How do you sort out an uncontrolled mess?

1. 60

   days leaperposted 13 years ago

   How do you sort out an uncontrolled mess?
   
   Thinking primarily of cleaning home, when junk has just piled up so that there doesn't seem anywhere toput things even prior to sorting

   replyreport
2. 0

   Curiadposted 13 years ago

   That can be tough. I would first focus on the things that are no longer needed or wanted. Take these things and move them to the trash or the local charity/Church to make room to sort the other things.
   
   Then begin sorting things into areas and putting those things not used much in the garage or a storage shed.
   
   This leaves room for the things you use and or want around for some other reason.

   replyreport
3. 90

   Docmoposted 13 years ago

   Any uncontrolled mess always seems insurmountable and grows and grows. Perhaps if you think about how the mess was made in the first place and have a plan to stop further additions to the original mess first.Then it is better to start dividing the mess into piles of 'unwanted' 'definitely wanted' and 'maybe wanted' would help
   
   Eliminating the unwanted will give you enough room to sort out the clutter. finding good storage cabinets and space also helps..

   replyreport
4. 38

   Tamila Robertsposted 13 years ago

   Start one corner at the time to give yourself more space. Reward yourself by making that corner to your taste first. Stop to take a nice strawberry smoothie before the next task. Attack each room like that, one at a time.

   replyreport
5. 83

   tsmogposted 13 years ago

   Speaking from myself I do what I call zero pointing. It is a process using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Feng Shui. Good idea for a hub too!
   
   The first element - I walk up the pyramid proposed by Maslow while remembering the Feng Shui principal of Declutter. Feng Shui suggests starting with your bedroom closet. Get that in order and it becomes the model of what is important. The rest follows.
   
   Maslow talks about psychological needs. You'll have to google it.
   
   I ask a series of questions:
   Will I use it today Y/N
   Will I use it tomorrow Y/N
   Will I use it next week Y/N
   Will I use it next Year Y/N
   If it meets all the N's then it becomes Sell, Donate, Toss

   replyreport
6. 94

   cat on a soapboxposted 13 years ago

   If things are approached in small stages, it doesn't seem like an impossible task.  If you are a hoarder, you might need a person with an objective view to help you throw things out.
   
   1) eliminate the true junk- get a small dumpster
   
   2) donate usable things that you really don't need
   
   3) find neat storage systems for what is left for your needs

   replyreport
7. 53

   larry1987posted 13 years ago

   uncontrolled mess is one thing that happens in our life now and then, while if you face it without any preparation, you firstly should be calmed down, thinking clearly and then make out your list.

   replyreport
8. 60

   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   Baby steps:
   
   pick a room, maybe the bathroom because it is small. Clean it but if you feel overwhelmed, take a break, visit Hubpages then in 10 minutes go back to it.  In no time at all the bathroom will be clean and tidy and the process has begun.
   
   Day 2, pick a room or if that is too much, pick a corner, glean, toss, pack in boxes, whatever it takes --if you cannot bring yourself to get rid of things, you may have a more serious problem called hoarding.
   
   If you keep up this process on a daily basis, in a week or so, you house will be clean-then you can relax and just maintain it.
   
   If you have older kids not living at home, make sure they take all of the things that belong to them out of your home.  /If you have kids at home, enlist their help.  Have them spiff up their rooms and make it organized.
   
   Ask your spouse, boyfriend or best friend for help, tell them you are overwhelmed and need assistance, and be willing to let things go that you do not display or use.  I have done this recently, finally realizing that keepsakes packed in the garage in boxes are of now use to me or anyone.  Keep a few things and take pictures of others and let stuff go.  It is a wonderful feeling.

   replyreport
9. 69

   BEAUTYBABEposted 13 years ago

   There is a way that you can sort out your clutter  without having to do it yourself.
   
   My husband recently employed the services of a Professional
   Concierge who are people trained to come in and organise a room, like an office in our case.
   
   The people that looked after this for us did a great job and I highly recommend this method if you prefer not to do this job yourself. It takes half the time for them to do the job as they know exactly how to go about it.
   
   Good Luck    from Beautybabe

   replyreport