Tired Of Clutter? Here's A Sweet Trick That'll Help You Contain It And Clear It Out

Most of us are familiar with various strategies to declutter our home, such as using a "keep" and "donate" bin. But there might be a clever option you're overlooking: your "return" bin. The return bin is for any item that doesn't belong to you and that you need to return to the rightful owner. Setting up a specific return box lets you keep those items out of your general clutter so you can make sure they don't get lost. Then, when you have time to do so, you can return the belongings to their rightful owners, or let your loved ones retrieve them when they visit.

It's not a stretch to say that when we declutter, we often find things in a haphazard collection of random bits and bobs. This simple yet sweet trick lets you make sure that as you declutter and organize, you don't have random items mixed in with all of your own belongings. Plus, next time your friend asks for their book or hat back, you'll know exactly where to find it. It ends the frustration of having to hunt through various piles while muttering, "It's here somewhere..." Sound familiar? Here's how to set up a return bin so you always look like that friend or relative who's got it all under control.

Find a good, central spot for your return bin, somewhere that's good for drop-off and pickup of items when needed to make decluttering your messy home easy. A good option could be in your foyer or coat closet. You can use a plastic or fabric bin, a cardboard box, or even a shelf in an entertainment center. Another really good option is a sliding drawer, because the versatile size and durable construction make it last. Consider looking for organizing products so stylish you'll want to put them on display. Whatever you choose, you need to make sure you can easily access it and that it has enough room to hold what you need.

Once you've officially decluttered your home, keep up with the return box and add things as you borrow them to ensure that they stay in order. Your return box could go beyond holding things you borrowed from a friend or family member. You can also use it for items you need to return to an online store, to the library, or even to your kid's school. Taking the time to sort items into this separate category and location will save you a big headache later.