Mail can definitely get out of control if you don’t keep up with it.

The best way to declutter the mail is to separate it into 3 piles.

1. Mail you want to keep out (bills, appointment reminders).
2. A pile to file away (important mail you want to keep).
3. A pile to toss/shred.

Your goal is to work smarter not harder. All you need to do is find small, manageable ways to begin. It can be as simple as:

Cleaning out your utensil drawer while you are making dinner.
Pulling out expired items from your pantry while you are putting away groceries.
Going through one dresser drawer while putting away your laundry.

You don’t even have to do it every day. The goal is to find what works for you.

Using an over-the-door shoe organizer is also a great way to reduce clutter. Rather than shoes use the pockets for outdoor gear like mittens and hats, or for storing craft items, baby products, toys, and anything else your imagination can come up with.

Put Saran Wrap Under the Lids of Your Bottles: Remove the lids or caps on bottles like spices and shampoo and body wash, place Saran wrap over the top, then put the lids back on. That way if the lids come off, you won’t have a big mess on your hands.

Make a First Day Basket: Grab some paper products like plates, napkins, plastic utensils and napkins so you can eat at the new place without having to unpack your dishes.

Use Two Fitted Sheets to Protect Your Mattress: Put a fitted sheet on top like normal, then put one on the bottom for complete coverage before you load it up.

The 20-20 decluttering rule says that if you can replace something for less than $20 and in under 20 minutes, it can safely be decluttered.

1. Clutter bombards your minds with excessive stimuli (visual, olfactory, tactile), causing your senses to work overtime.

2. Clutter distracts us by drawing our attention away from what you need to be focusing on.

3. Clutter makes it more difficult to relax, both physically and mentally.

4. Clutter constantly signals to your brain that your work is never done.

5. Clutter makes you anxious because you’re never sure what it’s going to take to get through to the bottom of the pile.

6. Clutter creates feelings of guilt (“I should be more organized”) and embarrassment, especially when others unexpectedly drop by our homes or work spaces.

7. Clutter inhibits creativity and productivity by invading the open spaces that allow you to think, brainstorm, and problem solve.

8. Clutter frustrates you by preventing you from locating what you need quickly (e.g. files and paperwork lost in the “pile” or keys swallowed up by the clutter).

Use Styrofoam Plates Between Glass Plates: When you’re packing your glass plates, use Styrofoam plates between each one to keep them from breaking

Pack Jewelry in an Egg Carton: Pack up all your jewelry in an egg carton to keep it organized

Pack Spices in Your Slow Cooker: Use the room in your slow cooker (as well as pots and pans) wisely.

Fill Nail Holes with Soap: If you’re not good with Spackle, you can use soap on your nail holes to fill them!

Pack a Clear Tub with Essentials: Pack the things you’ll need right away like shampoo, body wash, etc., so you’ll be able to see what’s in it and it will stand out from the other boxes.