Christian Homekeeping

Things are only useful when they don't hinder relationships with people and when they help you enjoy and serve the people around you.

• Balance - Clutter is the largest reason you and your family can't clean quickly or well.  It slows you down and drains energy and joy from your life.
• Clutter Quiz - 18 question quiz; #18: If the Lord called you home today, would you be horrified if your spouse accepted help from friends, relatives, or especially your mother-in-law to sort through your things?
• Functional Neatness - A comfortable place between (1) an obsessive neatness demanded by a mother who doesn't allow for a mess of any kind and is overworked trying to maintain that standard, and (2) slovenly conduct by family members.  *Neat enough to be peaceful and messy enough to be happy.  Everyone in the family functions better.
• The Good News - There's a difference between destructive, chaotic clutter and happy messes.  Hobbies and living life are happy messes or creative messes.  Know the difference between clutter/junk and happy messes.  Creative messes are temporary or useful.
• Junk Journey - List areas that need attention, number by priority or check them off as you complete them.
• Small is Better - If your overwhelmed, choose one small area first to give you momentum.  Finish one area before moving onto the next.
• Gather Containers - Plastic bins hold small items and look neater.
• Don't Rearrange - Start with an empty space clean it, wipe it, wash it, vacuum it, etc.  A clean slate helps to end clutter effectively.
• Decisions, Decisions, Decisions - Decision-making is the most difficult part of decluttering.
• Sort, Sort, Sort - Use three containers: Necessary, Nice and Never.  Store nice items in area's outside your home's usual daily traffic areas.  Nice = Special or occasion items; Annually; Christmas decorations, etc.
• Location, Location, Location - Put items in a place that is near where you frequently use it.  Put a game cabinet/shelf where you normally play them.
• Dispensations & Exceptions - Luke 12:15; PASS box = Parting is Sweet Sorrow; Give items time and then see if you use them or still want them later.
• Saving Sentiments - Take a picture of things that are hard to get rid of; picture saves valuable space.  For homeschool projects and special things, have a display table and agree on time to display items.  Take a picture of child with project/creation, etc.  Use an art folder or box for child's special papers or drawings.
• Wise Warning from the Word - Easier to keep a home clutter free than it is to make it clutter free.