9 Best Clutter-Busting Secrets

Make your stuff work harder.

Lots of people think they need more kitchen space, but really they just need fewer appliances. When I was living in a tiny studio that didn't even have a kitchen, I relied on my toaster oven. Though I lived in a neighbourhood with plenty of restaurants and markets, I made a lot of meals in that toaster. Many people think they need a blender, food processor, and mixer, but you can find one multitasking appliance (like a large blender) to do the work of all three.

Your clothes should multitask, too. Some people cling to old T-shirts claiming, "I lounge around the house in that," yet they also have piles of newer T-shirts that are equally nice for lounging, running errands or layering under blazers and sweaters.

Go vertical.

There's a reason that crowded cities are filled with skyscrapers. Ground space is limited, but you can always go up (within reason). The same principle works in your home. As soon as I moved into my micro apartment I bought three tall wire-shelving units. I used them to house almost all my stuff: I stashed often-used items like jeans and drinking glasses (though I only had two of them) on lower shelves that were easy to reach. Off-season clothing, extra light bulbs, and other rarely used items went up top.

Get creative.

As a writer, I needed a desk, but squeezing one in would have been next to impossible. My solution? I turned one of the wire shelves into a desk by adding one shelf made of solid metal and placing it at the same height as a typical desk.

Because this type of wire shelving is so adjustable, it has so many potential uses besides traditional storage. One of my clients, for instance, needed an office for her home dance studio but lacked the space. I used a shelving unit to turn a narrow closet into an "office," by dedicating each shelf to a specific purpose (office supplies, files, day-to-day scheduling and a printer).

Store “like” with “like.”

Ever bought Band-Aids because you didn’t know you already had three boxes at home? Whether it’s toiletries or office supplies, storing similar items together enables you to keep track of your inventory, eliminates wasteful spending, and saves time since you can find things easily. In my tiny apartment I had a dozen totes, each labelled from bike shorts to electronics. Even if you live in a sprawling house, the same concept applies (though you might have dedicated drawers or closets instead of tote bags.)

Start small.

Forget speed dating. Try speed tossing.

If the idea of even tackling a single shelf fills you with dread, just commit to one hour. Put it on your calendar and treat it like a real appointment. Then set a timer on your cell phone and focus on one area—maybe shoes. Any scuffed? No longer fit? Work until the timer goes off, stop—you’re done (for now). Working in short bursts removes the burden of thinking you need to get it all done at once, and when you see how successful you are you'll feel motivated to move on to other areas.

Picture the end result.

Think of the donation box as a helping box.

The next time you go through your collection of winter coats, keep in mind that some people don’t even own one. Knowing your contributions can change someone’s life may be all the incentive you need to clear clutter.

Pretend you’re moving.

Ever looked at an item and wondered if you should hang onto it "just in case?" If you're having trouble deciding, ask yourself: If you had to move tomorrow, would you bother moving it? If the answer is no, then out it goes.