Tension over clutter?

Have tension over clutter? Arguing over the best way to organize a living space for everyone who lives with it?

Valentine’s Day is Sunday. It is a nice time to think about getting along and having peace in your home.

Here is what is most likely going on if there is tension over clutter in your home – you don’t all think the same and thank goodness! Organization style comes from how we think, how we learn, how much stimulation we need and gender. It is very personal.

Depending on what book you are reading, each style may have different names but are usually fairly similar. It can be boiled down to four basic ways to organize. I am just going to use numbers.

1. The person who likes order and habit. They prefer details, schedules and check lists
2. The person who like to analyses information. They prefer minimal, to delegate, and are driven by goals.
3. The person who just wants everyone to get along and be happy. They like to be relaxed and are adaptable and caring. They put other people’s needs first.
4. The person who is creative and dreamy. They are risk takers, color outside the line. They need to see it to do it.

I have most of these in my home. My son is a 2. One daughter is a 3 and the other is a 1 to the extreme. My husband is a 1 but much more relaxed than our daughter and I am a 4 have developed strong 1 skills.

So how do we keep the tension at bay.

• Spaces should be organized and maintained by the person responsible for them; including children. Not that you shouldn’t monitor or help your children when needed especially younger ones.
• Learn to compromise. The kitchen is concerned my domain so it is organized with my style and everyone submits to it. The den is a little of everyone’s style. DVDs and blurays are alphabetical but books are organized by subject matter.
• Room have doors for a reason. It is not to close them for privacy but so other don’t have to look at your visual clutter. Oh wait that is just a benefit! Use them-enter only when you need to especially if you have a teenager. Set simple rules like dirty clothes go in the laundry and food and dishes don’t stay in bedrooms overnight. I prefer no food in bedrooms but you have to pick your battles. That isn’t one of mine as long as the others are followed.
• Have a sense of humor. Be able to laugh at yourself and family members. A sense of humor goes a long way in life in general.

Keep in mind you are all family and you have live together! As much as other family member’s habits drive you nuts when it comes down to it, you all love each other too. When that isn’t enough- hire someone to help. Professional organizers are many things at time but often they are part organizer, part problem solver, and part referee.