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How To Get Your Messy Little Ducks In A Row

Declutter. Organize Revive. Here’s How To Get Your Messy Little Ducks in a Row.

I am self-help junkie who subscribes to the philosophy, ‘If even for a second you’ve looked inward and considered possible ways to improve what you’re doing—then you’re already making a difference.’

Simplification Step One: Lower Expectations!

I spent much of my life expecting near perfection from myself and those around me. It was unrealistic and would instead manifest disappointment, failure, and frustration. (Shocking!) While I often need to be reminded of my new and unimproved lower standards, it doesn’t mean I can’t aim high.

The difference, whether keeping a house tidy or planning a mind-blowing idea on how to change the world (updating a blog post!) is that I’m now much more forgiving to myself and others. I plan to be great (obvi) but take outside factors (a sick child, a canceled appointment, TEENAGERS!) or inside factors (struggling with anxiety, finding a chin hair) and grade myself (and others) more gently, on the Bell Curve.

Affiliate Disclaimer ☀️Please know that I sometimes use affiliate links on my blog. That means that I could make a small commission on something you purchase at the corresponding site. The products will not cost you any additional fees, and I’ll never link to anything I don’t truly admire, own, want to own or appreciate.

The Home

Creating order relieves anxiety and reduces stress. Psychologists are beginning to recognize that having a clean, organized home is an essential part of the wellness equation. (If anything else, having a neat home means you’re less likely to be judged should your in-laws need to storm your home in the midst of an emergency!) Whatever your motive for getting your messy little ducks in a row—the benefits will outweigh the loss!

Being organized, mentally and physically, sets you on a clear path to success. Consider it the good night sleep and healthy balanced breakfast before class. (So we’re going with the school analogies!) Your homework is done—your bags are packed at the door. Good girl.

Hoarder’s Delight

Should you need the massive overhaul, the dumpster, the crane to take the piles away, you’ll likely need to set your sights on something beyond these handouts! If you’d like to dabble on your own, here are some of my favorite experts to learn from.

Subtitles:

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Marie Kondo may be your new best friend. Read and follow to change your life, or simply grab some popcorn and fall in love watching the most darling woman alive. She has a successful Youtube and her new Netflix series is a raging success. You’ll be happier having met her.

The Art of Tidying Up
Spark Joy

British:

If you like a British Accent and a straight forward plan, you’ll love Peter Walsh. He was my gateway guru to organization spanning back to when Oprah was still our great source of knowledge.

It’s All Too Much
Let It Go

Pure Sugar:

Brooke Christen is as sweet as pie. She’s the brains behind one of my favorite blogs, Nesting With Grace. Offering practical tips on design and organization, she works on her 1950’s tiny cape (1200 sq. feet) with her family of 5. Amongst many other things, she shares this tidying checklist to keep you on track.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy For The Home

Spending fifteen minutes turning the house upside down to find misplaced items can drive an entire house mad. I. speak. from. experience. Take a quick inventory of these small struggles that hold a significant impact on family flow. Keys, sunglasses, headphones—the Yeti that hasn’t made it to the sink Yeti again! Once you’ve identified these areas of difficulty, make simple systems to replace them.

I’ll start…

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Dishes: Wash them and put away after each meal.

Mail: check your mail at the mailbox, recycle junk before entering the house.

Keys, bag, glasses, phone, headphones, chargers, remotes: make a home for each item and KEEP THEM THERE.

Water bottle & travel coffee mug: wash and store in travel bag after each use.

Bed: Make it when you get up.

Teenagers: Tie them up—eeer, get them on board.

Do some laundry each day. 

Getting your family on board is important to your sanity and success. Using phrases like ‘I will cut you,’ whispered softly through your teeth won’t benefit anyone. Call a family meeting. If they don’t hop right on the OCD train, that’s okay. Find a home for everything and let them know where it is.

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A conversation (If you will.)
‘Do you know where my computer charger is?’

‘You left it next to the sofa. I’ve made a home for it in the top drawer of the desk. That’s where it lives now and I’d appreciate your help with that. If I find your cord (I will wrap it around your ne….) the top drawer is where it’ll be. You no longer have to ask.

