by Kimberly Knight
Alright, let’s keep it real. If the phrase “collector of things” hits home, you’re among friends. Hi, I’m Kimberly, and yes, I’m a collector. I refuse to call it hoarding; let’s just say it’s “organized chaos.” At least, that’s what I tell myself! Especially as caregivers, we practically earn a Ph.D. in that, right? I try to stay on top of things, but when you’re deep in the caregiving trenches, who has time for that pristine cleanliness we all secretly envy? If any of this sounds familiar, welcome to the “We Need to Seriously Clean and Organize Our Lives” club – and yes, I’m the founder and president.
And let me tell you, I’ve got “dirty laundry” in every sense of the phrase. We’re talking closets, bathrooms, bedrooms, the car, my office – you name it, it probably needs a good scrub and serious decluttering. Just listing it all out makes me want to curl up in a ball. Who has the time, right? But if you’re walking into these spaces and your anxiety levels are spiking faster than your phone battery on 1%, it’s time for a change.
Here’s what I’ve learned: tackling it all at once is a recipe for feeling overwhelmed. . . fast. Instead, I break it down, room by room. I make a simple list of what needs to be done in that one space, and then I set a timer for 20 minutes. You’d be amazed at how much progress you can make in just 20 focused minutes. Sure, you won’t transform the entire room, but you’ll make a dent, and that’s what counts.
And because I’ve been there, elbow-deep in clutter, here are some extra tips from my personal “organized chaos” journey:
1. The “Trash & Triage” Sweep
- Grab a trash bag and a laundry basket.
- Quickly scan the room and toss any obvious trash.
- Anything that belongs in another room, or is dirty, goes into the laundry basket. This is not about putting things away. This is about getting cluttered out of the room. Don’t overthink this step and get sidetracked. 😊
2. Surface Smackdown
- Grab a multi-surface cleaner and cloth.
- Focus on the most visible surfaces: tabletops, counters, and any flat surface that’s cluttered. Basically, focus on putting any items on these surfaces back where they belong in your home.
- Wipe quickly, don’t get bogged down in deep cleaning.
3. Fluff & Straighten
- Quickly fluff pillows, fold blankets, and straighten any cushions.
- This instantly makes a room look more put-together.
- If you have time, make the bed.
4. The Floor Frenzy
- Quickly sweep or vacuum the most visible areas of the floor.
- If you have hard floors, a quick mop of the high traffic areas will make a huge difference. My Swiffer mop comes in handy for this task.
5. The “Aroma Boost”
- Open a window for fresh air or light a scented candle.
- A quick spray of a room freshener will also work.
- A pleasant scent can instantly make a room feel cleaner and more inviting. It also instantly lifts your mood.
So, there you have it. We’re all in this together, navigating the beautiful, messy, and sometimes overwhelming journey of life and its accompanying clutter. Remember, progress, not perfection, is the goal. Give yourself grace, celebrate the small victories, and know that even a few minutes of decluttering can make a world of difference. You’ve got this! And if not, there is always next week. 😊
