I recently saw a list of top common clutter categories shared by my colleagues on my National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals site. The list is compiled of categories of items in people’s homes regardless of socioeconomic status that causes clutter. It was interesting to see where many people have challenges with clutter.  Do you recognize these categories in your home?  Check out the list!

Common Clutter Categories

1. The paper includes junk mail, catalogs, magazines, newspapers, and unopened mail.
2. Empty boxes including shipping boxes, shoe boxes without shoes, technology, and product boxes
3. Free condiments from fast food or other take-out restaurants including ketchup, salt, soy sauce, and plastic cutlery
4. Free toiletries including those from travel and gifts with purchases
5. Bags including zip locks, gift bags, and reusable shopping bags
6. Cords, cables, telephone wires, and other outdated technology
7. Linens including blankets, extra sheets, towels, and comforters
8. Trash includes half-empty water bottles, opened junk mail, paper plates, and grocery sacks.
9. Hangers including wire hangers and plastic hangers from stores where clothing was purchased
10. Excessive quantities of any item, including plastic bags, shoes, clothes, and books

Now you are ready for change!

Now if you have identified any of these clutter-causing items in your space, you are ready to make a change. Take advantage of a power period for organizing and declutter your space. That is write an appointment with yourself for a time block to edit and let go of one or more of these categories. Allow time to drop off at a local philanthropy and you will already see a big difference in your space. Consider this a challenge for your organizing this season and share your successes with others.