How to declutter your home

I hate clutter and mess. It drives me crazy and can be harmful to children. Hoarders are the worst. We've emailed that show a time or two. :)

Here are 10 easy steps that I got from "10 Ways to Declutter Your Home".

1. Cupboards - Go through all you kitchen cupboards, one at a time of course, and you will be amazed at what you find that can be thrown out. You don't need two of an item. Also, don't collect items "just because you can give them away". This only takes up space.
2. Bedroom Closets - The saying goes - If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it. I am not sure I agree with that statement totally, but it is a good guideline to follow. I hate closets that you can't even hang a shirt in or see the floor. It's a reflection on your life and orgazational skills.
3. Bookcases - Look them all over and get rid of the ones that don't sound interesting. Also, go through knickknacks, papers, magazines, or anything else filling up those bookcases and GET RID OF THEM. Can you imagine what it looks to others? I try to keep our bookcases neat, clean, not full and no clutter.
4. Kids Room - This is something that needs to be done about twice a year or more. Go through their clothes, toys, video games, etc and out goes anything they are no longer interested in. Please don't keep items for 10+ years as a "just incase they want it kind of thing".
5. Bathroom - We know how cluttered and overflowing those vanities and medicine chests can get. Go through all those goodies and if it has hardened, softened or changed color, get rid of it! Nothing worse than using a discoored band-aid or medicine that your guests can tell is out of date.
6. Linen Closet - Towels, sheets, curtains, etc, are also things that need to be periodically sorted and tossed. I removed all the semi worn, stained or mildewed ones. Oragnize your linen closet so that each shelf has a place. Sheets on one, blankets on other, etc. If you open the door items fall out at you or your can't see the back of the closet, that is a sign.
7. Under Your Bed - This part of the decluttering can be quite scary. Proceed with caution and always have a weapon, such as broom, vacuum cleaner or bug spray with you! Who the heck knows what you will find under there, but I can bet a lot of it can go.
8. Organize - There are so many great products these days that hold everything. Get some inexpensive plastic boxes and neatly store all your items that are not in display or not used daily. You can get small ones in the dollar stores to organize your CDs, use them in your pantry or cupboards, store odd and ends, letters, papers, you name it!
9. Throw Out the Old - One thing you must absolutely remember when decluttering is you have to THROW AWAY the NOT USED or WANTED. DO NOT just take everything out and rearrange!!! That is a temporary solution and is not sufficient!!!!!
10. Everything in its Place - Once you have everything decluttered and organized, get everyone to keep everything in its place and your home will remain
organized