Organized Living

The psyChology of mEss

liTTle adjusTmenTs To rEduCE thE CluttEr

hellen buTTigieg

We all have spots that are magnets for clutter, usually because they provide a convenient, empty flat surface to pile things on. Walk around your home to determine where the clutter hot spots are, then remove the clutter (toss it in a box or laundry basket for now) and put something beautiful in its place, like a vase or a sculpture. If it’s the dining room table, set it as if you were having a dinner party. This will deter you from using it as a drop zone.

Keep your pantry DecluttereD

Most people can’t resist buying items that are on sale. But when it comes to food, buying too much and neglecting to use it before the expiry date will cost you more in the long run. It’s easy to forget what you have on hand when things build up. Whether you keep your food in the kitchen cupboards or a large pantry, keeping these areas streamlined and organized will save you time, money and frustration. Before going grocery shopping, take an inventory of everything you have and plan the meals for the upcoming week with an eye toward incorporating these items. Once you’ve used up the excess, get in the habit of planning your weekly meals in advance. You will avoid over-buying and will always know what’s for dinner.

purchase furniture that Does Double-Duty

Consider purchasing a few multifunctional furnishings such as an upholstered ottoman that not only provides a place to put your feet up, but also offers additional seating, doubles as a coffee table and opens up to reveal hidden storage.

create an in/out zone

Set up a small container for each family member on a table or a small bookcase by the door as a place to hold keys and wallets. It can also act as a landing spot for briefcases and backpacks. In addition to providing a home for those items when you walk in the door, it also gives you a consistent spot to place things you’ll need to take with you when you go out again.

are you being helD hostage by your stuff?

If you are reluctant to get rid of certain items because they were expensive, think about how much it’s costing you to keep them. The more possessions you have, the more time it takes to care for them and the more space it takes to store them. Although it may be difficult to let go of things that no longer serve you, the payoff is well worth it: You’ll have more free time in your day and be more relaxed in your home.

feeling stucK

If you find yourself backsliding when it comes to maintaining your organizing systems, don’t berate yourself, as this will sap your energy and prevent you from doing anything about it. Rather than dwelling on what went wrong, focus instead on what needs to be done. Just say “oops” and move on to take action.

Hellen Buttigieg is a certified professional organizer, life coach, TV host, owner of We Organize U and author of the best-seller, Organizing Outside The Box. For tips on getting organized, visit weorganizeu.com and sign up for the free newsletter.

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