Let’s face it… the cabin is supposed to be an oasis, a relaxing haven for you and your family to experience some quiet time. However, when we move all those dishes and old chairs from home to the cottage, we forget that we might be creating a LOT of clutter.

If you don’t declutter your cottage on a regular basis, you can end up with health problems or insect and rodent incursions.

Many remote areas have landfill access and professional junk-removal companies available. With a bit of elbow grease, your cottage can be organized and sparkling in no time.

• Take stock of the rooms in your cottage and make a ruthless plan for getting rid of old items and articles you haven’t used for at least one year.
• Include charity items in your plan. If you’re going to use a junk-removal service ask if they contribute old items to charity.
• Don’t lift anything too heavy. Box up smaller, old items, but leave the larger items for the professionals. Most companies will have employees who are trained to lift the larger items and carry them out of your way.
• Open up the windows and let the sun shine in. You’ll avoid inhaling all that dust and cleaning fumes, AND remember the reason you’re doing all this-—a clean, fresh start.
• Allocate an area for old items and clutter you’re getting rid of—it will save time when you’re loading.
• After spring cleaning put your knickknacks and treasures back in different places. It will give your cottage a whole new look!

Melissa McAfee is an organizing expert for 1-800-GOT-JUNK? the world’s largest junk removal service.

As seen in the March/April 2006 issue of Cottage Magazine