sticking to just one type of hanger, whether it's wooden or white plastic. Store bulky winter coats and large sweaters in shrink wrap or boxed up with lint balls. Toss or donate all clothes you haven't worn in a year, and realize that you never will. Hammer pretty hooks or nails to the inner closet walls or door and use them to hang scarves, jewelry and hats.