Who's the boss?

Stop stuff from taking over

Argh! Doesn’t it always come to this? What started out great turns into a tug of war. First, it seems like the perfect roommate. Then it spreads, brings more friends, claims nearly every room in the house and won’t take "no" for an answer. It lurks behind each closet door and gets dibs on the attic, basement and garage, too. The sheer size is scaring the cat, and you don’t know what to do. It’s your stuff, and you’ve had enough.

Is your stuff running your life? Read on for signs that it’s taking over, and get tips for reducing, reusing and recycling in the new year.

Five signs that your stuff is in charge

• Unused rooms are heated and cooled just to store stuff.
• Home exercise equipment doubles as shelving for knickknacks and what-nots.
• You’re holding on to those piles of old clothes in case the poodle skirt makes a comeback.
• Your stuff kicked the car, bike and skateboard out of the garage.
• You can’t find your stuff … because of your stuff.

Simple ways to reclaim your space – and your life – in 2012

• Weigh the potential impact before buying something new. Nearly half the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions come from making and distributing goods and food.
• Share or exchange items with family, friends and neighbors to avoid unnecessary buys.
• Start composting yard debris and kitchen scraps, turning leftover trimmings into organic gardeners’ gold and reducing your carbon footprint.
• Set aside unwanted, still-good items such as clothes, furniture and supplies for schools, shelters and other organizations that accept them.
• Freebies are tempting, but avoid accepting gifts you really won’t use.
• From paints and pesticides to solvents and spa chemicals, take household toxic trash to one of Metro’s two transfer stations year-round for proper recycling or disposal, or participate in one of Metro’s household hazardous waste collection events available March through November.

Get more tips