Declutter!

I have found that one of the best ways to keep up with my house is by dealing with the mail AS SOON as it comes in. If I just leave it on the kitchen counter, it somehow multiplies and attracts other crap!

Since all of our bills are on auto-pay, we review the statements and file them away immediately. Junk mail goes in the trash with NO exceptions. I have gotten in the habit of throwing away catalogues as they arrive for three good reasons. First of all, they tend to make their way to an end table, multiply, and then make me crazy until I run around like a madwoman trashing anything resembling a catalogue! Secondly, catalogues are NOT necessary because everything that is in them is available online. Third, they just get me into that state of "want want want" that I am working to escape! Bottom line? I don't need them! Out of guilt, I used to hang on to cards and letters that I received from others. Why?! Few things I receive in the mail have lasting sentimental value so I read what someone is telling me (Happy B-Day, thinking of you, etc.), store it away in my mind, smile, and toss it! (Sometimes they stay on the fridge for a few weeks, too.)

Anyway, along with making my bed on a daily basis, this routine sets the tone for me to keep a clean and clutter-free home.