ONCE THERE IS A MESS, IT CAN GROW QUICKLY. DON'T LET IT.

The way clutter works: If there is already a pile of miscellaneous clutter, it will ‘invite’ us to leave more things on the pile. Why bother putting it away if the room is a mess anyway; one more piece won’t even be noticed. We’re creating a norm of allowing ourselves and others to not bother.

And the mess grows bigger.

Don’t let that happen. Deal with the papers and stuff right away. While it is easily manageable. Don’t let it build up.

Address issues when they are small and easily manageable. Don’t let them build up.

Similarly, in marriage and relationships, it is important to address issues and conflicts when they are small and manageable, rather than letting them accumulate and grow into larger, more difficult problems.