Thursday, May 3, 2012

Quick Tips to an Uncluttered Lexington Home


Is your Lexington MA home cluttered, unorganized and overwhelming you? Here are some simple tips to tackle it once and for all.

Step 1: Create an organizational plan that works for your family. Think about how you really use each room in the house. Consider your highest traffic areas such as mudrooms and hallways.
Step 2: Focus on the reason you need to reorganize, such as creating a clutter-free area for family gatherings or cleaning out a guest room so there's space for visitors. This will help keep you focused and motivated.

Step 3: Then go room by room, decide what you would like to specifically accomplish in each. Visually break the room into small areas that you can tackle in increments. Set achievable deadlines to give yourself a goal to work toward.

Step 4: Make a list of what stays and what could go to reduce clutter. Consider re-purposing items to other rooms that may be more suitable. Consider bringing in pieces that are multi-functional.

Step 5: Once you have a game plan and your list. Schedule time when you're most energetic and least likely to be distracted. Set a timer and quit when the timer rings. Make sure the whole family is envolved.

Step 6: Once the rooms are complete plan to keep it that way. Schedule 15 to 30 minutes of daily catch-up time to go room by room for a quick fix. Knowing that an end is in sight will make it easier for you to get going. Multi-task! Time will pass more quickly if you complete the task while watching TV, listening to music, or conversing on the phone or in person. Involve your children, play a game to see how quickly you can pick up a room together. This is the perfect learning opportunity to show how much can be accomplished with teamwork.

Step 7: Place decorative baskets, bowls or boxes in high traffic areas that become the “drop-spot” for items that don’t belong in the room. Then once a week, simply pick up the collection instrument and walk through the house returning items to their rightful location. This saves lots of back and forth.

Step 8: Discuss with your family your new organizational objectives and your expectations. Clearly define their rolls and responsibilities as a member of the family living in the home. Keeping all family members included and involved with help increase the chances of an uncluttered home.

Step9: Consider rewards. Post a to-do list with time frames, include family rewards with each. For example, at the end of the month, if there aren’t a pile of shoes by the backdoor, go out for dinner. Have fun with it and the whole family will be on board.

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