Cancel the Clutter – how to keep your home clutter-free

There’s a huge sense of satisfaction that comes with de-cluttering your home, but if you don’t know how to keep the dross at bay, it quickly returns. The good news is others have ‘trod the path’ before you, and their tips for maintaining order are invaluable. Here are a few to start you off:

The three-quarter rule

The main reason clutter gathers, is the place items belong in is already full. When carrying out your initial declutter, make sure each storage place (drawer, shelf, clothing rail, bookcase etc) is only three quarters full. When it gets beyond this point, that’s your signal to discard what is used least often.

Keep accessways open

Putting items where they belong isn’t difficult – until your accessways become blocked. It can be something as simple as a fan heater in front of a laundry hamper, or a bicycle leaning against a tool cupboard. If you want to cancel the clutter, keep your accessways open.

Clutter baskets

It’s seldom big articles that cause clutter (we usually know where to put shoes, sports gear, rugs, and even books). It’s the little things that get left to last: picture hooks, a photo,
a magazine, a knitting needle, or a playing card. Keep a clutter basket or box in each room of the house for these items. Once it’s full, you have a choice: either sort through it, or tip the lot in the bin. Some de-clutterers have a rule: “If I haven’t needed it by the time the container is full, I won’t need it now!”

Divide and rule!

A storage container (such as a draw or shelf) is only useful if it’s subdivided into smaller compartments. Treat yourself to some transparent containers that divide up the storage space you have. Make sure their lids open and close easily (the slightest impediment, when you’re in a hurry, can see you dumping instead of sorting).

The bye-bye bag

Keep a designated charity shop bag by the door. Aim to put at least two items in it each week (even if it’s just a magazine you’ve finished reading). Get into the habit of popping in items you’re not quite sure you’re finished with – it’s good practise, and once they’ve been given away, you soon realise you never needed them in the first place!

Count the cost

Clutterers are often imaginative people who can see a use for everything. However, they seldom stop to think what they may (or may not) need in the future can be purchased for just a few cents at a shop 10 minutes away. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, collect coins, not clutter. Literally pop loose change into a jar to buy what you may need in the future, and give away the items (such as screws, string, tubes of super glue, hair ties and ear plugs), cluttering up your drawers and shelves.

Advertise!

Make sure your friends and family know you are an anti-clutter person, and you want to stay that way. This will make it easier to decline any offers of second-hand goods or clothing, and signal you would rather have an outing than an item, when it comes to a birthday or Christmas gift.

Plan your projects

We all enjoy a project, whether it’s knitting a garment or refurbishing a vintage coffee table. When you have a project in mind, source only what you need to complete it, and nothing extra. Dedicate a container to everything you’ll be using, and return the items to it at the conclusion of each session. When the project has been completed, oust the leftovers from the house.

Living without clutter is enjoyable – and it’s worth the effort to keep your home as you like it.