A place for EVERYTHING! Whew, that’s a tall order! Do you feel like your house and all the ‘stuff’ is about to swallow you up? Having a cluttered, crazy, out of control space can take a toll on YOU.

What is clutter? Clutter is all the excess stuff that disrupts your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Sis, after the last couple of years, it’s time to tackle the clutter and find yourself again. Your mind and body will thank you… and who knows, your family might even give you a thumbs up. But where do you start!?!

Here’s some tips and tricks to help you define your style and take back the corners and closets of your home.

Less Is More: I love a sentimental item probably more than the next girl, but it’s been my goal lately to really consider if keeping an item will help or hurt me! Ask yourself: Will I USE it? Do I LOVE it? Do I NEED it? If you can’t answer these questions, then out the door with the item holding your emotions and countertops hostage. If you have a piece of exercise equipment in the corner of your bedroom that’s doing its best imitation of a clothes hanger, that’s a pretty good indication that (well, it says first and foremost, you’re not exercising) it’s wasted space and you need to edit your wardrobe and find better storage options. The space that area is occupying in your home can be better suited with a stylish piece of furniture that can help store those items and lessen the look of clutter.

Space Saving Furniture and Minimal Decor: Take a wardrobe for example. A wardrobe is a piece of furniture that can satisfy many functions. Not only can you store all those clothes that are hiding your exercise bike, it could house all your craft supplies or even become your home office that when the doors are closed all the visual noise goes away. Think of all the other multi-purpose items that could enhance your home: a drop-leaf dining table, a Murphy bed, nesting side tables, a coffee table or ottoman with built-in storage compartments. All of these ideas can help bring peace to a chaotic space. And don’t let all the decor items hide those beautiful furniture pieces! We all love our ‘stuff’ but why not enjoy it more seasonally? Try swapping out items spring and fall or summer and winter. You will enjoy seeing those items so much more. And JOY is definitely a goal!

But….. to live this magical clutter free life you have to be able to (deep breath) Change Your Habits! Gasp! You don’t have to do this overnight. Create a plan. Clean out one drawer or closet per week. Don’t even bring the junk mail in the house. Keep a trash can next to the garage door and put those items directly in the recycle can. Learn to scan important documents from your smartphone and keep digital records! This lifestyle is attainable and I’ll even give you a secret, it’s okay to have one (just one) junk drawer!

These are just a few helpful hints to help you reclaim your space and make your home feel more like YOU!

Stylishly yours,

The Chelsee Sowder Design Team

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