Quick Tips for Keeping Clutter at Bay



In need of some serious organizing but strapped for time? We asked Erin Rooney Doland, expert organizer and author of the book Unclutter Your Life in One Week, to share some advice for controlling clutter and keeping a clean home. Below are three quick tips.

(Above: Knuff Magazine File by Ikea, Beech and Natural Horsehair Hand Broom by Brook Farm General Store, and Measuring Beakerby Match Pewter.)

1.) Frustration First. What in your home bothers you the most? Whatever space makes you curse under your breath whenever you see it is the best place to start to unclutter and organize. You will get such a rush of joy from having this one area under control that it will help propel you through your smaller projects.

2.) Always Accessible. Have a trash can, recycling bin, and shredder near the main entry to your home so you can keep clutter (like junk mail) from ever coming into your house beyond the foyer. Have a clothes hamper in your bathroom, bedroom, and closet to catch your dirty clothes where you remove them. If your home has more than one level, keep a vacuum, broom, dust rag, paper towels, and all-purpose spray cleaner on every floor so these items don't require much effort to to use. Keep a donation box in your laundry room and in your closet so you can quickly deposit items to go to charity.

3.) Happy to Help. Make cleanup time fun by playing music with a quick tempo that everyone can sing along to while they work. Make a game out of chores by seeing how much you can get done before a 30-minute playlist ends. Also, try not to work for more than 30 minutes an evening doing cleanup around the house--you might not get all of the work done in one night, but doing a little each day will guarantee that eventually you will get it all done.

Unclutter Your Life in One Week by Erin Rooney Doland
Unclutter Your Life in One Week by Erin Rooney Doland














Visit Remodelista to learn more of Doland's tips on keeping clutter at bay and to check out her new book, Unclutter Your Life In One Week.

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