Rule 5: Recycle it.
We're not talking about just paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic. You may argue that you throw these items away anyway, so how does recycling help with uncluttering? Well, for one thing, it's a good habit to get used to putting certain things in certain places. In addition, many people have a tough time parting with certain containers, especially glass bottles. Mayonnaise jars are good for storing bacon fat, and pickle jars or peanut-butter jars are just right for something else. Recycling finally allows the world's bottle-savers to put their bottles to good use. Recycle them. The same goes for plastic Cool Whip containers, with their irresistible resealing lid, and microwave plates that remain after the dinner has been eaten. Even if you can't recycle plastic in your area, don't save these disposable items.
Other things can be recycled also. What about clothes you no longer wear or fit into? Recycle them into the hands of someone who needs them. Don't forget old sweaters and shoes that aren't so obvious when you open the closet door. What about books that overflow the capacity of your bookshelves? Sell them to a used-books store, or give them to a school library. Magazines can be given to a school or hospital or nursing home full of folks who will enjoy them. If you don't want to go to the trouble of finding a new home for your old magazines, recycle them with your newspapers if allowed. Old towels can be used for rags only if you need more rags. Otherwise, recycle them along with your old clothes. The same goes for unused linen, baby clothes, diapers, ties, belts, purses, wallets, plants, or bikes. In fact, almost any inanimate object in your house is a candidate for reuse by someone else.
Rule 1: When in doubt, throw it out.
Rule 2: Use it or lose it.
Rule 3: Efficiency counts, so store things accordingly.
Rule 4: Handle something once.
Rule 5: Recycle it.
Rule 6: Pick a number and stick with it.
Rule 7: Use a file cabinet.
Rule 8: Do Something.
Rule 9: A place for everything, and everything in its place.
Rule 10: Items displayed in the house have to pass a test.
Rule 11: Don't do things "later."
Rule 12: Label things.
Rule 13: Call in a professional.