Have one empty container in each room of the house. At the end of each day, go room by room, and put any clutter that has accumulated into the empty container. At the end of each week, remove the contents of each container by putting items where they belong and tossing what you don’t need.
Once a year host a party or event. This is great incentive to organize and de-clutter. In fact, having guests over is the number one motivator for getting organized.
Use color to help maintain order by having a color distinguish an individuals belongings. Have each person in the household pick a color she would like for her sheets, towels, lunch bag, hats, gloves, book bag, etc. This way each individual can easily see what belongs to her, and then be held accountable for keeping those things in order.
While having lunch with a friend, she proclaimed “piles happen”. I readily agreed, and shared that the best way to combat piles is to store paper vertically, not horizontally. For example, instead of setting the mail down on the counter, and letting it pile up, sort it into a divided vertical container. Another example is to put newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and in a container that holds them upright.
Keeping projects on the table, counter, desk, or tool bench, because you worry that once they are out of sight, they are out of mind, is a common concern. This two step process will help you organize ongoing projects and get them done. It has been successful for me. Step 1 – Keep an ongoing project list on the fridge, and put the projects away. Step 2 – Block out time on your calendar to work on your projects. Schedule increments of time that allow you to have the project completed when you wish it to be done.
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