Tips on Maintaining an Organised System
It is really quite simple! When an item gets used, put it back where it belongs. If not immediately, then by the end of the day or at the very latest, the following day. Good habits take time to develop (on average two months), so it is best to stick to a pattern.
- Use the one in, one out rule: Don’t allow potential clutter into the house in the first place. Whenever you bring something new home, throw out or donate something else from any room.
- Remove, but don’t discard: If unsure about getting rid of certain item, store them away in a box and see if they are really needed over the course of the next year. Set a reminder. If you haven’t used or missed anything, toss it.
- Forget Emotions: It can be very difficult, but try to put emotional attachments aside, realise they are just objects, with no souls or feelings. If you’re having trouble parting with an item, analyse why it really means what it does to you, and does it have any value elsewhere? If it is guilt, (gifts or expensive purchases), just remember it needs to bring happiness & value, otherwise get rid of it.
- When it comes to your kids, make deadlines (i.e. end of the week) and reinforce them by incentives.
Have the following items in the room to help your children organise their own bedrooms:
- Personal-size bin (preferably without a lid). Make a specific day to clean it.
- Analog wall clock with moving hands – it visually reinforces the passing of time and helps with sticking to a schedule.
- Bookcase/Containers – everything should have a place to return to. It is always beneficial to label these containers with words or a picture for the little ones.
- Laundry basket – dirty clothes need the correct landing spot.
Make it a habit to declutter a little each day, it really does go a long way.