Solving Common Clutter Problems

Many people struggle with controlling clutter in their homes. Things tend to pile up when they don't have a specific place to go. It can be difficult when you feel like you have limited storage space in your house. As clutter gets out of control, it can be stressful and overwhelming; making you feel like there is no way you'll ever find time to take care of it all. You may clean and organize one area at a time, only to see that the first thing you took care of is full of clutter again by the time you're done. This endless cycle of clutter accumulation can be broken by using these expert tips on organizing things around your home.

1) It is a good idea to take care of one area at a time so that you are not overwhelmed. However, many clutter problems can be categorized by type, rather than by location. Take care of the spaces that you most frequently use all at once to start. This includes the entryway to your home, your kitchen and bathroom countertops, your living room tables, and the tops of your dressers. The things that accumulate in these common clutter problem areas generally can be grouped together. Making a space for mail, keys, cameras, cell phones, chargers, wallets, purses, backpacks, office supplies, hair ties, and change can help you to be quickly on your way to a clutter-free home.

2) Much of what we keep around that doesn't seem to fit into a category is actually mementos. This is especially true of people who have children. Kids are always bringing home projects, artwork, or schoolwork that you want to keep. Having an easy place to stash these items will save you from accumulating little piles of paper all over the house. You should also have multiple places to stash pencils, pens, markers, and scissors. These things are often used in an area that is away from your computer desk, and having little containers around the house makes it more likely that the supplies will end up back where they go.

3) The closet is another place that tends to get very cluttered very quickly. We don't often decide to go through our wardrobes and get rid of unused or unwanted items. We simply buy new clothes and add them to the mix. This, combined with switching out clothing between seasons, can lead to a cluttered and overfilled closet. Designate a container in your closet for things that no longer fit right or that are out of style so that you can have a consistent area for tossing things that can be donated to charity. Keep the clothes that you use and want to keep on high quality clothes hangers. There are hangers that can either save space, or keep clothing slightly separated on the bar so that you can avoid losing garments to damage or clutter.