As a professional "Clutter Buster" I always use this SMARTcut: Designate three receptacles – GIVE AWAY, PUT AWAY, and THROW AWAY. When your job is complete, remove the "GIVE AWAY" box immediately. I suggest going so far as to actually schedule pick up with a local charity or advertise your Yard Sale for the following day!
Use the "Put Away" container for items that belong in other rooms, i.e., your son's baseball mitt, your favorite recipe book that you've been looking for or your husband's lost car keys… just put it all in the basket to deliver later. If you wander off from the task at hand you have just committed a clutter bug sin. Remember, stick to your mission! You'd also better get the Throw Aways out the door right away too, before you or someone else reclaims them!
Now take your "after" photo and sit back and admire your hard work! You have reclaimed your space and earned a little R&R. Be sure to send me your success story and your before and after photos! I love seeing your progress. After all, who else is going to give you a "standing ovation" for cleaning a closet?
