How To De-Clutter Your Home In 15 Minute A Day

 If your home is cluttered and organizing it feels like a huge lift, here's a strategy.  Stop putting it off, and try organizing it in 15-minute chunks to help you de-clutter. It sounds like a daunting task to get your house organized, but the end results are well worth the time and effort.

Early in the Spring my wife's mom decided to sell her house that she and her husband build in 1960. You cannot imagine how much we had to de-clutter to get it ready to sell. The house always appeared to be neat and tidy on both the inside and outside, but after living in the same home for nearly 65 years, there was a lot of hidden clutter.

There was so much stuff to de-clutter that we had a yard/garage sale and would take practically any offer just to get rid of it. By the time the house went on the market, we had to rent a dumpster to empty out the house, garage and sheds.

This is not to throw shade on my in-laws, it's just that sometimes you have no idea how much stuff you have in the house that you no longer need or use.

For my wife and I it scared us straight. The thought of having to sell our house someday got us thinking that now is the time to de-clutter so our kids won't have to.

An expert on organization says the best way to get your home looking good is by dedicating 15 minutes a day to just one thing. 

If you can make it a habit, your whole home will end up feeling a lot more organized within a few weeks.

Start by looking around and making a list of all the spots that need tidying up.  Then knock one of them out each day.  Studies have shown doing things in small chunks like that can help keep you motivated.

Don't overdo it.  Keep each project small and really try to commit to the time limit.  Here are a few things that should take 15 minutes or less to declutter . . .

A junk drawer . . . your pantry . . . your vanity or personal care area . . . your medicine cabinet . . . the spot where you toss your mail or your keys . . . your desk . . . your fridge . . . and a closet, or even just one section of it.

(Lifehacker)

Clutter Kills!

It's Get Organized Day and there's a secret to boosting your mood and health.

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in stuff?

From overflowing closets to cluttered desks and jam-packed garages, our modern lives are filled to the brim with possessions.

But here's the thing: all that stuff might be silently sabotaging your mood and your health.

Let's face it, we accumulate a lot of stuff.

Whether it's impulse purchases, hand-me-downs, or items we swear we'll use "someday," our spaces quickly become overrun with things we don't really need.

But what's the harm in holding onto a few extra belongings?

Turns out, it's more significant than you might think.

First off, it is a visual distraction.

When your environment is cluttered, your brain has to work overtime to process all the stimuli, leading to increased stress and anxiety.

That cluttered desk might be why you can't seem to focus, and that messy bedroom could be contributing to your restless nights.

But it's not just your mental well-being that's at stake.

A cluttered space can also take a toll on your physical health.

Dust, mold, and other allergens thrive in cluttered environments, exacerbating respiratory issues and allergies.

Plus, all that stuff makes it harder to clean effectively, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs.

So, what's the solution?

Clearing out the excess stuff in your life can work wonders for both your mood and your health.

But where to start?

According to organizing expert Marie Kondo, the key is to ask yourself one crucial question: Does this item spark joy?

If the answer is no, it's time to let it go.

By surrounding yourself only with things that bring you happiness and serve a purpose, you can create a space that nurtures your well-being rather than draining it.

And don't underestimate the power of small changes.

Start by tackling one area at a time, whether it's your closet, your kitchen counters, or that junk drawer that seems to have a life of its own.

As you begin to declutter, you'll likely notice a weight lifting off your shoulders and a newfound sense of clarity.

So, say goodbye to the junk and hello to a happier, healthier you. Your mood and your health will thank you.

A cluttered environment can disrupt your sleep by creating a sense of unease and chaos that carries over into bedtime. Constant visual reminders of unfinished tasks or disorganization can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety, making it difficult to unwind and relax. Additionally, cluttered spaces may harbor dust, allergens, and other irritants that can worsen respiratory issues and interfere with restful sleep. Clearing clutter from your bedroom and creating a calm, serene environment can promote better sleep quality and overall well-being.

Clutter provides the perfect breeding ground for dust, mold, and other allergens, exacerbating allergy symptoms. The buildup of dust on surfaces and in hidden corners can trigger sneezing, congestion, and other respiratory issues. Furthermore, clutter makes it challenging to thoroughly clean and maintain a hygienic environment, allowing allergens to linger and accumulate over time. By reducing clutter and keeping your space clean and organized, you can minimize exposure to allergens and alleviate allergy symptoms

When your surroundings are cluttered with excess items, your brain becomes overwhelmed with competing visual stimuli, making it difficult to concentrate on any one task. The constant barrage of distractions can lead to a sense of mental fatigue and frustration, hindering your ability to focus effectively. As a result, productivity levels plummet and tasks take longer to complete than necessary. Clearing away the clutter can help alleviate this cognitive overload, allowing your brain to function more efficiently and improving your ability to concentrate

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America warns that hoarding and clinging to possessions long past their usefulness can result in significant emotional, physical, social, and financial repercussions. That's no good for your brain and your mood.