Somehow

“Clean up your room.”

seems inadequate

 

A new client opened her front door to invite me into an amazing scene of disarray and clutter…

There were heaps of clothes, piles of papers and magazines, innumerable knickknacks stuffed to overflowing on the shelves, as well as useless, unattractive  extra furniture.

The first thing she said was,

“The most important thing I need

is a new coffee table.”

Really?

 

What an adult authority figure would point out:

 

“A place for everything, and everything in its place”

is a great home design motto to live by

 

Start by editing ruthlessly: The ancient/broken/non-relevant items should be weeded out and banished.  This means extra, unloved furniture too.  Once you have created some legitimate breathing space around the Keepables, you’ll be able to effectively plan an organization strategy with wall units, cabinets and containers.  Though this de-cluttering and “has been” removal may be a sizeable chore, it will do wonders for improving your general frame of mind.

Certain rooms, like offices, kitchens and bathrooms

are at risk for clutter

because of all the associated tasks assigned to those rooms.

No matter how small the abode, or the extent you multi-task each area, give some thought to the things that you do in each area and then set yourself up for maximum efficiency.  Make designated places for everything you need, down to the smallest necessary item.

Think inside the box. The Clutter Problem happens less often because you are inherently a slob than because no space has been designated for the things you want and need. For this reason, The Container Store can be a thrilling destination.  There you will find storage containers of all shapes and sizes that will accommodate everything you want to (finally) put away, out of sight and out of mind till later.

By the way, you’ll be driven out of your mind if you don’t label your containers. Some people can’t live without the P-Touch label maker “PT-70” $19.99. Go to brother.com for stores. Just sayin’…

All manner of containers make interesting storage. Antique suitcases could be stacked under side table for clothes currently out of season.  Big wicker baskets with lids could accommodate sheets, towels and/or ironing piles. Be creative, but also plan to leave a few potential storage options empty for future acquisitions, or as we shall see in Part II, for emergency hiding places.

Well, all that’s great but here we are,

Adults who didn’t make the bed today

and the rest of the place is a mess too….

Friends are dropping by in about 15 minutes

Now what?

 

Household Clutter Control #2: Make Your Mess Look Deliberate

 

Related Posts

Decor Aid: Where Do I Start?

Seasonal Decorating: Spring Break

Closet Clutter Control#1: Where’s My Other Sock?

Closet Clutter Control #2: Managing Your Hang-Ups

Feng Shui: Practical Magic In Your Home

 

 

Photo – Maggiesfarm.anotherdotcom.com

 

This article is a “How Does This Work?” Classic from the Decoding Decor Library. It’s represented here from an earlier archived article. It has been reviewed, rewritten and updated as needed for your continuing home design education and convenience.…because you never know when you’ll need the last word on “Clutter Control”.

Questions? Write to: Cindy@DecodingDecor.com

Tags: Clutter, Small Space Living Basics & Tips, space planning