Stuff drives me nuts! Even as a kid, I wanted a place for everything and everything in its place. That was not easy considering the main clothes closets in our old farmhouse were nails on the back of doors. I dreamed of living in a more modern abode, and as a newlywed living in a one-bedroom apartment, I eagerly conducted spring-cleaning – every nook and cranny – each Friday. As the children started arriving, the books, toys, and other obligatory paraphernalia quickly overflowed. Fortunately, we moved several times which helped us avoid acquiring too much; but enough. I was good at purging – sometimes too good – but only occasionally did I throw out things I later wished I had kept. I learned that almost no object is irreplaceable. When my internal clutter meter sounded the alarm, I became ruthless in dealing with stuff such as old magazines, threadbare towels, worn-out shoes, and anything broken. Sometimes my better-half thought I took the whole matter too far, so I was delighted to be able to show him research that confirmed that cluttered, messy surroundings induce depression, anxiety, lousy attitudes, feeling helpless/overwhelmed, and even physical problems.

As we grow older, or if we find ourselves in the role of caregiver, we may not be able to control every aspect of our lives. Choosing whether to live in a state of order or chaos is one decision we can make.

Before you can attain orderly surroundings, you have to want them. Then you have to commence the – often massive – task of undoing the result of years (or decades) of neglect. You did not get into that mess overnight and you will not be able to extricate yourself from it in a few days. It could take months. But the result will be worth it. Life can become so much easier to navigate – from gaining a safe path through the garage (or for land’s sake – to be able to park your car in there) to being able to locate important documents – when you put your house in order. Multiple benefits include better emotional and physical health.

If you have already achieved housekeeping perfection and today the photographers from Better Homes and Garden could waltz right in and start their photo shoot – then you may be dismissed from this blog session. Make yourself a cup of tea and read a few chapters in your favorite book (about tidying up, I presume.)

However, if you feel uncomfortable inviting your next-door neighbor in for a short visit…well, read on. I know people who can barely walk through their house or find empty space on their kitchen counter. I do not believe anyone really enjoys living like that.

A survey by the National Association for Professional Organizers revealed that 54% of Americans feel “overwhelmed by their clutter.” Of those, 78% say it built up because they didn’t know what to do about it.

I am not a professional organizer (although I have been an amateur one for years) but I have learned some of the tricks of the trade and would like to share them with you.

• Imagine your home (notice I did not say “house”) as you would like it to be – orderly, clean, comfortable, attractive and guest-ready.
• Set a timetable and make a plan. If you realize you can not handle this on your own, hire a professional (or consult with a neat-nik friend).
• Understand that you are going to have to get rid of stuff – lots of stuff. Once you are over this hurdle, you are on your way to winning the battle. Just “let it go.” Other than authentic keepsakes, anything you haven’t used/worn/seen in a year should go. Newspapers that have been read must go. Since yesterday’s news is old news, any newspaper older than a few days that has not been read should go. (And probably even if it hasn’t been read you can recycle it because hardly no one ever gets around to reading old newspapers.) Magazines, once read, need to go. If you must, tear out the pages of any article you need to refer to in the future (even though you probably will not do this), then discard the remainder. Broken appliances (no, you will never get them repaired), obsolete anything (think cassette tapes, polaroid cameras, etc.), and clothes you can’t wear (once you can fit into them again they will be out of style) go. All those things you have been saving because “some day it will be worth something” – sell them now (if you can). If no one is interested in buying, maybe a thrift shop charity will take it off your hands.
• Stop and look around – wow, you’re well on your way; sit down in that now empty chair and rest a few minutes, but not too long.
• In the meantime, stop buying more stuff. Develop a leaner wardrobe (that includes shoes and purses) and give what you don’t need to those who do.
• Tackle drawers, cabinets, bookcases or closets one at a time. For each area: (1) remove everything; (2) deep-clean; (3) put back only what you will use or appreciate; (4) sale, donate or trash the rest.
• Learn this trick: Every morning, make a list of chores you need to complete that day; anything that takes less than 10 minutes, do immediately and cross it off the list. In an hour, you can accomplish six tasks. You may want to write down a few things you would like to do, just in case you become so efficient you have time on your hands.
• When you take something from its place, put it back after use – not in a pile of “put these back later” or even close to where it belongs. Put it in its designated storage place.
• Beware of collections. For many of us, these were inaugurated years ago; now what do we do with two-thousand Santa Clause figurines, 444 comic books, or spoons from every state? Try to make them compact – one display cabinet is allowed. Once you hit middle age, stop adding to them. I read a comment from a woman who bemoaned, “I spent the first two-thirds of my life trying to acquire things and have spent this last one-third trying to get rid of them.” It seems most of today’s generation isn’t into antiques or items from the past. Some of them have an aversion to clutter, preferring a minimalist decor. Several sources confided that their kids nor grandkids are interested in acquiring their old stuff.
• Ponder this assessment:  a streamlined organization (or home) is not only efficient, but also time and labor-saving.
• If you are emotionally attached to stuff – old letters, the ABC book you made in first grade, your first corsage – well, find yourself a nice sized (but not enormous) memory box and fill it up to you heart’s content. What will not fit in…goes in the trash. Ouch – but the pain will be short-lived as it will be replaced with the joy of having a comfortable, functional and inviting home. Let me tell you a secret. If you do not throw it away now, those who clean up after you are gone will throw it away for you (or hire someone to do so).
• Every evening before you get ready to go to bed, make sure your house is in order. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or trash cans overflowing. Sweep up crumbs, or send that robot vacuum on a run. Pick up and put away any stray items. In the morning as soon as you get up, make the bed. If the doorbell rings, instead of scurrying around to make the house presentable, you can immediately welcome your visitor inside of your uncluttered house for a cup of coffee. As you sit down to chat at your immaculate kitchen table, glance around the room. Studies have shown that just having an orderly kitchen will instantly raise your spirits and decrease your anxiety.

As you begin this process for yourself, you will develop good habits and come up with your own techniques to keep your home ship-shape.

Caregivers’ lives can be hectic. Restoring order in your home – and keeping it that way – will help provide a less stressful environment. In the long run, your investment now will reap more quality time for you and your loved one.

Note from Ruth: If you enjoyed reading about the process of decluttering your home, there are several additional articles on this subject in the archives. Choose the category: clutter.