When I change out my furnace filter, I write the date on the edge facing out. Then there is never a question as to how long it has been between changes. I also keep a magiic marker near the furnace for that purpose!
I get quite a few magazines, and instead of tossing them, I gather them up and give to an older family member who gets a lot of enjoyment out of them. You can drop them off at a local nursing home too.
I remove food items that come in cardboard boxes, such as freezer waffles, toaster pastries, packages of soup; and put them in freezer bags. If there are instructions, I cut them out and slip them into the bag. It saves a lot of space and keeps things fresher.
Set aside junk mail in a bin so that when the bin is full, you can recycle the mail with your recylclable paper, instead of tossing it in the trash.
I recycle junk mail envelopes by attaching them to the side of my refrigerator with a pencil (I use a magnetic clip and a piece of string) for use as a grocery list. Write the item on the list as you use it up or think of it. On shopping day, select the appropriate coupons from your stash and stick them in the envelope. Off to the store! Neatly and economicaly organized.
To un-clutter a messy house, make a deal with yourself to remove two items for every new one you bring home. Recycle or donate the used items!
When organizing junk drawers I sort small items and put them in baggies. You can see through them and find what you need easily and nothing gets lost. I also do that with pantyhose/extra makeup,etc.
Instead of storing too many plastic containers, just line the ones you have with a zip lock bag, fill and freeze. When frozen remove the zip lock bag and you are ready to use the plastic container again.