Entryway | Declutter Tips

Jan 9, 2012 by April    No Comments    Posted under: Declutter Tips

As promised, this week we’ll be focusing on the catch all spots – starting with the entryway.

You know, that area you enter & exit from … that area that tends to be the landing zone … that area that tends to catch-all the clutter. Yup, that’s the one.

Entryway | Declutter Tips :: Why …

Why is a good question. Often the answer looks something like this

• You’re in a hurry – running, dumping what’s in your arms only to reload & jet off to the next destination
• You’re tired – arriving exhausted, dumping what is weighing you down and continuing forward in a zombie-like state
• You have co-habitants – whether it’s children or other adults, we all have our different ways of dealing with stuff

Entryway | Declutter Tips :: How …

So now that we know the potential source of why the clutter is there, how exactly to you deal with it?

Most people looking for declutter tips would expect me to say “systems” right about now. But y’all know me better than that.

Dump & Run

Honestly, this is a technique anyone can use … at any age. My 6th graders use it for their paperwork, my clients use it for their project ideas and you can use it for your entryway.

1. Dump your stuff – yes really, just dump it – right where you normally do.
2. Declutter later – this is the step that is overlooked and contributes to the clutter.

Now, you might be thinking “but April, isn’t that just procrastinating?” and the answer would be NO.

Most importantly, because you are making a conscious decision to deal with the stuff when you’re more prepared to focus.

However, if you skip step 2 then life gets a bit … well, cluttered.

Entryway | Declutter Tips :: When …

Whether it’s a busy lifestyle or something else that contributes to the clutter it’s important to recognize where adjustments need to be made.

But be made they must, if you want to declutter.

• Commit 10 minutes an evening to “putting things away”
• while the kids do homework
• while the veggies steam
• while you talk to your Mother
• while you’re waiting for the dust bunnies to show up

Adjust the dump & run

• section the drop offs
• dishes in the sink
• clothes in the laundry room
• paperwork on the counter
• bags where they’ll be used next

By “dumping” things near the location they belong you’ve saved one step and made it easier to declutter the rest of the entryway!

What do ya say? Would this way of decluttering work for you? Remember, dealing with your stuff is supposed to fit in your lifestyle not the other way around.

let’s chat …

What entryway declutter tips do you use or are willing to give a try?

Got anything to say? Go ahead and leave a comment!