Monthly Archives: October 2021

It starts with one box.  Because that box is handy, you stack another one on top of it.  The magazines and catalogs land there, then some unopened mail.  Some letters and cards fall to the floor, hidden by a shopping bag set down just for the moment, in a hurry, so much on your mind.  That bag falls behind other bags.  Every day there’s mail.  Craft projects cover the dining room table, you know this isn’t right, but where do you begin now? 

Next weekend’s chores turn into next month’s and then a year has passed.  Floors, counters, tables disappear beneath every good intention.  Once it was just a clutter nest and now it is an overwhelming albatross!

You need these things, all of them… for your hobbies, the dog, the future… That box is here someplace! 

This isn’t hoarding… yet.  This is typical of a busy life.  Don’t be embarrassed by the mess, call a professional for help and regain control of your life.                   

Do I need this item?

Do I use this item?

Does this item work?

Does this item fit into my plan?

Do I want to continue to have to organize, clear, maintain and manage this item?

Do I really want this item?

A “no” to any of these questions means “go”.     

Are you an entry way dumper?  Does your kitchen table become a landfill, piles everywhere with car keys and sunglasses buried under those piles?  Put the wall of your entry way into service. Install decorative hooks to hold coats and handbags. Install a shelf above the hooks to hold other essentials. Purchase an attractive tray to hold mail, flyers, keys and sunglasses. 

If you have a closet in your entry way, transform it into a drop zone with kid-friendly lockers or cubbies that can hold all your come & go items.  A bench with storage is a great way to sit, take off your shoes and tuck them away as well as a convenient space for the sports stuff. 

Store two sets of sheets for each bed in the closet.  Save a few sets of older sheets for protecting plants, paint projects, etc. but don’t store them in the linen closet.  Fold towels and sheets so the folded edge shows on the shelf.  Now you might have room on a shelf for your bathroom pantry… purchase an open container for these items so they don’t tip over and fall creating a mess, simply pull down the container and choose the item you need.  Simple.