Decluttering is an excellent way to make the most of your space. If you are living with an excess of kitchen gadgets or a closet full of clothes you never wear, try these tips for getting rid of your clutter.

Donate unneeded items

It’s easier to let go of items when you know they will help someone else. Research local donation options and select the one that works best for you. You could choose a one-organization-takes-all approach and donate to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Or, you could give to organizations looking for specific items, such as charities that collect workwear for job seekers. Some organizations even pick up donations. Knowing you won’t need to load and deliver donations can help you stay motivated, and prescheduling a pickup will help you stick to a deadline.

Work in 15-minute chunks

The idea of decluttering your entire apartment at once can be overwhelming. Rather than focusing on the big picture or spending your weekend sorting and tossing, work on decluttering in 15-minute sections. Choose one small area each day, such as a kitchen cabinet or closet shelf, and devote your attention there. Put away misplaced items, add unneeded items to your donation box and toss items that have outlived their usefulness. Follow the routine for a week and you are sure to see a difference.

Set criteria

Set yourself up for success by establishing criteria for items you want to keep or donate before you start decluttering. Donate anything you have duplicates of or that you haven’t used in the past year. Donate clothing that doesn't fit, isn't flattering, you don’t wear regularly or that doesn't make you feel confident. Anything that is damaged or past its prime should be thrown away.

Keep the memories, not the clutter

Saying goodbye to sentimental items can be difficult. To keep the memories while freeing up space, take digital photos of the items and then focus on how your past can help someone else’s future.

Whether your apartment is perfectly decluttered or if you feel more comfortable hanging on to sentimental items, sometimes you just need a little more room. If you are looking for Cary apartments with ample storage space, check out the floor plans at Audubon Parc Apartments.