Clutter and organizing

[Chalet]

I am finding it increasingly difficult to do design projects because people have too much stuff. Unless I'm doing a new and empty space, it's become really impossible to wade through stuff so I can assess first and then do a floor plan.

I stumble over things, can't measure properly because of all the shit that is around.

I feel very strongly that adults put their things away.

There is a difference between well placed objects (like if you collect things) and piles of crap.

It's difficult in NY because space is a problem. I walk in the door and bump into open strollers, bookbags, briefcases, shoes, vacuum cleaners. PUT IT AWAY or close it up and stick in a corner.

If you leave shoes at the front door - get an attractive basket.

If you have newspapers and magazines piled up - place them in an attractive basket or holder.

Have one place to keep all the mail.

If you buy new clothes and shoes and your closets are busting open - throw out or give away some things.

Use those space saving bags for winter bedding. They are amazing. You suck out all the air and it becomes as flat as a pancake. Reopen the bag and fluff them up.

You don't need every pot and pan you've ever bought. Purge!

Clean out bookcases and arrange the books so they look attractive.

Use drawer organizers if you can't keep socks and underwear looking tidy.

Video tapes and DVD's can be placed in boxes with lids.

Take pride in your home. You worked hard to pay for it.

I don't mean to sound like Martha. I was so frustrated today that I couldn't do what I needed to do. The client wants me to decorate and help them organize. I can already tell that when it's completed, six months later you wouldn't be able to tell I was ever there.

[pacific breeze]

I agree with everything you just said. Can I hire you to come to my house and do all this for me? lol

[A*O]

We're having a massive clearout at the moment. I find it very cathartic to get rid of crap.

Golden Rule: If you haven't used it, worn it, read it, played with it, needed it in the last 2 years you never will. Chuck it out.

[pacific breeze]

^^A*O, you can come too. We'll have a partay!

[shedevilang]

(shoves pb outta the way) noooo ya'll need to come visit me

[pacific breeze]

^^LOL. We'll do your place NEXT, shedevil!

[shedevilang]

lol good luck i've been trying for a week i live with a damn horder i swear everytime i throw stuff out he sneaks more in

[pacific breeze]

My husband is exactly the same way. Makes me craaaaaaazzzzzzzy.

[shedevilang]

he used to dumpster dive before they closed the dumpsters it was so embaressing I can see getting something if it's on the side and nice no this fool would climb into the dumbster

[pacific breeze]

LOL. Dumbster. I think we've invented a new word. I like it!!!

[VenusInFauxFurs]

I have recently discovered the joys of throwing crap out! I used to horde, unbelievably so. It's pretty bloody liberating, I must say.

[KrisNine]

There is a great book called Home Comforts. It's literally about keeping house. It's got all kinds of recommendations for de-cluttering and cleaning. It's become a ritual for me. I've become obsessed with it and with cleaning and de-cluttering. I still keep things, I love to collect books and interesting things, but I find places for them...unlike my bf, who leaves a trail from the front door to the bedroom when he comes home. Shoes, belts, cell phone, keys, wallet, receipts, etc. The only good part of it is laundry day. Since he sucks at laundry, I do it. And I usually pocket a tidy sum of ca$h on laundry day because he takes a $20 out everyday for lunch and leaves the change in his pocket, not his wallet So it's mine to keep!

[HWBL]

Originally Posted by A*O

We're having a massive clearout at the moment. I find it very cathartic to get rid of crap.

Golden Rule: If you haven't used it, worn it, read it, played with it, needed it in the last 2 years you never will. Chuck it out.

Yep, that's my rule too Plus: if you find something you didn't even know you still had, that goes too.
What can help people these days to part with stuff a bit easier is to either donate stuff to charity or sell it on the internet.

Also: cleaning a house is so much easier without tons of clutter obscuring little corners etc.

[pacific breeze]

^^I wish I could convince hubby of that. When we moved in here three years ago I fought hard to keep the place uncluttered, especially since this place is a lot smaller than the house we had. We even rent a storage room. It worked for about a year and now...it's chaos again. Hubby isn't happy unless there is about two feet of paper/books over everything, and the floor is an obstacle course. We have had a lot of conflict over it. He moved his office recently and that stuff is also everywhere.

I collect stuff, but I also go thru it and like Kris, I organize it and store it. I am a neat freak, but I am losing the battle. Hubby says it's because we don't have enough space, but when I met him he had a 4-bedroom house to himself and it was the same kind of chaos. Help!!!!!!!

[Just Kill Me]

I buy my sister a massive amount of espresso and turn her loose in my place and then I call her for the next 3 months asking where this and that is... it's great.