We all have it. Clutter. Seems like a bad word, but realizing we’re all in this together, let’s do something about it!
I just finished reading “Clutter Rescue” from the folks at Good Housekeeping. The book promises “just minutes a day to get organized – forever.”
While there are many literary resources promising change, I found this book compelling for seven simple reasons:
- They don’t scold us for the clutter. They are very understanding and do not judge.
- They attack the source of the clutter, not just a quickie band aid cover up.
- Projects are chunked into bite-sized mini-projects that are not overwhelming.
- The photos are delicious eye candy. They truly understand that storage can and should be pretty.
- The underlying message of “Less is Best” is liberating.
- Many solutions are accompanied by “Dollar Smart” DIY alternatives.
- Not only does this book help you get organized, it provides tips to maintain that blissful status.
The book is divided into chapter by room, and projects are broken down by time required so you can really tailor your plan to your needs.
I decided to apply the strategies from Chapter 9 (Home Offices and Work Spaces) to my own messy office. Here’s what I accomplished in a short amount of time:
I declared war on loose papers – organize or toss is my mantra! First, I established trays for in/out/file/bills. Here are some fashionable ideas:
(credits: the container store, see jane work, smartbottomenterprises)
I LOVE my magazines and reference books. So I used magazine racks to organize my love of non-digital décor magazines:
But I just recently found a great idea from Martha Stewart that I might try:
(credit and instructions at Martha Stewart)
To keep the desktop clear, I designated a basket to hold essentials I use on a daily basis, such as pens, scissors, calculator, tissue box, and glasses.
I used another matching basket for all incoming “stuff” ready for triage.
Having a great plan is one thing. Maintaining it is another. So I added filing and organizing tune up to my weekly chore routine on the same day I pay bills. If your looking for a template, here is what I use. Feel free to edit it to fit your needs!
Win your own copy of this book!
What room or space do you find the most challenging to keep organized? What has worked for you?
Leave a reply with to this post if you’d like a chance a copy of this life-changing book! Contest ends March 4th, 2013!
11 comments
I started keeping a basket in the kitchen containing all open pkgs/containers of snacks….chips, crackers, nuts, etc. Seems to work in getting things used up before new stuff is opened.
hmm-for some reason,,after you turn–50–clutter seems to be your-LIFE!!-but will definetly read that book,,,sounds just like me-tkz,
Hi Susan,
It’s Ileane! I stopped by to let you know the blog is featured on the CommentLuv Facebook page! I also pinned your logo to our CommentLuv Blogs Pinterest Board.
Great blog!!
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Just one?! Guess my desk – which is in the kitchen – needs the most help. Great baskets – where’d you find them? 🙂
I would love help organizing our computer desk. As far as what has worked for us, I am still trying to figure that out :). Thanks for the chance! Beth
It doesn’t help that our 1950s rambler is small with very little built-in storage options. Two places in our house always seem difficult to keep free of clutter:
1) Our eat-in kitchen seems to be a dumping ground for all kinds of clutter. My husband often drops off his keys, wallet, papers, etc. on the kitchen counter after work, and I am real bad about spreading receipts, papers, coats, bags, etc. on the breakfast table and chairs.
2) My craft room has come a long way from being my husband’s former “bike room”. I built my own craft table with storage cubbies this past summer, but I still have a difficult time keeping it clear of scrapbooking papers and supplies. And the closet in that room is now my husband’s “bike closet”, and, despite some bins to organize things, he has been having a hard time keeping it straightened up.
My youngest daughter’s room is always needing to be organized. Always. The bins aren’t working with this one!
I hope this book addresses the clutter in my husband’s office. I really need it. Clutter got out of control and the tax time is approaching fast.
I have two areas in my house that are you to keep organized:
1. The office-I share this space with my husband who works from home and is in graduate school. He and I have different organizational styles and he doesn’t want the office too girls and I don’t want it too masculine.
2. Teen and tween girls rooms-they have so much “stuff”- hair stuff, accessories, makeup, etc… I tried bins but I am moving on to clear class containers so they can see what they have.
The most challenging room is the mudroom…kids come in and drop EVERYTHING there!
Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!