by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
From behind the concession counter to the kitchen counter, I thought I would offer up some quick tips this week on clearing clutter from the kitchen surfaces -- especially when everyone seems to be contributing.
The Dilemma:
You know there's a counter under that pile --- somewhere.
The Challenge:
Dealing with all the miscellaneous items that make up the "mountain".
The Reason:
- More people are home during the summer, living, in the otherwise unoccupied space
- Nice weather = less time indoors
- There was already a pile there, it just got bigger
The Why:
- Decisions can be paralyzing
- Homeless items have to live somewhere
- Paperwork is rarely a task folks enjoy {and those folks, who enjoy it, don't have "mountains" on their kitchen counters}
The Tips:
While I could give you the typical tips, like reward yourself or do a chunk 5 minutes a day, I'd rather give you advice you can actually use:
- First things first, cut yourself some slack
- Next, consider what items you could put away easily
- sports jersey
- items from the drug store
- miscellaneous toys, office supplies or cook books
- Now, do it.
Once you've gotten the mountain widdled down to a manageable pile of things you don't have easy answers for ask this:
- what action is required for this item?
- Mail =
- sorting
- recycling
- shredding
- paying
- reading
- filing
- New items =
- figuring out where they will belong
- Other =
- errands
- phone calls
- an email
- waiting on a response
- Now, separate accordingly and begin a task based "to-do" list
So many folks look at a cluttered kitchen counter and are overwhelmed before they even begin to try tackling it. Breaking up the action of 'handling it' in ways that are manageable is the first step.
Now, if we could just figure out a way to have all the paperwork deal with itself! Then we'd be onto something!
What are your best strategies for clearing clutter from the kitchen counter? I'd love to hear your feedback on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page!
Keepin' it Tidy,
April
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April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect.
