Reducing Clutter the Simple Way

Learn Tips for Assessing and Organizing Mess in the Home

Sep 7, 2007

Feeling tired after a busy day at work and then coming home to clutter and disorganized mess can lead to extra stress or even depression. How do some people do it all?

Examine the Importance

Is this stuff really worth keeping? Old baby clothes, antiques collecting dust, old photos in boxes and other items with some worth to the owner can take up a great deal of space. If these things are so important, then give them a space of value. Otherwise, reevaluate the worth of these items. Donate them to charity or throw them away if they are no longer of any significance.

Reduce the collection of stuff

Realize that if things are continuously added to the home, eventually there will be no more room. It’s a fact. Weed through the old, thinning out unwanted or outdated items. If items are a must keep, use plastic tubs or boxes to help organize. Label each tub or box with a list of contents

Now Is the time

Although it may feel like there is not enough time in the day, daily household chores should not dominate the majority of time spent at home. Tidying up an organized home should not be a huge task. When the home is already organized, cleaning off a few counters or loading the dishwasher or vacuuming the carpet should be all it takes to make the home presentable and clean. Set aside some time every day, 15 minutes, 30 minutes or however long it takes, to help get the home in order. Once things are in order, it will take less time to tidy up the home.

The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization

The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization can help locate professional organizers to aid those in need of assistance with clutter and mess in the household. Those interested in assessing their household clutter can use “The Clutter Hoarding Scale.” The scale goes from Level I, “Clutter not excessive” and “Normal household cleaning” to Level III, “Visible clutter outdoors” and “items stored in shower” and then on to more drastic situations of contamination and destruction under Level V. Most people fall under Level I or II. There are also fact sheets on topics like “Are you Chronically Disorganized?” For those who feel clutter is a problem or want to stop cluttering this organization is a good resource for information and helpful links. There are also support groups like Clutterers Anonymous or Messies Anonymous, where those who feel that clutter is out of control can meet to talk and learn how to deal with stress.

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