Small Stages of Decluttering: STEP SIX

STEP SIX is when we will deal with the items in our Store pile. This is that pile that has been accumulating with rarely used items, items that are used yearly, seasonally or, if you home is low on cupboard space, maybe even items that are used only monthly. This may include:

• Holiday decorations.
• Christmas wrapping paper and Christmas cards.
  
• Clothes for children to grow into.
• Seasonal clothing.
• Window fans used during the summer months.
• The turkey roasting pan that doesn't fit in your limited kitchen space.
• Sewing or craft supplies that clutter your bedroom but are only put into use a few days here and there throughout the year.
• Extra curtains or linens saved for future use.
• Seasonal bedding: extra heavy blankets, flannel sheets and electric blankets.
• The box of gifts you've collected at awesome prices for the occasional birthday or upcoming family Christmas exchanges.
• Seasonal sport equipment.

Attics, garages and basements are the best locations for these types of items. If you're living in a small home or apartment lacking those areas, you'll have to be more creative. Under the bed storage, top shelves of closets or trunks in other living areas that also serve as coffee tables or decorative pieces may be the way you'll have to go.

You must consider what type of containers will be used. You must consider the items to be stored and the area where they will be stored. Is humidity or moisture a factor? Do you need plastic totes that seal relatively well?

My preference is plastic totes in a variety of sizes to accomodate items sorted by category in varying amounts. I also love even numbers of plastic totes that can be stacked in tidy piles.

Most important is the need to label, label and label. Can you really remember what’s in each storage container in your garage, your basement or your attic? Label them. At the least label the outside of each container. Your labeling system may be as simple as labeling containers as follows:

• Winter Mitts, Gloves & Hats
• Winter Coats
• Christmas Decorations
• Thanksgiving Decorations
• Gifts
• Sewing Supplies
• Craft Supplies
• Christmas Wrapping
  

Better yet, make a file card, sheet in a folder, or a computer file for each storage container with a list of its contents.

The goal is to limit what goes into storage. For items that you are unlikely to use again, especially if the cost of replacement is relatively low, it's best to toss or give them away. But if we must save it, if we are destined to be pack rats, then at least let us be organized pack rats who have an efficient filing system for our many plastic totes of stuff!

The whole idea is to declutter your mind from needing to remember where each and every item is. Find what method serves YOU best for locating and retrieving each item and run with it!