Where do I even begin?

[snowbunny]

We live in a small 1.5 Bedroom/2 Bath 800 s.f. condo. We have two storage closets, a tiny kitchen and a small closet that holds our upright washer/dryer combo.

Our place seems like it is brimming with junk. I try to clean/organize/declutter and it just gets worse! DH will toss everything onto a console ...

I don't even know where to begin. Everything seems so cluttered.

As avid readers, we have loads of books. Our walls are cluttered with prints and giant mirrors. DH's guitar stuff is everywhere.

I want to get everything taken care of before DS starts crawling, but I have no clue as to where to begin.

Any advice, books, websites I should check out?

[Free Thinker]

WEll, I'd say you need to get some good verticle storage. Shelves w/ baskets would work great! You should probably purge your books, and only keep what you love, and think you will read again. The rest can be sold or donated to your local library. I'd try to set up zones, so that all of the guitar stuff is in one zone, TV items in another, toys in another. ONe tip that I read in a organizing book said to declutter it,a nd then look at what you have. Try to find the best storage solution for what is left. Be sure to take into account how big the storage must be, and how accessible you need it to be. Stuff that you want to keep, but it out of season, or will be unsafe for baby to be around can be boxed up and put up on a high shelf, or stored under the bed. I did this w/ my summer shoes, and it made a HUGE difference. I only keep a pair or two of tennis shoes, and my winter shoes in the closet. All sandles are put up until easter, or whenever I need them. THen I'll pack up the winter boots Works out nicely!

[kathirynne]

"Must Read" book suggestion

It's Here, Somewhere by Alice Fulton and Pauline Hatch.

The authors take you room by room, and all of their strategies are really realistic. (They have 12 children between them, so they have been there, done that, and then some!!)

[canadiangranola]

I have found that when I'm feeling overwhelmed with stuff Flylady's "27 fling boogie" really appeals to me as a place to begin.

The theory is that you get three laundry baskets, and put them in position. Then, you walk your space and find 27 things to give away (basket 1), 27 to throw away (basket 2) and 27 things to put away.

I find it motivating, and a good place to start...because after I've done it I have at least done something, you know?

good luck.