home
solutions
4
A system that’s a natural extension of
your habits is easier to stick with than
one that forces dramatic change. So set up
solutions right where clutter collects, such as
a labeled pail for each family member’s shoes
and other equipment,
a b o v e y
in a bookshelf
right by the front door.
5
Give frequently accessed papers (take-
out menus, sports schedules, phone
directories) a dedicated spot, rather than in
a pile on the counter or stuck to the fridge.
Three-hole-punch all that paper, and store it in
a pretty binder with labeled tabs.
Aby Garvey,
sim plifyioi.com
6
Create a repair center for clothes that
need mending, toys that need batteries,
things that need gluing. That way, unusable
items aren’t in general circulation, and you
know where to look when you have time to
tackle a project.
Julie Morgenstern
7
Relegating a sentimental item you no
longer have use for to a box in the closet,
basement, or attic does nothing to honor it.
Instead, take a photo of the item and put it in
a scrapbook or load it on your digital picture
frame. Then donate the item. It’s both space-
saving and respectful.
Scott Roewer, professional organizer
8
Each spring and fall, do CPR on your
closet: Categorize, Purge, and Rearrange.
Carefully consider each item. If it doesn’t
make you feel wonderful or look fabulous, it’s
a no. Put it in the “to donate” box, and put that
box in your car right away.
Debbie Lillard, author of
Absolutely Organized
9
A tighter focus for your to-do list clears
mental clutter. Include only your three
most important tasks, and don’t let less
important busywork distract you. If you
complete everything on your list, great.
If not, at least you’ll know you spent time on
the highest-priority tasks.
Meredith Schwartz
m
I spend a few minutes every night
I
before bed restoring order to my purse.
I
remove all trash, return floating change to
my wallet, and replenish tissues and business
cards. It makes me feel ready to start the day.
Claire Kurtz
n
Tackle your junk drawer first. Remove
anything you don’t use at least monthly,
then sort what’s left into the compartments
of a drawer organizer that completely fills the
drawer. You won’t have room to stash things
that don’t belong there.
Janna Lufkin,
stylist
m 0 *
Every time you arrive home, clear the
I
m m
car of anything that doesn’t permanently
belong in it. Keep a tote or basket in the car
for this purpose, and draft your passengers to
help—nobody leaves the car empty-handed!
Stay vigilant, and it’ll become second nature.
F i f t y - n i n e
p e r c e n t
o f w o m
e n
s u r v e y e d
s a y
t h a t
d o n a t i n g
t o
a
c h a r i t y
i s
t h e i r
p r e f e r r e d
w a y
t o
g e t
r i d
o f
u n w a n t e d
i t e m s .
th e m o th e rb o a rd
a million women strong
m
M Make clutter-busting a family game.
I
Write tasks on Ping-Pong
balls. Each person chooses a
ball, completes the task, then
chooses another one. After
30
minutes, whoever has the most
balls gets a prize—like a no-
chores day or control of the
TV remote.
Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch
authors of
Pretty Neat:
Get Organized and Let Go o f Perfection
‘ft
4 0
B E T T E R H O M E S A N D G A R D E N S |
J A N U A R Y
2011
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