Stuff & Clutter

Most people wait until they move before downsizing – or until they retire and move into a smaller place or worse, they leave it for a relative to deal with when they die. Not okay.

I cannot get a handle on my mail. It seems like it would be easy, but it just piles up and I get overwhelmed and then it gets worse. What do you suggest? -Lauri M.

I loved learning about what to do with digital photos in last week’s column. What do you recommend for the boxes and crates full of old photos that are cluttering up my home? It’s too much to deal with sometimes. – Sharon L.

My house is a complete mess. I simply do not know where to begin. I can't even look at some of it anymore. It's easier to just close the door. I don't know what to do first. Can you give me some ideas? - Judy B.

How do you deal with a “clutterer” who is reluctant to change? My mom has a serious problem with junk everywhere. I don’t understand how she can live like this and when her adult children try to help her she pushes us away. What is this all about? – Mark S.

In response to a question that I addressed last week on cluttering, I gave reasons why we clutter. This week I have listed several ways to actually deal with it.

What do I do with all my books? They are everywhere. I love to read, but cannot possibly hold onto all the books I now have. I really don't like to get rid of my books. What do you suggest for this problem? - Bookworm

Dear Juli,

Which files and records do I really need to keep? And for how long? ~ Buried in paper that I probably don’t need

With the change of the seasons, many feel the need (and rightfully so) to engage in some sort of spring cleaning, and it’s a good idea after the hibernation of winter months. This is a great time to assess what you have used over the course of the past year, and what sat around gathering dust and taking up valuable space that could be used for something more useful.

I’m a crafter. I have so much stuff I don’t know how to manage all of it. There are lots of little pieces of papers and ribbons and fabrics. I want to keep it all because it could be useful. How do I manage all of this?