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muffinpie101 t1_iuexejw wrote

Good tip. I hadn't pinpointed the issue, but I think as you've mentioned I feel overwhelmed before I start, as I'm not sure where some things will go :(

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asleepaddict t1_iufl0go wrote

Sometimes a certain order can be helpful. I can handle this routine even in the depths of stress.

If you’re dealing with a big mess, go for the garbage first. Anything that can be immediately removed, get rid of it! Don’t worry about cleaning yet. Neatly stack plates and cups to wash later, don’t let it derail you.

Then move on to seating areas. Beds, couches, and chairs can be made neatly very fast. It also helps you see how disorganized the rest of your space is, while giving you a surface to place things temporarily as you go.

Pick up anything off the floor that doesn’t belong there. If it has a spot, put it where it goes. If not, that is part of why it was never put away. Try your best to create a regular location for it.

Now all that is left are the surfaces. Tables, counters, desks, whatever. Organizing papers, tech, and decorations is much easier than everything else you’ve already done. Save it for last, when you’re putting in the finishing touches. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of adjusting to make a messy desk neat and usable.

NOW you can start cleaning. Moving clutter stirs a lot of dust up, yet a lot of people try to do both organizing and cleaning at the same time. It is also easier to dust, wipe down surfaces, and mop/vacuum when everything is tidied.

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DoYouEvenHarlemShake t1_iug5hf3 wrote

#NO! NO! DON'T DO THIS!

#I ASKED THE QUAKER OATS MAN ABOUT THIS ONCE AND HE SAID "NO!"

#TRUST ME! I READ IT IN A BOOK! (IT WASN'T A VERY GOOD BOOK)

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occulusriftx t1_iugmhby wrote

best thing I ever did was get open storage bins that I like the aesthetic of - those random things that you use a lot of and don't have a home for can live in the "frequent use" bin and still reduce clutter. open shelving helps a lot with that too. if it's functional for you, that's all that matters.

also remembering that I'm organizing my home for how my husband's and my brain works, not for anyone else. there is no right or wrong, only things that help/hurt your brain, and thats different for everyone.

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PatatietPatata t1_iuh5ara wrote

One thing that has worked for me is to work room by room, but the first thing is to get things that belong in that room there.

So my first go is getting all the random dishwear back to the kitchen.

Then all the random clothes either in the hamper or in the bedroom.

Then anything that is obviously out of place, back to the room it belongs.

Even if I stop there it's at least more organized.

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