clutter.

[loulou282]

I am feeling overwhelmed, with being a working wife and mother and the state of my home. Although my house on the surface looks tidy the insides of drawers and cupboards is another story. I feel this clutter (most of which isn't even mine) is adding to my stress and making life a lot harder. It's really getting me down I can't open a cupboard without stuff falling out. I am desperate to sort this out but don't know where to start and my free time is very limited. Anyone else been in this situation and have any tips with initially tackling the problem and maintaining it?

I would take it one step at a time. Start tomorrow with one cupboard. Perhaps start in the kitchen as it is a room that is often used? Throw out or charity shop items you don't use or you don't need.
I feel the same as you when cupboards drawers etc are messy.

Would making a list of each drawer/cupboard help? And then work through them one at a time as previous poster suggested? Then strike through the list as you go along and feel some sort of sense of achievement...

And as you go along, make a set of rules for the family that limits the further build up of clutter (practically impossible, I know, but you can but try!).

I know how you feel. Messy cupboards, messy mind....you should see my desk at work. it is Organised Eden, mostly because my family can't get near it, I take such pride in it...and then come home to chaos....

I know how you feel all my cupboards and drawers will not shut because of clutter and when i look in them i cannot sort them out because i think i need what is in there.. i have instructions from items i have bought ( which are handy) i have proof of purchase ( which are handy) i have pens, pads, tape, address book, elastic bands, paperclips, books i want to read and have not got around to, dvds i want to watch, lotto tickets i have not checked.. the list goes on.. i need more drawers to store these items...

Go onto the Good Housekeeping board.
They love to help with this sort of thing.