How to get organised: tips to start with today

You want to start to get organised? Here are some five-minute mini-challenges to do your self. Try it and see how you can benefit from an organised home.

1. Gather all your pens and biros. Scribble with them and chuck the defunct ones.
2. Collect all the loose change and foreign coins lying around. Charity shops will be glad of them.
3. Go into each room and find one object you no longer want to keep.
4. Gather old newspapers for recycling or the bin. Don’t start reading them.
5. Flick through unopened junk mail and recycle or bin.
6. Dare to look in a cupboard or drawer you haven’t been in for a while. Remind yourself what’s in there.
7. Take out-of-date notices off your notice board.
8. Count how many mugs you own. Then decide how many you actually use and need. Let go of the spare ones and any chipped ones.
9. Repeat the last exercise with kitchen boxes, plates and dishes.
10. Clear out your suitcase or handbag. Weigh it before and after you’ve lightened your load.

From: No more clutter. How to clear your space and free your life. Sue Kay (2005)