A Basket a Day Keeps My Clutter Away

The other day I watched as my husband walked out of the living room to grab a drink, leaving his empty snack plate behind. I was confused. Doesn’t he want to take that plate with him NOW so he doesn’t have to do it LATER? I don’t consider myself a control freak, so it got me wondering… Why did I even notice this? Does it really matter if the snack plate stays there awhile?

I decided that it isn’t because I’m a control freak-it’s because I’m a mom. Being a mom is about multitasking 24/7.  I’m rarely doing only one thing at a time and I pretty much NEVER leave a room empty handed.  If I’m not holding a baby, I’m hauling out items that have wandered into the wrong room and need returned.  This is so automatic for me I usually don’t even realize I’m doing it. But there is one thing I’m certain of- if I stopped doing this my house would fall into complete disarray in about 30 minutes flat. The biggest challenge is that I don’t usually have the time to put all these items back exactly where they belong.

Enter, the basket.

Clutter Basket

My basket is a lifesaver. I keep my basket in a central location and dump random stuff in it that needs “dealt” with.  I call it my “organized chaos basket.” Then at some point when I find myself with 15 minutes of spare time and no baby to hold, I tote my basket room to room finding homes for all the items. Winning! Turns out the basket also functions as a sort of lost-n-found. If something gets left lying around, chances are it’s in the basket. Bonus!

Who knew a simple basket could be so helpful?!  Please share your own sanity saving ideas with us!

Luanne
Luanne is a Florida native and Gator girl who moved to Jacksonville for her first job and never left. She has a Masters degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of Florida and has provided parent training and behavioral services for children of all ages. Luanne’s “hands-on” parent training began in 2010 when she became a mother herself. She now has two daughters, ages 2 and 4. With a newfound respect for what parenting around the clock actually feels like, she now spends her time trying to practice what she’s been preaching about for so many years. When not busy being mom, she takes a “break” to help parents experiencing behavioral challenges. Her company Blueprints for Change , offers behavior management trainings and comprehensive behavioral services.

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