Atlanta
Journal-Constitution
HELPFUL HINTS
How to avoid "dash
and stash" when the doorbell rings
Published on: 05/24/07
Dedicate real estate. In the kitchen, make a regular
space for putting mail or newspapers to be sorted into
actionable categories. Place a trash can or shredder in the
same space so paper doesn't pile up.
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JOEY IVANSCO
COMMAND CENTER
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Keep visiting areas ready for visitors. Concentrate
organizational projects on the entryway, kitchen and family
room — where visitors and clutter both tend to congregate.
Create a command center. Probably in the kitchen,
set aside a space to take and leave messages, hang a calendar
(or use the computer), write notes to family, take
phone messages, etc.
Focus on clutter control. Implement a
clutter capture system. Identify what sorts of items pile up
in the entryway of your home. Select the best storage system
for those items (hooks for coats, boxes for mail or shoes) and
place it in the entry space, so items can be put away
immediately.
Steer clutter toward storage. Put photographs or
fresh flowers on tables or other surfaces so no one drops
other items off there.
Set up a go-elsewhere basket. In the family room or
at the foot of the stairs, wherever clutter goes to die, put a
container where at the end of the day, everything that doesn't
belong in that room can be placed and carried to its proper
spot.
SOURCE: Vicki Norris, author of "Restoring Order to Your
Home" and featured expert on HGTV's Mission Organization.
