Simple Clutters That Become Too Much Very Easily
Life gets busy, time gets away from us, kids are a lot. There are so many legitimate excuses for how clutter can get out of hand. All of these things can be manageable and avoidable at the same time. It is key to keep an eye on things (easier said than done, I know) before it becomes an actual chore to tackle the mess.
If managed as it is happening, it can take only a couple of minutes to sort through and handle, versus needing to devote an hour to sorting and decluttering these build ups. Here are some of the major culprits and some ideas as to how to maintain cleanliness before they become clutter disasters.
Paperwork
I am starting with the biggest problem of them all. This comes from junk mail, bills, reminders, flyers, newspapers, kids art work, school letters, birthday cards, manuals, and so much more. I have seen this happen in my family growing up where the piles may be organized, but still left in useable places like the couch, the dining table, kitchen counters, desks, coffee tables. All places they shouldn’t be and create clutter and a messy looking home. I refuse to allow this in my home for my own family. Try to sort and have a filing system for these items the moment they enter the home. If these things need to be out as reminders so you do not forget, create a command station in your home where it is a designated drop spot. A filing box that is visible, a folder or binder that is reviewed everyday, or even a bulletin board or magnet board where it can be seen. Piles are no good to anyone. There may be a method to your madness, but it is still creating a busy and messy looking space that can have better solutions. Piling things up can cause things and important deadlines to be missed and messes create internal anxiety, whether you realize it or not.
Clothing Piles
Laundry is the enemy to many. It is never ending. Allowing piles to build up, only make things worse. Having a hamper in every bedroom is important to avoid growing messes and scattered worn clothing. Keeping a basket on your main floor or in your living room, maybe even one with a lid, can be a great solution for when you have wee ones who are being changed regularly and creates an easier toss-in spot. At the bottom or top of the stairs is another great drop-in solution to remind you to bring things upstairs or downstairs, depending on where your laundry room is located. A basket or bin in the bathroom is a great spot for everyone to toss in their towels and prevents that musky or moldy wet towel smell throughout the house.
Messy Toys
This one can be hard, because kids have beautiful imaginations and creative toys like Lego and building blocks should be a staple in kids lives. But the messes they create, my goodness! Not to mention stepping on a Lego with your barefoot, not cool! Keeping a rule about these types of toys only to be played with in certain rooms can be helpful. And minimizing how many collections of these toys allowed in the house can do wonders. Kids are creative, they don’t need every collection known to man kind. A rule to follow is having a particular bin dedicated to these types of toys, if the bin is getting too full, time to get rid of some. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t stay, simple as that.
Makeup & Beauty Supplies
Over the years I had collected so much makeup and beauty supplies, it was a bit ridiculous. It was as if I were saving them for a rainy day. Samples of all kinds of products, eye shadow palettes, so many face primers! Who did I think I was? Since becoming a mother, I have completely downsized what I keep on hand. I no longer have the time to get super creative with my makeup, nor is that my style anymore. We evolve and grow and change our likes and looks. I still love makeup and try to do my makeup everyday, even if it only takes me five minutes, because I feel more put together when I wear makeup and it gives me a few minutes of ME time. We all deserve that as mothers. But I do not need the lovely large collection I had developed. I had 15 lipsticks in my collection, and I have never really worn lipstick. Unnecessary. Downsizing has forced me to appreciate the things I have and forces me to use what I’ve got. Saves money and makes things more tidy.
Dishes
We all eat, it is what fuels us throughout the day. And preparing meals at home saves money and is usually much healthier. But then there are dishes. So many dishes. And the more mouths to feed, the more dishes there are. Loading and unloading the dishwasher takes less time than you think it does, just do it. And this prevents the cluttered look of dishes left in the sink or on the counter. Doing the pots and pans after every meal will help avoid messes piling up and saves you time and effort later. I try to make sure all the dishes are done and the counters are cleared before bed every night. Waking up to a clean kitchen to start the day is always a welcome feeling.
What are some cluttered areas in your home? Clutter happens, it is a part of life. It is how we handle these piles and messes that can make all the difference in our days. Prevent the major overhaul cleanups and try to stay on top of the clutter as it is happening, you’ll thank me later!
Melanie xoxox