If you are tired of ranting and raving about the clutter in the house, why not let some simple reminder cards do the work for you. It will reduce the stress in the house and, with time, everyone will get into the habit of putting things away.Before you can begin, you’ll need a list of problem areas. Get the family’s help on this if you want to, or just do it yourself.
Your list of problem areas should include “hot-spots” – areas of the house that tend to collect clutter and are a drop-zone for everything from paper to clothing, shopping bags, toys and other items. Some areas to consider targeting might include the kitchen sink or countertop, the table by the front door, the mudroom floor, the space “beside” the laundry hamper, the top of the fridge, home office desk, and kids’ toy room floor. Don’t forget the little things that drive you crazy, such as toothpaste cap, socks in a ball, or unmade beds.
Once you have your list, you can get your silent reminders ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- post-it notes
- card stock/heavy paper
- pen/marker
Big reminders
Determine which areas of the home need a BIG reminder. Take a piece of card stock and fold in half. On the paper write the reminder. Keep it simple.
Mudroom: “Please Put Your Shoes Away” or “Please Hang Up Your Coat.”
Top of fridge: “No Clutter Zone. Please Put Things Away!”
Beside laundry bins: “Put Your Clothes IN the Bin Please!”
In or beside the sink: “Dirty Dishes in the Dishwasher Please!”
Small reminders
Use post-it notes as gentle reminders about little things — they can make a big difference.
Bathroom: “Put the cap back on the toothpaste please!” Or “Don’t forget to rinse the sink.”
Breakfast table: “Did you make your bed yet?”
Dinner table: “Don’t forget to clear the dishes!”
Once you have your cards and post-it reminders ready, gather the family around and tell them what they are for and ask for their cooperation. If you made the list of reminders without consulting the family, hand over the notes and ask them to identify some of your clutter contributions. The kids will get a kick out of reminding mom what she needs to do to help out (remember parents contribute to the clutter too!). Decide on a fun activity to celebrate everyone working together to make your home less of a dumping ground.
Don’t expect things to happen overnight. Keep the cards and sticky notes in place until everyone is in the habit of putting things away. Have fun with it and don’t forget to reward success with occasional “way to go” or “ thank you” sticky notes.
