I have missed writing to you, but life has felt a little cluttered lately. Trips to visit our precious grandson, a few vacations, and house projects have kept me running. I have also been writing for www.PearlsofPromiseMinistries.com (I would love for you to check out our radio and TV shows, blogs, and documentaries!).

And that got me thinking… clutter does not just happen in our homes. It happens in our schedules, our commitments, and our daily routines too.

So how do we get ahead of the clutter instead of always feeling behind it? Here are some simple steps that can help you regain control and create a more peaceful home.

Action Plan

Whenever I begin working with someone, I grab a pad of paper and a pen and start at the very front of the house.

1. Start Outside the Front Door

Take a fresh look at your entry as if you were a guest arriving for the first time.
Does it need cleaning? A new welcome rug? Some plants? Maybe even a freshly painted front door?

First impressions matter, even to the people who live there every day.

2. Step Into the Entryway

Now walk inside and really look around.
Is the area dark? Would brighter lighting help?
Could you add a small table with a lamp, a bench, or a fresh coat of paint?

A welcoming entryway sets the tone for the entire home.

3. Tackle the Hall Closet (The Real Test!)

Now comes the part where clutter often hides. Open that closet door and hope nothing falls out!
Most closets become catch-all spaces for things we do not want to see. But this is where real progress begins.

I like to start at the top:

• Use bins for gloves, hats, umbrellas, and seasonal items.
• Sort through coats and keep only what you actually wear.
• Arrange coats from light to heavy.
• Consider using different colored hangers for each family member.

In our empty-nest home, Scott’s coats are on the left, extra guest hangers are in the middle, and mine are on the right.

I also love hanging organizers for scarves, dog leashes, and small accessories. Hooks on the inside of the door can add even more storage.

Next, look at the floor. Shoe bins and baskets work wonderfully. If you have a garage, move sports equipment there so guests have room for their coats.

4. Move to the Most Cluttered Room

For many families, this is the family room because it is where life happens.

The three best organizing tools for almost any space are:

• Bins
• Shelves
• Hooks

Look around and ask yourself what is missing. Do you need shelves for books? Bins for toys? Hooks for backpacks or bags?

You might also consider whether the space needs refreshing with accent pillows, window treatments, paint, wallpaper, or better lighting. Sometimes clutter feels worse when a room simply feels tired.

5. Continue Through the House

Work room by room using the same process. Do not let clutter overwhelm you. Once you have a written plan, you will feel more confident and motivated.

6. Build Daily Habits That Prevent Clutter

Clutter often happens because we are moving too fast to put things away properly.

Start small habits:

• Put dishes directly into the dishwasher.
• Sort mail in the same place every day.
• Have children pick up toys before bedtime.
• Hang up towels and clothes immediately.

One rule I live by is this: every night before bed, I straighten the family room, make sure the kitchen is clean, and wipe the counters. If the morning will be busy, I even set out breakfast items.

Before leaving the house in the morning, I also make sure the bedroom is in order and styling tools are put away.

7. Progress, Not Perfection

I have noticed that when I do a little bit throughout the day, clutter never has a chance to build up.

But please remember, none of us keeps up perfectly every day. Be kind to yourself. Do the best you can and enjoy each day the Lord has given you.

Manna from Heaven

A verse from the Proverbs 31 Woman:

“She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future. Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful. She takes good care of her family and is never lazy.”
Proverbs 31:25–27