Many of my visits begin with tears. Clients often use the first 15 minutes of our visit unburdening themselves about how stressed their homes make them feel. Their organizing efforts seem futile because they see their families as working against them. They are the only ones putting things away or caring about keeping things in order. Clutter can increase tension in relationships!
You probably ARE the one who cares the most about your home. How can you motivate your family members to help keep things in order?
Make it Easier.
Amazon got rich by making the buying process ridiculously easy. Seek ways to remove all obstacles that keep them from putting things in the correct place. A towel or jacket is easier to hang on a hook than a hanger. Open containers are easier to drop things into than containers with lids. Minimizing the motions required increases the likelihood that they will put it away. It may not seem fair that you have to do this, but it works.
Label Everything.
(Maybe not everything, but your family should feel like it’s everything!) You may know where everything belongs, but they may not know or remember. Colorful labels often help those who struggle with ADHD. If the kids are too young to read, use a picture on the label instead of words.
Break it Down.
Many of my clients say, “I don’t know where to start.” Your spouse and kids may not know where to start either! Tidying up might be a vague, difficult thing they don’t know how to do. Break it down into steps or a checklist for them, or have me come and teach them!.
Get a Neutral Person to Help
Your spouse and kids will be much less defensive with someone else than with you. Get an appointment with me to help them declutter their things. I’ve seen formerly stubborn spouses and kids get rid of oodles of things with me because I’m neutral.
Be the First One.
Declutter your stuff and only your stuff (unless you’re decluttering for toddlers). I see the power of this all the time. When the family sees you tackling your clutter and getting results, they get motivated (or competitive) about tackling their own stuff. On a recent visit, the husband cleaned up in the basement for two hours without being asked, because his wife was decluttering her belongings with me! Take the high road and be the first one to set an example. The fastest way to change someone else is to change what you are doing. It alters the atmosphere.
-Beth at DeJunk Fast
Ready for a Fresh Start in 2025?
Book an appointment with me to get you and your family decluttered and organized.
