Declutter For The School Year 2011-1012: Part 5

There is nothing more frustrating then clutter. As the new school year begins you and your children can get started on organizing your lives. Clutter can cause tardiness, anger, frustration, and depression. Why not get on a program to declutter you and your family's life by taking tips from the experts. Below are 21-25 tips from an article in the January 2011 issue of Better Homes and Gardens, submitted by Berit Thorkelson.

21.  Is your linen closet overflowing? Pare down your stock to three towels and washcloths per person, two sets of sheets per bed, plus a set of each for guest.  Voila! A roomier linen closet.  Laura Wittmann, author of Clutter Rehab

22. Procrastination breeds clutter.  Institute a do-it-now policy for a few highly visible everyday tasks, like loading the dishwasher or folding and putting away a load of laundry before starting another.  Aby Garvey, simplify101.com

23. Designate a separate, labeled bag for each regularly scheduled activity, lesson, or sport on your family calendar.  Pack the bags with the necessary gear, and hang them on hooks in a handy spot.  Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch, author of Pretty Neat: Get Organized and Let Go of Perfection

24. If toy are overrunning your house, quietly tuck a few of them away in a box.  If kids ask for a specific item, retrieve it.  After a month, donate what's left in the box.  Scott Roewer, professional organizer

25. Attics, basements, and garages tend to harbor lots of items you haven't seen or used in a while, which also makes them prime candidates for purging.  Clear them first so when you tackle your living areas, you'll have storage space waiting.  Debbie Lillard, author of Absolutely Organized

I truly hope these suggestions for organizing will help make the 2011-2012 school year GREAT for you and your child.  So, read over all 25 tips and get started.