Penicillin: Keeping Clutter Off Flat Surfaces

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

03 Jan 2008 01:09 PM

It is the new year and a perfect time to get things organized. I have been working my way through the front entry, and I wanted to share with you some tips for keeping clutter off of flat surfaces. For me, this especially applies to surfaces that are near entrances (both the front entry and the back door in my case). But, you can apply these strategies for any areas that tend to develop clutter, such as tables, the tops of dressers, on bookcases, etc.

Why does clutter collect in these area? Well, the nature of them being flat means that people tend to just drop stuff on the available surface, usually when entering the home,. Loose change, mail, clothing, keys, whatever they happen to be holding in their hands or carrying in their pockets. Clutter tend to multiply, like so much bacteria, until the area just looks sick.

My strategy to combat this is to first throughly clean the area, including dusting, polishing or washing, whatever applies. You may think twice about placing something on a shiny surface. Of course, this effect only for just so long before everyone gets over their hesitation and starts dropping things once again. That is when I apply the Penicillin.

Penicillin is anything that you can add that will deter the clutter and keep it away. Some examples are a plant or fresh flowers on the flat surface. Not only will it look nice and add beauty to your home, but it will leave little room for other things. Living things tend to garner a little respect, and people are less likely to cover them with clutter.

Baskets are another form of Penicillin when they are used carefully. items can be dropped into the baskets and be corralled instead of loose in a mess. Just make sure that you schedule a regular time to clean out the baskets, let's say once a week, or you'll just find yourself with an overflowing mess.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

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Organizing Your Front Entry

New Year's Resolution: A Clean and Clutter-Free Home

Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Wardrobe (1)

Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Wardrobe (2)

Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Wardrobe (3)

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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