Is one of your resolutions for the new year to remove clutter from your home in 2009? Here are two organizing tips on how to reduce clutter:

1. Use a planner. The benefits are you don’t have to keep everything in your mind. You will get more done as you will know what needs to be done and you can check it off. This removes mind clutter.
2. Get your name off junk mail lists. I use proquo.com This has cut my junk mail by 90%. (You are probably tired of hearing me say this—I get nothing from them, I just like their system).

Here are a couple of examples on how I cleared clutter from my office after the holidays: I had two cards I had saved from friends that had information I needed. I wrote down the email addresses and phone numbers in my planner and recycled the cards. I made a note to email them on a certain date.

I had quickly unloaded my fanny pack from skiing and had thrown some receipts on my desk. I took 10 seconds and looked at them and then shredded them. I usually ( I would have said always) put my receipts in a file labeled “receipts” in my file drawer. This really helps keep my desk uncluttered. This organizing tip alone saves me a lot of time as I don’t ever have to look for receipts I may need.

Removing clutter in our homes and in our lives frees us up to do other things we would rather be doing; it gives us freedom and peace of mind. In the New Year I will share organizing tips and organizing ideas on how to reduce clutter in our lives, homes and in our minds.

We would love to hear your clutter clearing ideas and tips. What is your favorite one?

Marilyn Bohn is an energetic, lively, compassionate, hard working and creative organizer. She was born to organize! Before becoming a professional organizer she worked professionally in diverse environments. She is involved in her community, providing her clients with a broad base of experience and knowledge.  She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO).