Ok, Ok!
I admit, I am organized in my head and in my own special way. I am definitely picky when it comes to where I put things, even though those places may be odd to someone else {like my wonderful “clutter-free” husband}!
Clutter is my issue…
I love a CLEAN house, I just have issues with throwing away things. I have a fear that I’ll need this paper later, or I have to keep ALL million catrillion pieces of art master pieces by my 5 year old! I even hang on to empty “Gatorade” bottles and I have no idea why!
So, needless to say, when it comes time for me to de-clutter, I can become overwhelmed!
Here are some tips that have helped me along the way:
- If you have a lot of clutter, don’t try to de-clutter every room and every cabinet in one day. Schedule a room or section of your house and go through them. For instance, organize your closest on Saturday and go through your child’s artwork on Sunday. I always end up taking trips down memory lane and end up having “show-and-tell” when I find old trinkets that remind me of a special moment. So I actually like to allow for extra time. If I don’t, then I feel rushed and then my fear of getting rid of something that I need distracts me.
- Allow yourself to keep some things and put them in a special memory box or file them away in an organizing filing system! I love revisiting my oldest daughter’s “special box” where I stored her special baby items. You can also use this wonderful suggestion from Jennifer of Pure and Simple Organizing: Home Organization – Create an Art Gallery Wall.
- Keep in control of your bad habits so that they don’t become out of control! My closet, is my bad habit! It is what I put off when life is extra, extra busy. So I end up not putting my clothes in the right spot! If I let this go on for too long then, I am going to have a mess to reorganize later! So I try to block out closet time whenever things start “piling” up, so I won’t end up spending hours organizing later! However, it is better to not let anything pile up if you can help it.
- Realize that you may have an emotional attachment to something that you shouldn’t keep. So ask a friend that you trust to help you go through some of the things to decide whether or not you should keep certain items.
- Donate the things you don’t need! Books, old dishes, clothes, shoes or whatever you don’t need, donate it!
- Add simple “de-cluttering” techniques to your daily routine! Maybe spend 15 minutes a day, making sure that your home stays clutter free.
- Consider getting professional help from a person who LOVES organizing like Jennifer Burnham. She makes organizing fun!
What methods do you use to keep your home clutter free?
Next up…
How to De-clutter Your Mind!
Faith, a native of the Charlotte area, is a Christian, wife and mother of 2 girls. She loves spending time with family and friends and loves to LAUGH!
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I’m in the process of decluttering and, on the advice of a blog I read, I am setting my goal to throw/ give away at least 12 items every day. I’m only on day 4 and I already feel like I have so much more space in my space challenged home!
Alison I am the same way, too much clutter or disorganization just wears on me. I pray for a simpler life and less “stuff” all the time. Thank you for sharing what you’re working on!!
Thank you Faith for including me in the post! Hope you and your beautiful family are doing well!
Alison — that is an excellent goal! I would love to hear your progress as the days go by.