This isn’t a direct money saving tip but in the long run it really will save you... I want to talk about CLUTTER!!!  

Clutter is any womans nightmare and if we're honest with ourselves, we all have it.  Clutter will drag you down emotionally and financially.  It keeps you from having control of your life – it makes your home feel unloved and the possessions you cherish the most will go unnoticed. 

Clutter WILL cost you!  How?  You were pretty sure you had a brand new pair of black pantyhose but your bedroom is such a nightmare you can’t find them so you’ll just pop down to the store and buy another pair!  That clutter just cost you when you know full well as soon as you replace that pantyhose you’re going to find the ones you were looking for in the first place!

Can’t find your car keys? Purse? The pants that make your butt look incredible!?  The average disorganized person will spend an average of 10-20% of their day looking for items they have misplaced!  Wondering how to get some extra hours in your day? Let’s get organized!!!

Start with just a few simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to a clutter free life, a less chaotic day to day life, a clear mind and a home that you will love.  The foundations of how my house functions come from Flylady – I have followed her system for years and it has done wonders for my family.

* 1 in 1 out – each time you bring home a new item you must get rid of an item!  This is a minimum!  (If I bring home a new t-shirt I will generally try to get rid of two or three) 

* Take just 15 minutes each day and declutter one spot in your home – set your timer and see how much you can accomplish!  If you don’t love it and it doesn’t bless you it doesn’t deserve to be in your home

* Try a 27 fling boogie (the kids will love this) Grab a garbage bag and crank your favorite song!  You need to find 27 items to throw away before the song is over

* When you find something to declutter get it out of the house ASAP.  Keeping a gigantic pile of “things to get rid of eventually” will never leave the house.  You’ll start picking items out again and before you know it that whole pile will be all over the house.  There are recycling and clothing drop off bins all over the place – no excuses, get it out of the house

* Key thing to remember – your home didn’t get this way in a day, it’s not going to get better in a day, babysteps is key to success

* I saved the best for last… LET GO OF YOUR PERFECTIONISM!!  Flylady says that “housework done incorrectly still blesses your family”.  Life is too short to fuss over a perfect house, you have a husband and children who love you and value your time more than your vacuum ever will. 




Leave a Reply.