Colin and Justin: Junk and disorderly

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Decluttering is a habit, not an event

“A place for everything, and everything in its place.” So goes an oft’ touted maxim of Auld Betty, our wee Scottish granny, who – even now, in her senior chapter – maintains an orderly home that would put Japanese organizer Marie Kondo to shame.

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Betty positively joys in her ability to edit and retain only that which she needs, utilizing itemized lists to ‘pinpoint’ possessions whenever required.

It’s a habit neither of us has truly mastered, due in part to the speed at which we navigate life clearing the homes of others. What is it they say about cobblers’ children?

Aye, visit any of our client homes, and you’ll witness perfectly manicured landscapes. Chez nous, however, it might appear we’re in control, but open a closet or spare room door and you’ll espy, at best, ‘controlled disorder’.

Like many folk, we often do the ‘stash ‘n’ dash’ or the ‘heave ‘n’ leave’ when consigning stuff out of direct eyelines. And with best intentions, well, you know the rest…

Accordingly, we were thrilled when, filming an episode of CTV’s ‘The Good Stuff with Mary Berg’, we found ourselves in the green room with fellow guest and professional organizer Megan Arthurs who’s been assigning order to Canadian homes for many years via her business H:OM ORGANIZING (www.homorganizing.ca) a go to resource for anyone stricken with an inability to arrange.

Supping coffee, backstage, we chatted about what it takes to deliver domestic composure, and the things people can do to make everything run smoothly.

As we see it, many people have been brainwashed by the aforementioned Marie Kondo (and shows like hers) that question if an item ‘sparks joy’.

Megan suggests a more appropriate line of questioning: “Does this item add value to my life?” or “Do I feel a strong connection to this piece?” These questions, Megan suggests, create a more intentional and balanced approach to decluttering.

Megan’s tips for an orderly home include:

Implement drop zones. Designate a stylish tray or basket where clutter naturally falls (in places like entryways) to collect keys, sunglasses and mail. This prevents ‘spread’ and minimizes visual chaos, which can lead, in turn, to distraction and stress.

Reset before sleep. Spend five minutes every evening to reset space. Fold blankets, pick up toys and put away dishes. Implemented as part of your routine, you’ll awaken calm and ahead of the new day.

One in, one out. Clutter occurs at the point of acquisition. For every item you bring into your home, it’s good to donate or discard one: especially important for categories like clothes, books and toys. What you don’t let go of invites chaos to settle.

Declutter as a habit, not an event. Dedicate 20 minutes a week to declutter one small space (such as cupboards, drawers or nightstands) to avoid the paralyses that can settle when everything’s left to become an annual chore: regular purging helps stay on top of, rather than chasing after, household tidiness.

Store by frequency. Position items where you use them, not where you think they should live. Everyday things should be easy to access and return. Place go-to essentials at eye level and keep occasional use items at a higher level.

Love your labels. Especially important if you live with others who have different views on ‘tidy’. Label items, drawers and shelves so everyone knows where everything lives.

Commandeer awkward spaces. Maximize storage, especially if you live in a condo or apartment. Use rolling bins under beds, wall-mounted shelves, wall hooks and over-door hangers to utilize vertical space.

Communication. Shared responsibilities are crucial in maintaining a tidy home. Fairly assigning duties builds accountability and prevents resentment and burnout. When everyone knows what ‘tidy’ means, it creates a much happier environment.

Megan’s counsel still ringing in our ears, we’re off to steal a chase on our own cupboards. God forbid that, when Granny Betty eventually makes it back to Canada, she should witness our, erm, state of organized chaos. Or that our new pal Megan should stop by, prior to a determined C+J purge…

For more information, or to book a consultation, visit www.homorganizing.ca.

Watch for Colin and Justin on City-tv’s Breakfast Television and Colin and Justin’s Sub- Zero Reno on Paramount Plus TV. Find the Colin and Justin Home Collection in stores across Canada.
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