Clutter-Busting Tips for Your “Room of Shame”: Transform Your Chaotic Storage Space

Everyone—or at least I like to tell myself so—has a “hoarder's haven” somewhere in their home. Maybe it's a spare bedroom, maybe it's just a little closet, or maybe it's your whole basement... You know what I am talking about—that place where abandoned household goods go to fade quietly into the night. Cleaning and organizing this space, however large or small it is, can be overwhelming. Yet, there are a number of reasons why you should make this a priority. For one thing, excess clutter can create nesting places for common household pests. And, even if clutter is out of sight, the dust bunnies it accumulates eventually migrate, affecting air quality throughout your home. In addition to these more obvious health concerns, clutter contributes to stress and anxiety. According to Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy.D. a contributor to Psychology Today, “Clutter constantly signals our brains that our work is never done.”

With spring finally here, now is a great time to tackle that daunting project of revamping your own hoarder 's haven and transforming it into a bright, functional living space—or at least a better-organized storage area where you can find what you need when you need it! Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Determine what you would like to do with the space. Could you use a crafting corner or an exercise room? A kids' play room? Or perhaps a “man cave” so your husband finally has someplace besides the family room to leave his dirty socks and coffee mugs... Envisioning this area in a new way can be a powerful motivator.

• Getting started is usually the hardest part. Personally, I like to start in one corner of the room, and move clockwise. Once I get that first section cleared, it gets much easier.

• When sorting through your varied treasures, most experts suggest creating three piles: One to keep (be ruthless here); one to donate or sell; and one to discard. It's best to avoid having a “maybe” pile. If you find yourself having a hard time parting with something, put it in the donate pile. That way you have a chance to reconsider your decision before you put up that “Garage Sale” sign or head off to the nearest thrift store.

• Start small. While it is tempting to wait until you have “extra time” to tackle the project, this often leads to procrastination. Plus, for so many of us, extra time is as elusive as winning the lottery. Instead, commit to twenty- to thirty- minute work sessions—per day or per week—whatever fits your schedule.

• Most importantly, don't be afraid to seek help. We are often embarrassed or ashamed when clutter has taken hold, but we needn't worry! With today's demanding lifestyles, perfectly spotless and organized homes are more of an anomaly than the status quo. Ask a family member or friend to lend a hand. Or, if you have some extra money, hire a professional.

So, what are you waiting for? Paradise awaits...and it may just be a hidden jewel in your own home!