Getting everyone on board

[HappyMommy2]

I am finally in a place where I am able to do some cleaning and decluttering. It feels so wonderful! My problem is that (it feels like) every time I get one thing organized and clutter-free, my hubby starts filling it with junk!

For example, I designated one drawer for dipes and wipes. Since it is clean and has some open space, he dumps everything in there!

We built a large closet with a designated shelf for "can wear again" and hung 12 hooks in our room. Yet, he still folds his jeans on top of the vcr! (perhaps I should be happy they are folded and not crumpled on the floor, huh?)

I made a box for keys. It now holds all random stuff like wallets, cell phones, business cards, etc. Prior to that I put a little box in the junk drawer where we had keys, but he placed all tiny items in the box like screwdrivers etc.

My laundry room is getting to be almost perfect!!! And includes a space for him to place "can wear again" items. Yet he keeps putting them in the "clean" place.

My biggest pet peeve is crap on the floor. As soon as I clear a floor space, he sticks something else there. It looks so gross!

He has complained several times about how I used to be so organized. I'm actually trying now that the kids are a tiny bit older. (2&4)

He is very helpful around the house, does dishes, vacuums, picks up, etc.

But this is making me feel like a nag!!

Any advice??

[ArtsyMomma]

Can you make a system to fit your dh? Maybe set a basket out near the drawer with the wipes - if he puts stuff in the drawer, then drop it in the basket instead. For keys - put up some key hooks near the door instead. They are too small to hang much but keys on, and you will still have somewhere specific for the keys. If dh puts 'can wear agains' in the clean place - then consider them clean? I have a 'can wear again' space, but I'm only one person. I'd pick up anything off the floor and throw it in the hamper. Explain to dh that you can't leave clothing on top of electronics - they could overheat, but you have a space set aside to put clothing. If he can't do it - you may just have to put away the things he leaves out. Throw the jeans in the hamper - when he wants to know where they are - explain you didn't know what their status was, since they weren't in the 'can wear again' spot, so they went into the wash - and when you get around to it, you will get the laundry done.

[Kivgaen]

Originally Posted by HappyMommy2

He is very helpful around the house, does dishes, vacuums, picks up, etc.

But this is making me feel like a nag!!

Any advice??

What if you just said to him (in as calm of a voice as you can muster) -- honey, this stuff doesn't go here. Can you help me find a place to re-locate this stuff so that you will be able to find it later?...

If he doesn't help you, then say -- if you don't want to help me, that's fine, I'll do it, but it might be better if you actually knew where to look for them later.

Select a spot for his stuff, and just put it there. If he puts it in the wrong place, just keep putting it back there. Eventually he'll get used to retrieving it where you are putting it, and he may even put it away next time!

I'm struggling with similar issues this week. Thursday I cleaned our front entrance way and went and bought a couple pieces of furniture to help organize our front hallway -- Benches (which I have wanted there for a while!) that have a flip-up lid for storing stuff. I put in some boxes in one bench and labeled one box "Daddy and DS's stuff", and the other "mommy and DD's stuff". The other bench was for boots, all labelled with sticky notes of where everyone's boots should go.

The very first day, everyone came in and just dumped everything on the floor again. When they came in, I simply said very matter-of-factly -- that's not where this stuff goes. I showed them where to put everything, and they all complied.

Later on the next day, DD and DS decided they were going to play in the benches. They took out all the boots, took out the boxes, all the hats, mitts, gloves, purses, etc., and dumped them on the floor in the hallway, and then started climbing in the bins. I very simply said "the benches aren't for playing with. Please put everything back where it belongs".

When DS started throwing all the boots in the bench, looking back at me for a reaction, I simply said "it doesn't look neat that way. I want it to look neat". They put everything back, exactly as it was!

Today we had no problems. Everyone put their boots away in the bin and hung up their coats in the closet. I was amazed and how easy it was!

[Kivgaen]

Originally Posted by ArtsyMomma

Throw the jeans in the hamper - when he wants to know where they are - explain you didn't know what their status was, since they weren't in the 'can wear again' spot, so they went into the wash - and when you get around to it, you will get the laundry done.

I'd do that too

[Kivgaen]

Originally Posted by HappyMommy2

My laundry room is getting to be almost perfect!!! And includes a space for him to place "can wear again" items. Yet he keeps putting them in the "clean" place.

I have to admit, I'm actually struggling a little bit with the above point. What's the difference between "clean", and "can wear again", and why is it important to you to keep them separate?

[ArtsyMomma]

Originally Posted by Kivgaen

I have to admit, I'm actually struggling a little bit with the above point. What's the difference between "clean", and "can wear again", and why is it important to you to keep them separate?

Interesting point. I keep my 'can wear again' folded on top of my dresser, but it's never more than a bra, jammies and a pair of jeans. I also wear the stuff the next day 90% of the time.

[HappyMommy2]

Originally Posted by Kivgaen

I have to admit, I'm actually struggling a little bit with the above point. What's the difference between "clean", and "can wear again", and why is it important to you to keep them separate?

Most of the time, I don't care. But there are times when i do care.

If I have clean sheets, and just took a shower, I want super fresh truly clean clothes to sleep in.

If I am going to work, I want a clean clean shirt. Once it has been worn for work, it can be in the wear again pile.

[clutterwarrior]

Originally Posted by Kivgaen

I have to admit, I'm actually struggling a little bit with the above point. What's the difference between "clean", and "can wear again", and why is it important to you to keep them separate?

I am a bit confused for a different reason...I am not understanding why the "can wear again" things are put in the laundry?

If we wish to wear things again, we fold them and put them on a shelf in the bedroom.

Clean things are taken from the clothesline outside and put straight into drawers.

It's interesting how everyone has a different routine!