An interesting thing about clutter is that it creeps up on you. It doesn’t magically appear one day; it took time to become clutter. Think about each and every time you used something and didn’t put it back where it belonged, or you purchased something you really didn’t need. If you didn’t need it, then it never really had a specific place in your home. That’s how clutter begins. Well, there is hope. I’m going to show you the easiest ways to control clutter, so you’ll never have to worry about it creeping up on you again! 😉
FIVE TIPS TO CONTROL CLUTTER
- The best advice I can give to control clutter is to perform daily maintenance. It doesn’t have to be an all-day affair, just a few minutes each day. It really only takes about 15-20 minutes per day. You can use this time to focus on one specific area or the entire house. If you take the time to put items back where they belong, it will help you start your day off right. You will know where to find the things you need, and you’ll be able to get out the door faster.
- The next tip I have to control clutter is to put things away after you are finished using them. I know it is so tempting just to leave that glass on the table and move on to other things, but if you take the time to put the glass into the dishwasher, that will be one less thing for you to do when you perform your 15-minute daily maintenance. Have everyone in the home practice this tip, so you are not the only one putting stuff away.
- Don’t bring anything new into the house until you know exactly where its home will be. If you are about to purchase something and can’t figure out where you will put it when you get home, leave it in the store. If it is something you really think you need, go home first and find a place for it, then go back and get it. You may have to get rid of something or move items to other rooms, but any new item must have a designated place in your home before it enters.
- Regularly purge the items you own. If you set up specific times of the year to purge in your calendar, it will be easier to remember. For example, when you perform your fall and spring cleaning, that would be an excellent time to purge clothing, shoes, toys, and linens. Make a note of any new items you will need to purchase to replace the purged items. The fun part about this tip is that you get to go shopping!
- Before birthdays and holidays, ask your children to donate any toys/books/items that they no longer want. Take them with you when you donate them. This will help teach your children the spirit of giving, but it will also free up room for the new items that will be coming.
That’s It!
If you begin implementing these five tips, you will be well on your way to controlling the clutter in your home!
If you have any questions about how to get rid of clutter in your home, feel free to leave them in the comments below. I’m here to help! 🙂
P.S. Follow SimpLeigh Organized on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more decluttering tips!
Related Articles:
Regularly purging is my favorite tip. Often we forget that we have to do maintenance purging to keep everything neat and tidy. Congrats, you’re featured this week at the #ThisIsHowWeRoll Link Party on Organized 31.
Yes, sometimes it’s hard to remember that organizing is an ongoing task. I’m humbled and honored to learn that my post was featured this week! I always find great blogs to read and follow at your parties. Thank you!
Clutter is the bane of my life. I try so hard to keep it under control but with a very busy schedule it isn’t always easy. I think you are right that you have to have a place for everything – this I am working on!
Hi Sam! I totally understand how clutter can pile up when you’re busy. Hopefully some of my posts will be able to help you get a handle on things. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! 🙂
Great advice to not buy anything until you’re sure you have a place to put it. That’s the reason for most of my clutter. I am forever trying to make space for things. I have to get better at that.
Yes, Number 3 for me, too. Great suggestions! Martha Stewart recommended putting a (fancy and perfect) donation box right beside the door to your car. As you no longer need things, drop them in the box. When it’s full, it’s time to take them to your local charity. I’ve been doing that for a few years. he box sits next to the recycling bin. It’s amazing how much that box keeps filling up with things the family has accumulated for no good reason.
These tips are awesome! I would print them and put them in front of my eyes, just to be remembered. It is so important to keep clutter away, the more I do it the better it gets. Thanks for inspiring me.
This is a great list! Number 3 has really helped me cut back on spending too! I don’t buy it, unless I know where to put it! I’m a bit OCD about #2, and #4 is a big habit of mine too!
I love this. It’s so much easier said than done for me, but a constant work in progress. Thanks for the reminder and tips!