It’s Fall and the holidays are rapidly approaching! Along with the pumpkins, gourds and turkeys we’re thinking about, we need to plan ahead for upcoming holiday entertaining and house guests!
My 20 minute De-Clutter Program can easily help you to get your home in shape for company this holiday season!
It’s so easy to get started…
Step 1 ~ The first step is the set up. Walk each area of your home with pen and paper and write down the “hot spots” or clutter areas in each room. These would be the areas that need some organization or “weeding out”. Keep in mind the areas that will have the most use with guests and company this holiday season. Ask yourself questions such as, will my company need closet or drawer space? Will my guests use the second floor rooms or remain on the main floor? Will the basement area be used? These questions will help you to determine how to prioritize the work that needs to be done.
When your house walk is complete, it’s time to prioritize the list starting with “this has to get done” versus “this would be nice to get done.” Next, you will need 3 boxes or large bags to label as “garbage”, “relocate” ( to its proper home), and “donate/sell”. If you find you need other boxes such as a “dilemma box”, make sure to put a decision deadline date on the box so it doesn’t become clutter as well.
Tip- Pick a date or several dates to drop off your donations during your project. Make sure to add the dates to your calendar. If you choose to sell some of the items to a consignment shop, Craig’s list, etc. make sure to set a date and time for that as well.
Step 2 ~ Now that the project set-up is complete, it’s time to get started. Each morning and evening grab your 3 boxes or bags and spend 20 minutes in your number one “hot spot”. Look at the items as you de-clutter and decide if you love, need or use the items. If not, it’s time to move them on!
After 20 minutes, that’s it… you’re done for now! Put your boxes or bags in a low traffic area until the next 20 minute session. At the end of the week you will be surprised at the progress you have made! Twenty minutes, two times a day for a week, adds up to an amazing 280 minutes or just over 4 1/2 hours of de-cluttering and organizing! Enlist your spouse and kids and you could double or triple that progress. My favorite part of this plan is that it is gradual. The plan doesn’t take up your entire day off or become as overwhelming as doing it all at once.
Step 3 ~ Remember the important part is keeping the organized areas, organized! After a space has been completed, make the other household members aware of your progress and declare the area a “no clutter zone”. Depending on what you have accomplished, this may be a small kitchen drawer or an entire room. Either one is great progress! Place a post-it in the freshly de-cluttered area to remind you and others of the importance of putting everything back neatly where it belongs. This will allow you to continually view your progress and will keep motivating you to move forward with your de-cluttering and holiday preparation plan.
Give it a try, it really works!
Image Attributes: www.arcadianhome.com (via) Country Living
