Professional Tips for Organizing Your Family Room

Professional organizer and Mission: Organization guest Liz Witts offers web-exclusive tips.

Toys have a way of multiplying! Seems that way, doesn't it? Well, the real problem is that we hang on to way too many toys. I know they have meaning, and carry memories, but they also create a lot of clutter.

The solution? Save only those toys that are really, really special, and let the rest go.

If the children don't play with it anymore, pass it on to another little one. If it is broken, or is missing pieces, throw it away. If you want order in your space, and you don't want the toys to dominate, then you need to take charge and let stay only items that are played with and are in good working order.

Oh, and don't forget this important rule: When a new toy comes in, an old toy needs to go out. Tough love, in this department, but someone has to do it.

If you must keep large items in your space that don't normally belong in a room of your home, don't put them on display — find a way to hide them. One way to do this is by using curtains as dividers to section off space, but still leave items accessible to you and your family.

I know, I know, paper clutter is the worst, but it is not so bad if you are willing to throw stuff away when you get it. Don't save it for a rainy day — just let it go immediately. To be clutter-free in the paper department takes discipline and a good system. Know where the bills will go, have a good filing system in place, and make sure it is well labeled. With these simple steps you will be off to a great start in avoiding paper clutter.