Whether you’re selling your home or just tackling some serious spring cleaning, decluttering can be both effective and rewarding. If items you don’t need are taking up precious real estate, it’s time to reevaluate what you’re keeping and why.

Use this guide to help you make the decision. Grab three boxes and label them “Throw Away,” “Put Away,” and “Give Away,” and you’re ready to get started!

Stash or Trash

What to throw away
Throwing away possessions can be hard, but it is a necessary step to maintaining a clutter-free home. Step back and take an objective look at the items in your home. Are you holding on to them for sentimental reasons, or do they actually serve a purpose? Throw away anything that may be broken or has outlived its usefulness. (VCRs, we’re looking at you!)

What to Put Away

What to put away
Obviously, you will come across items in your home that need to stay. Put items in this box that are in good working order and still serve a practical purpose. Of course, once you put items in this box, you will need to make sure they find a proper place in your home in order to keep the clutter and chaos at bay for good.

What to Give Away

What to give away
And finally, there is the give-away box. Many people find giving away items to be much easier to do than throwing them away, so try to remember someone else will get good use out of your once loved (or not so loved) items. Keep in mind these items should still be in relatively good condition, and be fair with your standards—no broken items or overly stained or torn clothing.

Once you get going, you will likely find you become more objective, and classifying your belongings gets easier. You’ll be on your way to a clutter-free home in no time! Not sure what to stash and what to trash? Use this printable guide to help you decide!

Download Stash or Trash Quiz

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