Expert Tips to Control the Chaos in your Home

Kick off the new year with a new spin on organization. We rounded up our favorite clutter cutting tricks and storage ideas just for you. from BHG

I hope you find these tips useful and inspiring to you ...... Enjoy it !!

Target Your Efforts 

Problem : Your organization efforts don't seem to yield results. 

Solution :  Avoid zigzag organizing. Scattering your efforts over multiple rooms prevents you from seeing progress. For visible, dramatic results, work one room at a time, one section at a time, completing each area before you move on to the next. 

Clean Out 

Problem : Generous gifting at holidays and birthdays overwhelms already stretched storage. 

Solution : Go through toys with your child before birthdays and holidays. Have a donation station always available for kids to put toys when they have decided they are tired of them. 

Clean Out Schedule 

Problem : An overflowing refrigerator. 

Solution : Use trash day as a reminder that it’s time to clean out the refrigerator. You’ll make room for new stuff to come in and get rid of any spoiled food before it gets smelly or messy.

Overwhelmed No More 

Problem : There's just too much to tackle. 

Solution : Come up with a plan and timeline for taking it one step at a time. Examine the room you want to organize and visually break it into small areas that you can tackle in increments. Set achievable deadlines to give yourself a goal to work toward. Make a list of what stays and what could go to reduce clutter. 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. Prioritize your tasks, starting in an area where you can quickly see progress. Schedule time to work on a project when you're most energetic and least likely to be distracted. Set a timer and quit when the timer rings.

Do Your Best 

Problem : "If I can't do it right, I won't do it at all." 

Solution : Get started, do the best you can in the time you have, and accept that everything may not be perfect. Come up with an organizational plan that works for now, knowing that you can tweak the plan later. The important thing is getting started. Begin with a small, manageable project, such as a sock drawer. Every morning when you find a pair of matched socks, you'll be inspired to tackle organizing additional drawers and other spaces. Experiencing the benefits of organization breeds motivation. Choose progress, not perfection. Repeat to yourself that almost perfect is good enough, and keep moving forward. Don't get bogged down in details that don't really matter.

Eliminate Procrastination 

Problem : I don't have the time or energy today, so I'll handle it later. 

Solution : Make yourself accountable by setting deadlines, and reward yourself when you achieve your goals. Find a motivation partner. Set a day and time each week to talk about what you want to get done and how you plan to do it. Being accountable to someone else is a powerful motivator. Reward and/or discipline yourself depending on what motivates you most. You might reward yourself by eating out at a favorite restaurant or getting a spa treatment. Or you might give yourself a reality check by getting up early for a few days to achieve your goal. Throw a party. Do you shift into organizational overdrive when company's coming? Schedule more at home happenings. When you know people are coming over, you're more likely to straighten up.

Get a Move On 

Problem : You waste precious time every morning running around the house looking for the items you need for the day. 

Solution : Use a "transfer basket" to gather everything that needs to go out the door the next day library books, bills to mail, schoolwork, etc. Haul the basket to your car every morning and bring it back into the house when errands are done.

Good Looks 

Problem : No matter how hard you try, you just can't get rid of clutter around your house. 

Solution : You can't hide all clutter, but you can contain it. Look at where it collects and set up attractive ways to deal with it. Place a large bowl on the kitchen counter to collect keys. Leave a big basket by the door for shoes. Check discount stores and office supply houses for patterned folders for storing bills or wicker, fabric, and leather boxes to match your decor.

Book It 

Problem : You need wall storage but don't know where to start. 

Solution : Create an instant room divider by placing bookshelves back to back as storage for collections, dishes, and, of course, books.

Hide and Seek 

Problem : You have furniture, but you don't know how to optimize its storage capacity. 

Solution : When you shop for furniture, look for pieces with built in storage, preferably with doors. A nightstand can conceal bed and bath supplies. A dining room console table can stow holiday dishes or seldom used china.

Make Your Mark 

Problem : Little people equal big messes. 

Solution : Drawers and bins make it easy for kids to put away musical instruments, art supplies, and toys. Baskets and jars for socks, hats, and coins keep the closet tidy. Label everything to help kids stay organized.