Prevent clutter by FINISHING

Never underestimate the power of FINISHING as a means to prevent clutter.

FINISH the task of bringing in the mail by:

• Sorting out the junk mail and putting it immediately in the trash (or recycling).
• Paying bills or putting them in a spot just for bills.
• Filing correspondence

FINISH the meal by:

· Clearing the table

· Doing the dishes

· Putting leftovers in the refrigerator

· Cleaning the kitchen counters

· Cleaning the kitchen sink

· Sweeping/vacuming the floor

FINISH the laundry by:

• Folding it
• Handing it up
• Putting the laundry hamper in its place
• Putting the laundry baskets in the laundry room
• Doing any mending

FINISH the project you are working on when you have reached a stopping point by:

• Putting away the materials/tools
• Throwing away the waste material generated
• Putting away the project

FINISH your shopping trip by:

• Recording your purchase amount in your checkbook register or budgeting software
• Cutting off tags
• Filing the receipt (if item is returnable)
• Putting the purchased goods away where they belong
• Throwing away (or recycling) shopping bags
• Putting your purse/wallet where it usually goes
• If purchases are replacing something, put the old item immediately in a give-away box in the garage
  

FINISH your pleasure trip or vacation by:

• Unloading the car
• Unpacking your suitcase and putting clothes in laundry
• Putting away travel gear and suitcases
• Cleaning the car

FINISH a day of school by:

• Hanging up coat
• Doing homework
• Putting books and papers back in backpack
• Putting backpack away