Decluttering

Growing up, I was such a neat child. I would make charts so that my sister and I could take turns with washing dishes and doing other chores. I disliked things not being organized. In my early twenties, my Saturday routine always began with deep cleaning my apartment. I would open the windows and let in fresh air. I was a regular Ms. Stewart!

Soon came the joys of marriage and kids, but I began to feel overwhelmed. I remember reading parent magazines that said this was normal. I learned to forgive myself for missing my cleaning routine, because catching up on sleep after a baby keeps you up was more important. As the kids grew and my career grew, the toys and things took over the house. So how was I to catch up? How do I become Ms. Organized again?

Step 1: If you have a clutter problem, admit it. (Taking pictures helps, and can be used to track progress.)

Step 2: Clear the space by putting things in one of these categories:

• Keep (things just for the room/area)


• Return (return to another room/area, return to owner)


• Give Away (donate regularly/some agencies even do pick ups)


• Trash

Step 3: Dust, clean, repair as needed

Step 4: Make the area special (decorate and/or add organizing shelves, boxes,...). If you feel the space is special, you are less likely to trash it again.

Step 5: Every day take a few minutes to pick up and put things where they belong.

Hope this helps me and others. Check back in a week to see my "after" picture.