Lower Corner Cabinets

I was practically crawling into one of my lower kitchen cabinets the other day to retrieve a certain Tupperware container that had been shoved to the very back.  While looking into the recesses of that cabinet, I saw items that I hadn't seen in a few years!  Though time didn't permit me to simplify, I will work on it today. 

If you have a corner cupboard, there's a lot of space that can be cluttered.  If you declutter it, you could store more important things back there. 

Toys

When you have small children, one of the challenges is keeping toys picked up, parts together, and keeping your children interested.  I discovered a wonderful way to deal with the masses of toys American children tend to accumulate.  I boxed up all but one third of the toys in two other boxes and stored them for a month.  Each month, I would rotate which box was "in public" to be played with.  The kids were excited and interested in the "new toys" and there weren't so many to be picked up daily. 

Utensil Drawer

Check it out today.  Is there a kitchen gadget or utensil you don't use or need?  A duplicate maybe?

Paper

Paper is piling up at my house.  Today I am taking the plunge to sort through items and discard or file away.

Plan Ahead

Through the years, I learn tips I wish I had known.  One thing is to plan ahead.  This truly simplifies your life and seems so easy, but takes so long to make a habit.  If I get an e-mail about something being due, I'm trying to schedule completing that task right then into my week.  I'm buying birthday cards ahead for people or keeping a collection on hand.  When those weeks arrive, I'm not scrambling or feeling guilty about being late.  Most weeks, I plan the meal menu a week in advance and shop accordingly.  This saves all sorts of time and angst. 

I still have a long way to go, but I can recommend planning ahead.  Life is more pleasant and simple that way.

Dress Shirts

An area of clutter for men can be dress shirts.  It you happen to notice your side of the closet getting narrower, or you notice the same dress shirts on one end of his closet untouched, it might be good to ask him if he still wants them.  (It particularly comes in handy when those shirts invade your side of the closet.)  My husband just went through his and decided to give several to Goodwill that are still in good shape, but that he doesn't use.

Pretend to Move

My friend recently moved everything out of rooms to get ready for new carpet being laid.  Her mantra is that nothing is going back in unless they really need it.  Sounds like a great plan...box everything up in one room like you're planning to move, wait a few days, and then put back what you need or really want to keep.  Even pulling everything out of one closet could work the same wonders.  Go with a small area like a bookshelf if necessary.

It's worth a try if you are in a simplifying slump!