Household management frustration

[mrsg123]

We live in a small space -- less than 1500sf with our 2yo and 5yo DDs. I am really trying to streamline our things and get organized. In the last week I have taken things to 4 consignment shops and donated a trunkful. It hasn't even made a dent. I am so frustrated and just can't seem to get on top of organizing, laundry etc., not to mention cleaning.

What are your tips for staying organized? I am ready to give up.

[MadamePresident]

I try not to bring stuff into the house. It helps fight the clutter.

[Deleted]

Cleaning I've got down to a weekly routine and a monthly list (based on this: www.justmommies.com/articles/home-organization-plan.php). If i keep up, the house is livable.

Organizing and fighting junk is just never ending. I just got rid of 3 or 4 garbage bags of clothes (donated, not trashed) and there's already more to go.

[jeaniebueller]

Our house is 1390 sq ft with little closet space and things are always a disaster. I embrace it and assume that when my kids are older, I'll be able to have a clutter free home. I am not help, I know!

[bunch]

I recently did an an organizing challenge that helped me target one small area a day for a month. I got rid of a lot of junk. I think that the key is that it's going to be a constant battle. I'm always getting rid of stuff even though I feel like I don't accumulate that much.

[mrsGreeko]

Hmmm my tip for staying organized is to give up! Sounds like you are already there! .

Really though I have the Vietnam veterans of America (pickupplease.org) pick stuff up a lot. And I have systems for everything now. I don't touch paper more than once so it the kids bring home a permission slip I deal with it immediately and send it back, same with RSVP for parties, etc. I pay the bills every Saturday. Meal plan and grocery shop once a week. I keep a file box in my kitchen and have folders for each kid where I keep anything that needs to be kept. If it doesn't need to be kept it goes in the recycle/trash.

[water*drop]

I am perpetually fighting the clutter battle. I'm getting pretty brutal about it - if I don't love it, it goes - which is finally starting to help a little, but I still feel like I have a long way to go. DH and I are doing a big purge tomorrow while DD spends the day with MIL.

[mrsg123]

Thank you all for the responses. Does this mean I am doomed in a larger space, too?!

[rex]

if i don't clean and organize daily it becomes a disaster, and we have barely any belongings.

i assign bigger tasks to a schedule.

oh and i live in less than 800sqft. i can't imagine having to clean more. i like living in a box sometimes lol

[Deleted]

Nov 7, 2014 16:20:55 GMT -5 mrsg123 said:

Thank you all for the responses. Does this mean I am doomed in a larger space, too?!

More space is worse. More to clean.

[teatimefor2]

Our house is btw 1600 and 1800 sq feet - not sure exactly. Byword adults, a two year old and newborn.

We have no issue with clutter. If we don't use it in a year, it gets tossed/donated, etc. I also don't buy a ton of toys and books. We go to the library every week and I store toys in the attic, of not in use.

Get rid of stuff. That's my tip.

[VillainV]

Cleaning: we hire cleaners to come in twice a month, and we keep up with it the rest of the time. It really helps.

Organizing: Purge often and be relentless. After a while you realize the kinds of things you throw away or donate most often and you can stop yourself from acquiring them in the first place.

[UnderProtest]

Move? That was the only thing that got us to purge and get organized.

[niq]

At that size I would just be a minimalist. Don't let things into the house. Set rules for yourself like "if one book/article of clothing/toy/kitchenware comes in, one goes out". Deal with mail at bedtime.

[niq]

Nov 7, 2014 16:20:55 GMT -5 mrsg123 said:

Thank you all for the responses. Does this mean I am doomed in a larger space, too?!

Yes. There's a George Carlin routine about "stuff" that explains this very well

[ny96]

My tip is if it doesn't have a place to live then it leaves. Everything in my house gets put back in its place every night and when that place gets too crowded then it's time to purge.

[changedname]

Honestly I think I'm a closet hoarder so not really here to give tips but to comiserate.

I can't throw stuff away. Like, I have about 400 pens in the basement that I got at trade shows. But you always need pens, right? Same with notepads. I have a lifetime's supply of everything.
A bigger house will only mean you get more.

It is depressing- in 2007 I moved to Canada with all my worldly possessions in a corolla. I was so free. Now I would need a huge truck to fit all my stuff in. I have accumulated so much since getting married and buying a house.