Just curious--how do y'all handle clutter hot spots in your home? For example: there is a wet bar in our kitchen that's open to the dining room with a regular height counter and then a bar-height pass through. Every time the surfaces are cleared, they quickly end up cluttered with mail, papers, stray game pieces, and a few things that need to be kept away from our very young kids (chokable, breakable things). I'm going to rearrange a few things that I think will really help with the mail (moving the mail drop station over to the counter right by the recycling and trash cans), but I'd love to hear your tips on handling other items. I know I need to improve about putting items away sooner, but any strategic tips will be appreciated!
Constant, daily attention to the hot spots is the only thing that works for me.
And a few file folders in my computer desk for the "non-pending action" mail items.
Give everyone 5 minutes before I toss it all in the trash :).
Works every time!!
I use one of the small counter size decorative trunks from Hobby Lobby and dump stuff in there. That way my husband always knows where to find his stuff but I can't see it! As for the kids stuff I always pile it at the bottom of the steps and they know to pick it up and take it up to there room. I try to have a no toy rule down stairs so I can at least have part of my house nice at all times! =(
Our clutter place for mail is the secretary in the foyer. I clean it off on Sundays. Takes about an hour.
I have a hot spot part of my counter in the kitchen, too.
*I clear it constantly.
*I immediately toss junk mail when I get the mail.
*I have trays to put the mail into right by the kitchen door as you walk in
from getting the mail.
*I have one of those desk organizer things for bills. It has vertical slots.
It's up in the cabinet above the mail. We close the cabinet door so you don't see the mail holder.
*I have wicker trays for magazines
*I have pencil holders for all pens, high lighters.
*They have toy bins in the family room for toys
*I have one cabinet in the family room w/a child lock to keep clear bins w/lids that house all the small item things to be kept away from the younger kids.
*Keep mail tray close to entering door with a trash can nearby.
*Bills near kitchen desk where you will pay bills
*Keys are kept right by the door for easy access to leave.
*Coats & shoes on coat rack near from door. Purse goes there too.
*All pens go into pencil holders. I have several in the kitchen.
*I have a built in desk in the kitchen where I keep tape dispenser, scissors (those are kept up high away from little ones), magazines in wicker baskets by recliners & sofa.
*Binder holds recipes I've cut out & put in clear holders in there. Housed on top shelf of kitchen desk & in a cabinet.
Hi E.-
I get a decorative wicker basket...and toss stuff in!
Over the years, I must say, I have quite a lovely collection!
Best luck!
michele/cat
i wait for my husband to get sick enough of it to clear it away.
:) khairete
S. (the messy half of the marital equation)
It sounds like we have the same counter, lol! I have a small cubby set ON my counter..like this one:
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...
And each family member is assigned one, and when I clear the counter I throw the items into the correct little bin. Once or twice a week I remind them to "empty their cubby". I like that the drawers pull out so they can carry it to their rooms or where ever the items need to go.
If it doesn't get cleared out..then...it does get pitched, as another mom stated!
