How to Get Organized When You’re Buried in Clutter

To be completely honest, I’ve found myself buried under clutter for most of my adult life.   A box of collectibles here, a pile of laundry there, and before long, our clutter problem was out of control. 

Yet I never planned to be a failed homemaker. Embarrassingly, over the years clutter got the best of me and I couldn’t get it under control.  

I felt shameful and tied to my identity as an imperfect homemaker. Yet at the same time, I was paralyzed by the lofty task of organizing it all.

But using these practical steps, I didn’t stay doomed to living under trash piles and sorting through mismatched socks.

It took perseverance, prayer, and a whole lot of elbow grease, but eventually I starting making progress towards lasting change.

If you find yourself buried under clutter and are ready to get organized, this will help you tackle the mess one step at a time. You can do it!

Start small

Don’t expect immediate results; it’s unlikely you can organize the entire house overnight. (Frustrating, I know!) Instead, schedule small pockets of time to make steady progress on your mess. When I was ready to make progress on our clutter crisis, I used a timer and started purging in 10 minute time blocks. It made cleaning manageable and rewarding as I started seeing real results.

Tackle one room at a time

Grab a trash bag and get ready to purge.  The easiest way to make an impact and get a quick result is to fill up a trash bag in each room with the things you no longer want or need. Simply place it in the bag and get rid of it. If you’re not sure about an item, toss it out.  Do it quickly so you don’t over think the sentimental value of your items.

After you’ve tackled the chaos, take it up a notch by deep cleaning each room you finish, including carpets and floors. You’ll be so thrilled with your new neatness, you’ll want to keep it clean from now on.

Perform a closet purge

I guarantee that you have clothes in your closet that you don’t wear and don’t need. (It’s ok.  I do, too!) Go ahead and schedule time on the calendar to purge that closet. (Remember, even 10 minutes a day makes a big difference!)

Grab a donation box and weed out anything you haven’t worn in the last year; and YES this means the shoes too! Once you’re done, you’ll feel a weight lifted and a new found freedom! Purging your belongings is cathartic to the soul and brings such a sense of satisfaction!

 

Invest in totes, tubs or organizers

Take a minute to look at your newly de-cluttered space with a fresh perspective. Decide what organizers would both work functionally in the room.and add a decorative element.  After all, you’ve spent much time already sorting your belongings, you want to store them in a way that’s stylish but practical.

Bins and baskets make for attractive décor while housing necessary and small items. Use a catch-all toy chest to contain kid’s toys and it helps make clean up a breeze. Be creative and don’t be afraid to display items on shelves and in view; this will hold you accountable later on.

DII Fabric Storage Bins for Nursery, Offices, & Home Organization, Containers Are Made To Fit Standard Cube Organizers (11x11x11DII Fabric Storage Bins for Nursery, Offices, & Home Organization, Containers Are Made To Fit Standard Cube Organizers (11x11x11Sorbus Foldable Storage Drawer Closet Dresser Organizer Bins - 3 Piece Set - BeigeSorbus Foldable Storage Drawer Closet Dresser Organizer Bins – 3 Piece Set – BeigeDII Printed Polyester, Collapsible and Convenient Storage Bin To Organize Office, Bedroom, Closet, Kid's Toys, & Laundry - Large Rectangle, White Lattice OutlineDII Printed Polyester, Collapsible and Convenient Storage Bin To Organize Office, Bedroom, Closet, Kid’s Toys, & Laundry – Large Rectangle, White Lattice Outline

Redo your entryway

Wouldn’t it be nice to come in the house and not trip over shoes, umbrellas, book bags and more?! Adding hooks for jackets, hoodies and book bags can solve multiple issues and look stylish

If you have enough space, add a shelf or table to hold keys, mail and devices. Whatever you do, do not forget an organizer or basket for the shoes.   (Be careful, though, that this doesn’t become a dumping ground for your things!)

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Beautify the kitchen

Between the mismatched plates, pots and pans, containers with lids and the junk drawer there’s a lot of work to be done in the kitchen.

If you have the money, toss the old plating and invest in a new matching set. You may wish to invest in a neutral set you can use for years to come and with any design trends.

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Throw out any broken appliances, pots or pans and find a way to keep them organized and functional; in a cabinet, under the stove or hanging up are popular solutions for your kitchen. Clear out the junk drawer of unnecessary items and add a divider for those things you want to keep. The more you purge, the better you’ll feel about the space once you’re done.

Getting organized is a wonderful step to gaining control over your household and your life. There’s freedom when you allow your home to function smoothly and efficiently. And I promise, clearing your clutter is worth the journey. Don’t give up!  You can do it!

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