Carpets & Flooring
CRI Articles
IEHA Articles
The Clean Trust Articles
Features
Some years ago, a modernist architect who was known for his simple, unornamented style coined the phrase, Less is more. This certainly applies to staying organized in your home. If you don’t accumulate clutter, you won’t have to get rid of it.
- Think before you buy. Do you really need that? Some questions that may suggest this item is nice, but unnecessary, include:
- Is this a new and improved version of some thing I already have?
- Do I really need the extra “bells and whistles”?
- What will I do with the old model?
- Is this a “single-purpose” item such as an egg poacher or hot-dog-bun warmer?
- Can some other item at home fulfill the same purpose?
- Take a careful look at “freebies”—three months of free magazines, for instance. Do you have time to read Racing World, Hairstyle Hints, and Tofu Times each month? Remember, time is money. Every free offer has a hidden “hook” too—after three months, that free magazine starts charging a subscription fee; the special trial offer membership of the auto club becomes a permanent fixture on your credit card unless it’s canceled after the trial date.
- You could probably pave your driveway by now with free CD offers for Internet service. Review your Internet service contract every three months or so for any better offers; in between times, use the discs as Frisbees®.
- Make it a hard and fast rule that for every item of clothing you bring home, you remove an item from your closet. You will be amazed at how this not only keeps clutter from forming in your closet, but how your wardrobe will take on new life as you become more selective about the clothing you own. Many resale shops now offer consignment services that pay you in cash or trade for your clothing, so don’t hesitate to make use of these stores if you don’t wish to donate items to a charity. This also keeps impulse buying to a minimum.
- If you love to catalog shop, mark the page number of the item you plan to order on the front of the catalog. Wait two days and look at the item again. Generally the impulse to buy it is gone and you can trash the catalog. If not, then go ahead and order the item.
- While we’re talking about impulse buying, here’s a tip: When you’re in one of those moods and you know a purchase is imminent, steer clear of trendy items that will lead to “buyer’s remorse” before you even get home. Instead, select a basic item that fits with your current wardrobe. A white blouse or neutral-colored sweater will get a lot more use.
- Show your children the difference between a “looking day” and a “buying day.” Malls and specialty stores are exciting places, full of new and unusual products, and looking is absolutely free. Think of these places as museums; they are full of interesting objects, but you don’t have to own them to enjoy them. You can enjoy an hour or two in your local mall with the kids on a looking day, and end with an ice cream cone at the food court. Begin this habit early, and they won’t beg and whine for every toy they see.
- Does your heart beat faster just thinking of your neighborhood warehouse store? A bargain isn't a bargain if you really don’t need the item in the first place. Fourteen cans of tuna are not a great deal if you hate seafood, no matter what the price. It you must shop at a warehouse store, do so on a full stomach and with a list. When tempted to deviate from your list, promise yourself you’ll try that item next time. This way, you’re not denying yourself—just deferring the purchase for a little while. Try it—it works!
With a little practice, clutter control will become second nature to you. Not only will you reap the benefits of a more orderly, organized home, but you’ll feel in control of your life and your finances too! Keeping your life simple is possible even in today’s fast-paced world—and it’s well worth the effort. As the Queen Mother often told me, “The best things in life are free.” Good friends, a loving family, and a happy heart can’t be bought—but there will be time to enjoy them when your life is well organized.
Excerpted from The Queen of Clean Conquers Clutter by Linda Cobb
The Housekeeping Channel (HC), a for-profit educational LLC, provides the information on HousekeepingChannel.com as a free service to the public. The intent is to disseminate accurate, verified and science-based information on cleaning and housekeeping.
While an effort is made to ensure the quality of the content and credibility of sources listed on this site, HC provides no warranty - expressed or implied - and assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed on or in conjunction with the site. The views and opinions of the authors or originators expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of HC: its principals, executives, Board members, advisors or affiliates.