It’s not a perfect system…but—expectations.

Let It Go.

The dance to declutter comes in many sizes. It’s an ongoing process that even the tidiest of tiny type-A fairies do the chacha with each day. My most productive time to declutter is to do it when the house is already tidy or clean. If you’re lucky enough to have help with cleaning—get to it right after the cleaners are through (or just after you’ve cleaned).

But I knooow—everything is perfect and put away. That’s just it—everything has a home. (And if it doesn’t, that’s saying something!) When things are neat and put away, it’s easy to see what’s excess, what doesn’t fit and is not needed. Take 30 minutes after each cleaning to weed out what isn’t useful or doesn’t bring you joy. (Thanks, Marie!) You’ll be glad you did.

Hooked On A Feel.

Physical and emotional clutter will hold you back. With all the “to-do’s” to find balance, look good, feel good, blah blah blah—none of it makes much sense if you don’t know why you’re doing it. Bring it back to what makes you feel good.

How do you want to feel?
Calm.
Energized.
Creative.
Easy going.

It’s a personal reflection. Only you’ll know what’s right. Take stock in what makes you feel good and what you want more of, and really consider the ways to bring more of that into your life. Make a list, create a vision board, talk about it with your spouse or friends.

Make It Happen.

Eating well and working out will help you lose weight.
Drinking water and protecting your skin will help you glow.
Simplifying and leading with intention will declutter your space and mind. All of these things will clear a path to success.

You already knew that.

As Gary John Bishop says in Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life – ‘You are wired to win.’ Somewhere in your subconscious, you decided how you want: your success, your home, your habits, your happiness. Everything you choose to do, you’re winning it. (For better or for worse.) You’re here for a reason. Make the choice to make it happen.

The End.

I offer these thoughts far from a place of perfection. My laundry piles up from time to time, my bed isn’t always made. I never lose my keys because they’re always in my car. Errrr, scratch that! These simple systems have been formed over years of trial and error, failures and successes, and will be refined for years to come.

You’ve heard my philosophy—’If even for a second you’ve looked inward and considered possible ways to improve what you’re doing—then you’re already making a difference.’

I’m already making a difference, and so will you.


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Creating order relieves anxiety and reduces stress. Whatever your motive for getting your messy little ducks in a row—the benefits will outweigh the loss.

Comments

  • Kristan

    January 21, 2019

    Aaggh! I love this so much! I’ve recently fallen in love with Marie Kondo and plan to start working on my own journey of tidying today. She makes it seem so manageable! I can’t wait to check out the other resources you shared. Great post, as always, Elease!

  • Rashmi Kelkar

    January 22, 2019

    So inspirational. Just the thing I needed to read!

  • fross37

    January 22, 2019

    Hey I know having a clean and organize home promotes good wellness but was un aware that it relieves anxiety and reduces stress thanks for sharing.

  • Tonya

    January 24, 2019

    Nice read! Totally agree with what you said about creating order reduces anxiety and stress. As a sahm I have to have my main areas of the house clean. I feel so much better overall when there is order.

  • adailydoseofmom

    January 25, 2019

    Thank you for this post! I have been making 2019 our year to declutter the house and you have such great ideas!

  • Jenny silva

    January 25, 2019

    I think I’ve always had a little Marie Kondo in me. I do everything just about the same except rub my clothes down and thank them.

  • Liz

    January 25, 2019

    I love the cbt for the home part and those tips we’re so helpful too. Incorporating things into the daily routine makes all the difference.

  • Val@thoughtfulneighbor.com

    January 25, 2019

    The Marie Kondo show is next on my list of Netflix binges. I also love making my bed every morning. It instantly makes the room look more put together.

  • Rachael

    January 25, 2019

    Some really great tips here!! Esp. the one about tying up teenagers, lol! I have one so I get it! No, really, very useful advice that I will be trying myself. 🙂

  • Candace

    February 6, 2019

    Thank you for this post! I have some new bloggers to follow.

