Tidying expert Dilly Carter has identified four common mistakes that contribute to household clutter and provided methods to address them. According to Carter, many people view paperwork as a source of stress, associating it with bills and obligations.
When scattered across different areas of the home—such as the kitchen counter, side tables, bedrooms, or handbags—paperwork can feel overwhelming, appearing as numerous separate piles requiring attention. Carter suggests that consolidating all such items into a single location can reduce this feeling of being encroached upon by clutter.
"Gathering it all in one place makes it feel less like its encroaching on your life," Carter explained. "It feels like, OK, well, I've only got this one box of paperwork to deal with now—so I'm going to sit and just go through it. It makes it much easier."
For Carter, the benefits of an organized and tidy home extend to mental well-being. She notes that untidy spaces often serve as a constant, passive reminder of unfinished tasks. "Well, all clutter does is look back at us—doesn't it?"
The expert's advice extends to various areas of the home, including kitchens, living rooms, and wardrobes. Common issues addressed include the disorganization of kitchen countertops and the inefficient storage of clothing within drawers. For instance, scattered items on kitchen worktops can impede functionality, while messy drawers with unfolded garments can make finding specific clothing items difficult. Carter advocates for solutions like designated storage boxes for toys and utilizing vertical space, such as pegboards, to maximize organization.
