What's the best way to clean a junky house?

Question

Help! I need a plan of action. I need some suggestions for cleaning a junky house (or a house well on its way to being too cluttered). Do you start in one room and make your way inward? Do you pick a specific task and do it in each room? The problem in the house is too many clothes and not enough closet or drawer space.

I guess junk is a harsher word... i have seen some junky houses as part of my job...this is not a "junky" house. My goal is to miniamize the clutter we have so that it doesn't get to the junky stage.

I think the storage boxes are a good idea. We don't have lots of closet space...so i think underbed storage is a good idea.

Answer 1

Clothes eh? Follow these FOUR simple STEPS:

1. Put all of your clothes, and I do mean ALL of your clothes in a pile in the middle of the floor.
2. Get four boxes. Mark one as KEEP, one as DONATE, one as SEASONAL, and one as TOSS.
3. Decide one by one where the clothing will reside. If you haven't worn it in six months, it automatically goes in the DONATE box. If the clothing is ripped, holed, or "see through" (NOT sheer, but washed and worn within an inch of it's life) automatically go in the TOSS box. Clothes you want to keep, go in the KEEP box, and clothes you want to keep, but are not appropriate for the season (meaning no winter sweaters being stored in dressers during summer time) go in the SEASONAL box.
4. When you have gone through all of your clothes, immediately put the SEASONAL box in a storage area (i.e. your garage or attic) the TOSS box goes in the garbage, and the KEEP box goes in the dresser or closet. IMMEDIATELY put the DONATE box in your CAR and DRIVE IT TO THE LOCAL GOODWILL. This will keep you from changing your mind.

I know this may prove to be difficult, but once you have gone through it, you will feel like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders, your home will be easier to clean, and you will have helped those who are less fortunate, not to mention the tax break for charitable contributions!! :o) Lots of luck!!

Answer 2

Here goes nothing but everything all at once and I should be eating my words because I am in the same prediciment. Start on your main rooms one task at a time do not overload yourself, you will get frustrated. Wash the dishes after your done move to picking up clothes and putting them away the best you can. Play Music have fun and don't Stress. Work a little each day pick up here and there and continue this set an hour a day to cleaning this will help. Just remeber have fun.

Answer 3

I would start with the clothes if that seems to be the biggest problem. A good rule of thumb, if you have not worn it in more than a year...you probably won't miss it. Sort through all the clothes that are cluttering up your home and then donate them to a good cause...Goodwill, local women's shelter, a Hospice or church. If you are in need of money yourself...have a big old yard sale. I am sure you will find more than just clothes to rid your home of once you get to cleaning the place up.

Answer 4

honestly what i do is burn a "smell good" candle and turn on some loud music or my yahoo radio station and get to cleaning. i attack one room at a time usually the worst one. the smell of the candle and the music going keep me motivated. and if the weather is nice open the windows and let the cool air in as well. it may benefit you to make a quick trip to wal mart or target and get some large plastic bins for the clothes you dont have room for, some of the newer designs allow the storage bin to be stored under the bed too which is great because it gets them out of the way. good luck!

Answer 5

start with one room at one corner and work your way across throwing stuff away, putting stuff away
when floor, furniture free of clutter - vacuum, clean
then go to the next room
Easiest room to start with- bathroom, then bedroom, living room next then tackle the kitchen last

Answer 6

B. Moderately Clean

Answer 7

Just throw a match and get it over with. J/K Try calling a maid service. They might help you with some kind of game plan.

Answer 8

http://www.messies.com/get_started/
Here is a plan from one of the yahoo group sites listed.


You may find some beneficial tips and support in the yahoo groups dedicated to hoarders and children of hoarders. These groups can be very helpful and often have links to several different options in cleaning /clearing methods. They can also assist with emotional support while going through the process.

You did not say whether the clutter is your own, or that of a loved one, nor the degree of clutter, but regardless, one of these groups is likely to have just the help that you need. Many of their tips can be easily applied by anyone who has a big task of cleaning and feels a bit intimidated by it.

Often the problem with "too many clothes" is a poor wardrobe plan. I recommend first reading "Color Me Beautiful" by Carol Jackson, then discarding everything that is not in your colors, does not fit, or has not been worn in a year. Then use the plans in the back of this old but valuable book to determine exactly what you do need in a minimal yet very versatile wardrobe. It can be amazing how little space it really takes to keep an efficient wardrobe and to dress well. By creating an efficient well-planned wardrobe you can look better, spend less and have more free time. what a gift to yourself!

I usually recommend avoiding the "organizing stores". They can be a trap for those of us who tend to collect too much. Instead of getting rid of the unnecessary stuff, they encourage us to build shrines to the junk. Once we build a shrine to the junk we are even less likely to get rid of it.

The real key is to take a small space at a time and be ruthless. Consider that these things are unnecessary burden that is causing you to work to maintain it, rather than getting on with the business of enjoying your life and being the person you wish to be.

Words of wisdom from my great-grandmother:

"You do not own things. Things own you. " Catherine Cerena Brooks

Answer 9

you need to be careful for needles but id say burn everything...

Answer 10

just start