Tackle Clutter One Task at a Time

Posted by Susan Whelan Jul 6, 2008

You finally have a day free to get some cleaning done. Your energy levels are high and distractions are low. You’ve stocked up on dust clothes, cleaning products and storage boxes and you’ve got chocolate bars in reserve for that all important mid-morning energy boost. What could go wrong?

Unfortunately, days that start like this often result in a house that looks like it has been victim to a team of thorough but not particularly tidy thieves. Every cupboard is open and there are clothes, books, papers, toys, towels, plastic containers and assorted other items everywhere.

Days of high energy cleaning are a godsend, but if the energy isn’t focused they can create more chaos than they fix. If you feel the urge to spring clean and/or tackle the clutter in your home, choose one area at a time and then narrow it down to one particular task at a time.

Prioritise Tasks to get Maximum Benefit

Consider giving different tasks a priority. If you have a collection of items that you need to find storage spaces for, consider cleaning out a linen cupboard, sorting through clothes in your wardrobe, or culling papers in your filing cabinet first. Create the storage space, then put things away.

If a messy kitchen is causing you headaches, then sort through the plastic cupboard and utensil drawer and get rid of any containers that are broken or missing lids and any utensils that are no longer used. The pantry is another kitchen area that needs to be regularly checked. Lidless containers can be useful to keep spices and other small items neat a tidy in a pantry, so sort through the plastics cupboard first.

Task for the WeekSet aside time to sort through and tidy one wardrobe, closet or linen cupboard.