Sometimes clearing clutter is not just about picking things up and putting them away, it’s about WHERE do things belong?

I used to live in a flat in San Francisco and parking spots were prized possessions. They probably still are! Having a car without a parking spot was such a hassle, that sometimes it would actually determine whether I went out or not - seriously! It influenced my social life. NOT having a parking spot took up time (sometimes driving around for up to an hour to find a parking spot), money (I received my share of parking tickets from not moving it on time), and tested my sanity (talk about parking rage - no explanation needed here!)

Clutter can also influence time, sanity and social life. (Have you ever NOT invite people into your home because of the mess?) If the clutter is over the top and you want to make a change, the best way to maintain a clutter free home is to create a system where every item has it’s own parking space. If every item is put in its own specific place to “park” then it saves time (you don’t have to spend time looking for things), money (when things are put away properly and taken care of, they’re more likely to last longer) and of course improves your overall well being. Clutter and chaos in the environment can manifest in life overall.

Here are some guidelines to maintaining a clutter free environment:
1. Designate a parking spot for each item in the house, particularly those things that tend to clutter the room, ie newspapers, magazines, mail, keys, backpacks, tchotchkes, etc.

2. Make it a habit to “park” each item where it belongs. Encourage your whole family to know and utilize each parking spot as well.

3. Create a clutter zone (where you DO allow clutter). I would guess that every household has a “junk drawer.” This is okay as long as the intention is to confine the clutter in that area. Everything else has a specific place to park. With a family, it also might be helpful to have a parking spot right by the door where kids can deposit their backpacks and adults can park their briefcase, keys, etc.

With a little organization and some time to practice, you’ll be able to maintain your clutter free home for a long time.

I’d love to hear what de-cluttering methods have worked for you!

Make Clutter Free Yours!
Susan