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If you’re decluttering, but you’re stuck with a clutterer in your space…
…try some of these techniques.
- Stop rescuing them as far as practical - don’t find their keys when they lose them, or wait for them when they can’t find a clean pair of pants. Maybe, just maybe, they may get motivated to deal with their own stuff.
- Detach your stuff from theirs - declutter your own stuff, and have spaces which are “yours” (clear and organised) and “theirs” (cluttered)
- Be pro-active - agree ahead of time whose spaces are whose, how you can deal with their mess (bag or box it up, throw it out, move to a specific room…)
- Prepare for chaos - decide how you’ll deal with it when their clutter encroaches on your space, or causes you problems.
- Model decluttering – but don’t force it on the other person: when they see how positive the effects are for you, they may join in.
Master the chaos by the door
Create a “landing zone” by the exterior door you use the most, whether that’s the front, kitchen or garage door. Use it to hold all the things you put down as you come in the door (keys, wallet, purse, car door opener…) and the stuff waiting to go out next time you go (library books, video rentals, dry cleaning, thrift store donations…).
Size and type depends on your family and lifestyle: it could be anything from a single shelf to a set of cubbies, hooks, bins and shelves for each family member.
Security tip: make sure keys and wallet are not visible or reachable through a window or mail slot.