Four Steps to Eliminating Junk

Peter Walsh
Although no two piles of clutter are identical, Peter says there are some universal strategies that anyone can apply towards conquering their clutter. Here are his four foolproof steps for eliminating extra junk in your home:

  • Ask yourself, What do I want from my life? Peter says the starting point in getting rid of your stuff or dealing with your stuff is in answering this question, honestly and from your heart. Then narrow it down and assess your expectations for your home, or even a specific room, he says.
  • Ask yourself, What's the permission I want to give myself? So often, people feel they need permission from an outside force in order to make changes in their life, Peter says. Instead, try granting yourself permission by listening to your heart once again and to that inner voice inside each and every one of us. "Stay tuned to that voice," Peter says.
  • Stop buying stuff. Peter says you'll never make a dent in your clutter unless you stop the influx of new items coming into your home. This includes junk mail, magazines, newspapers and anything that is not a bare necessity for living.
  • Take small steps. Peter shares this effective yet simple action step to ridding your home of clutter: Have each family member fill two trash bags a day, one for garbage and the other with items for charity. "That can really make a huge difference," Peter says.

 

The opinions expressed by the hosts, guests and callers to Oprah Radio are strictly their own.