What’s your toughest clutter clearing challenge? How do you clear the clutter? Here are five (5) Clutter Clearing Challenges with solutions.
- Laundry Room – It’s a small space consisting of a washer & dryer and possibly some shelving or cabinetry.
Problem: Clutter and TMS* (too much stuff), “linty” and dusty.
Solution: Clear (empty) the counters, shelves and cabinetry. Wash and reorganize placing same things together. Discard old or nearly empty tubes, bottles, sample packets. Done well, you should have extra room for backup supplies. Obtain shelf risers if needed. Always fold laundry ASAP, lingering = clutter creation.
- Front Entry – This space is your physical and psychological welcome center. Yet for many it’s a dump zone, a staging area, a place for extra keys, bills, things of all kinds.
Problem: A cluttered entry creates tension, distraction and a chaotic mood.
Solution: Clear the Clutter…remove everything off the entry table, clear off any front entry shelving and clean. Clear and with deliberation, place matching items together. Consider a hook system for keys, dog leashes and a hat rack, a shoe storage system…whatever “needs” to be in the entryway, it should appear clean, neat, organized and welcoming. Consider adding a “live” item, like flowers, plants, a mini waterfall to offer feng shui energy of a welcoming, living space.
- Home Office – Whether you have a designated office space or a desk in a corner of the bedroom, the home office is a combination of electronics, papers, filing systems and storage.
Problem: TMS* (too much stuff) out in the open, open files, pens and pencils in coffee mugs, post-it reminders and wires, wires, wires.
Solution: Clear the desk of everything, clean and clear the surface. Design a layout that maximizes efficiency, focus and good lighting. Less is more ON the desk. Use drawers, file cabs and shelving to place supplies like copy paper, paperclips, writing tools, PC/Mac. Keeping your office neat and orderly helps you focus on the task at hand, free of distractions. Wire ties help hide the mess,
- Bathroom – Large or small, the bathroom is a showcase for cleanliness, privacy, comfort and care. It should be a space that reflects your style. Use cabinetry to store TP, morning ritual products (soap, toothbrush & paste, cologne& perfume).
Problem: The counter tops become dump zones for everything.
Solution: Use multi-compartment drawer organizers to help keep things in their place. From tweezers to lip sticks, there’s a storage solution for you. Let your bathroom sink and countertop be as empty as possible, affording you calm, clean surfaces with minimize clutter.
- Garage – Often considered the ultimate home “dumping zone”, the garage is a hodge-podge of items that don’t fit or belong under air in the home. For many, organizing a garage appears daunting, dangerous, and a disgusting project.
Problem: TMS* (too much stuff) is everywhere, often dumped, often outdated, often overlooked items that require your attention.
Solution: Clear out one section at a time, down to the floor…sweep clean, sweep again. Determine with deliberate decision-making, what goes where? Start in one corner and work your way around. For many, replacing old rotted shelves can be replaced by new systems designed to hold up and “hide” tools and such behind cabinet doors. Remove outdated sprays, poisons, rusted tools, wood scraps, and old anything. Place like items together, lighter weight things high on shelves, most used at eye level, heavy rock and paints at the bottom. Dispose of old paints after photographing the “formula” sticker for future reference. Every municipality has safe dumping zones for paints and other environmentally sensitive items. Take your time. It’s the room requiring the most organizing of many different categories of belongings.
This list is just a start. But getting starting with clutter clearing is often the hardest part. Start simply, using my S.M.A.R.T. system (see aplusclutterclearing.com) and when all else fails, CALL for a free phone consultation. Happy to help you out with your organizing challenges.
Clear the Clutter…Clear the Mind ™
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