  • Erica (The Prepping Wife)

    February 6, 2019

    I have to admit, I’ve whispered “I’ll cut you” a time or two to myself when things aren’t put back in the same place. Lol. I love being organized, and as a Prepper, it is even more important. Love the tips you talked about here.

  • Holly

    February 6, 2019

    I love this. Some great recommendations! Marie Kondo has definitely inspired me to change a few of my organisation habits although I’ve got a mile to go. Mostly thanks to the ever growing crap my kids accumulate!

  • Melody

    February 7, 2019

    Thank you for these tips. Organization is something I’m working on this year. I plan to follow my progress on my blog. Your posts will help me along that way. Thanks.

  • Livelearnbetter (@livelearnbetter)

    February 7, 2019

    Decluttering the house has proven to be a major therapy for me. Ripping those junk mails, and folding laundered clothes is my way of destressing.

  • Lafayne

    February 9, 2019

    One thing I always try to do is make my bed before leaving my house. Great inspirational article.

  • thediynuts

    February 11, 2019

    Great ideas! I love how this post flows.

  • heymamajess

    February 11, 2019

    My plan for today is to clean and de clutter. This was the perfect post to read! Nice inspiration.

  • Breanna

    February 11, 2019

    These are all such great tips!! I find doing dishes right away and things like that helps. I need to really reorganize and throw out half my house! Lol I’m going to look through these people more closely!

  • Ann

    February 11, 2019

    This post SPEAKS to me!! You have officially inspired me to declutted!! Thank you!!!

  • D. Allyson Howlett

    February 11, 2019

    Just a wealth of information! I have yet to watch that neflix series with Kondo but know so many people love it! This entire blog post was just a nail on the head as far as my own house management goes. Thanks so much for jumpstarting my desire to tackle the clutter!

  • Amanda Krieger

    February 11, 2019

    hahah! you had me at tie up the teenagers. that tip might work for toddlers, too, right?

  • bethanyrutledg

    February 11, 2019

    I so identify with this post… especially everything having a home and having to remember where it is. I often forget where I put the things though. Gonna have to work on that!

  • divyasaggar

    February 20, 2019

    Such useful tips! I love that you even talk about emotional de-clutter! That is as important as our home declutter…Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Lauren

    February 20, 2019

    I love Marie Kondo! And I need to check out your other suggestions! Also, the making a home for my purse, gym bag and food bag is an amazing reminder! Those things have been cluttering my kitchen table because I just THROW them there and then I get annoyed that there’s a mess. Finding them a home tonight! Also, if you like self-help, check out this post about several self help books I loved! https://livebythesunshine.com/6-self-help-books/

  • Chloe Daniels | Clo Bare

    February 20, 2019

    Make a home for it and leave it there– this has been one of the MOST useful keys to organizing my life lately! Great post. I lol’d at the “tie the teenagers up” 🙂

  • Shante

    February 20, 2019

    I’m sending this straight to my mum she is much need of this

  • mystyle5

    February 20, 2019

    At the beginning of this year, we rehauled our entire house. Getting rid of things we didn’t use, using smarter storage, tidying up more often (your example with the dishes is something we started doing). All because the clutter and mess was starting to eat up our pretty little apartment, so much so that I could feel myself breaking out in hives when stepping into our home. I can say we now feel so much more peaceful and calm in a tidier, less cluttered home!

  • Anna

    February 22, 2019

    De cluttering is what we have been doing for awhile at home. And we are liking the result, getting rid of things that we don’t need is definitely a wonderful idea.

  • Jais

    March 25, 2019

    I completely agree with you. De-cluttering does helps in relieving stress and anxiety. I make sure that I do the de-cluttering atleast once in a month

  • Whitney Kutch

    March 25, 2019

    These are great tips! I’ve found that giving everything a proper home helps me from just putting things down “wherever”.

  • Deborah A McConnell

    March 25, 2019

    I took the weekend and decluttered and organized 20 years of memories over the weekend! It was an emotional weekend and have been putting this huge task off because I knew it was going to be difficult for me. I am glad I finally took the plunge and need to move on to some other tasks I have been putting off. Thank you for sharing.

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