Small Changes That Yield Big Results Part 2

In yesterday's post, I focused on clearing clutter to open up space with a few tips and suggestions to get the process started. Here are 10 more quick tips to help you control clutter and stay more organized:

1. Put things away as soon as possible after using them. If you have kids, husband, and other family members sharing your home, enlist their help as well. Get into the habit of picking up and putting away books, magazines, toys, laundry, etc. Have a few baskets handy and put things into baskets if you don't have time to put things away in their proper storage areas.


2. Clean up as you go along when cooking or preparing meals. Put things back into cabinets or storage areas. Keep cabinet doors closed. Wipe down counters, cooktops, appliances, etc. regularly to clean up spills, etc.


3. Go through your incoming mail on a daily basis if possible. Have a basket or bin for any incoming mail. Sort through and have a specific place to put bills, documents, or anything that requires immediate attention. Junk mail can be tossed/recycled. Holiday catalogs, magazines, etc. can be put into a basket to be reviewed when you have time.


4. Have a spot near your main family entrance for keys, incoming and outgoing mail, etc. Keep a basket or a bag near the door for anything that needs to be put into the car. Then leave that basket or bag in the car and fill it with things that need to be taken into the house afterward.


5. Keep a donation box or bag in each closet and your laundry room. That way, as you are clearing things out, you can have a container readily available. As each box or bag fills up, you can sort through and determine to which organization you want to donate to.


6. At the start of each new season, spend some time going through each room of your house and make a list of things that you'd like to do in each room over the next 3 months. Then set a few goals and schedule time to accomplish them. If you have a running list, it's fun to cross things off as you get the projects completed. Enlist a friend or family member who may be able to "see" things that you don't. You could also take some pictures of each room to have a visual reference.


7. Focus on one area at a time. Don't try to do a major overhaul in one shot. (I keep a running "to do" list which helps me to focus. As I complete a project, it gets crossed off.)


8. Use organizing tools and aids that work for you and your family. What may work for one person or family may not work for someone else.


9. If you live in a small space or home, find furniture that serves multi purposes and has a lot of storage potential. An ottoman or bench with a lift up top is a perfect example of a piece that can be used for seating and storage.


10. Utilize any storage areas you have more effectively. When you clear out a closet or any storage area, take an inventory of what you plan to store there. Then find various storage options that will help you to organize your things better, and keep them organized.

• Click Here for more tips on organizing and clearing clutter.
• Click Here for more information on how "The House Therapist" can assist you with any organizing projects.
• Click Here for some great resources, books, and information on Organizing, Clearing Clutter, and More!