When people think of someone who tends to be a perfectionist, they don’t dream that this same person could be hiding mounds of clutter in her or his home. In fact, clutter isn’t the bane of just a hoarding personality. Perfectionists can be just as likely to have clutter, although for different reasons. Earlier today, I had about forty minutes to do laundry and attack and area of the basement that is just piled with clutter. When we moved into our home two years ago, the basement became the sort of staging area for things that didn’t yet have a … Continue reading →

While getting rid excess stuff seems like an easy thing to do (just start in one place and keep going), for many of us de-cluttering is tough to do. From not knowing where to start to having an emotional attachment to our stuff, we can be our own worse enemies when it comes to having an organized home. One thing that may help in your de-cluttering efforts is to practice some tough love with yourself. Practicing tough love means that you establish certain rules for yourself and then follow them most of the time. Notice I said most of the … Continue reading →

Whenever I am faced with clutter or even the idea of bringing something new into the house, I try to ask myself, “Who are you?” Knowing who I am and want I want to do makes it simple to lose the clutter. Here is what I mean. First decide who it is you are or want to be and what it is you want to do. What do you love doing? Do you like to network with other people? Do you enjoy being a caregiver to your children? Are you an artist? Do you like country? Get a clear sense … Continue reading →

Let’s face it, sometimes it is hard to find the motivation to remove clutter from your home. The job can sometimes feel overwhelming, even if you break it out into steps. Facing clutter can also be unpleasant. When I just look around and don’t want to de-clutter, I try to find a bit of extra motivation to get me up to the task. When you need a little extra boost, try one of these ideas. Blessing others This past weekend I got a good handle on some magazine clutter. There were two bags worth of current and mostly current magazine. … Continue reading →

Having these house rules in place will make sure that certain clutter just pretty much takes care of itself. I’ve been on a kick to eliminate clutter and keep things organized. Being less than a hundred percent lately showed me how quickly a home can build up the clutter without constant vigilance. Fortunately, having some house rules in place can keep the clutter down on a daily basis. Kids Artwork When new artwork is completed or brought home from school, post one or two to the fridge, bulletin board or wall. The old artwork should be taken down and then … Continue reading →

I admit that I have never been addicted to shoes. While friends of mine have overflowing closets full of footwear, I have exactly five pairs of shoes and sandals, plus two pairs of sneakers (one of the pairs is for yard work) and one pair of work boots that double for the winter. I’m always worried about the expense and the practicality of treating myself to shoes. My daughter has no such qualms about acquiring shoes. At four-and-a-half, she has never met a pink, feminine, or sparkly shoe that she does like. Church shoes, jelly shoes, sandals, princess sneakers and … Continue reading →

Are you tired of a messy bathroom? Rummaging through tumbles of things under the sink and dodging items that are falling out of the medicine cabinet is not the way to start or end your day. Just a few minutes of attention will have your bathroom organized in no time. First set aside a little bit of time to devote to your organizing. A minimum of 15 minutes is good, although you might want to dedicate at least 30 minutes to the project, so you won’t feel rushed or wind up with the organizing half done. Take all of your … Continue reading →