A Case for Conquering Home Chaos

As the school year is winding down, many of us are attempting to regain control of our homes.  We’re sorting and storing school stuff, shuttling junk off to the thrift store, planning for a garage sale.  I was recently invited to an evening dedicated to the art of home organization.  While sipping and snacking, an expert showed us nifty ways to better organize our kitchens and offices. I was surprised how much we all enjoyed it.  For heaven’s sake, we were talking about plastic containers and filing systems! But as managers of our homes, this is vital information for our jobs. 

As a mom and wife, my goal is to create a kid friendly and sanity soothing home, which is a challenge. Before kids, I admired the philosophy of my friend’s framed needlepoint which read, “A clean home is the sign of a wasted life.”  Years later in the thick of motherhood, I realized that saying needs some balance. When my home is neglected for too long, insanity creeps in.  Quality of life goes down. When the food, laundry and paper handling systems (to name a few) are in disarray, nobody can find what they need.  Tasks are not clearly delegated.   We’re all grumpy–especially me, because I squirt a generous dollop of guilt on the chaos sundae!  In my opinion, a better needlepoint for family would read, “A well-managed home frees us to live a more satisfying and fun life.” Not as catchy, but it lives better.

Having leaned into my spring organizing instincts, I’m making progress. I hope to be ready for the season of summer serendipity—of making memories outside of the house.  Without the nagging pull of a house in chaos, we enjoy those days so much more.  No, I’m not expecting housekeeping perfection.  I outgrew that silly idea about the same time I figured out there is no special glory in a messy home either. I’m shooting for a well-managed home that helps us to enjoy our lives together.

Watch for my next blog which will contain some of my favorite ideas and resources for kid-friendly home organization.

-posted by Donna Mershon Detweiler, who is currently sitting at a very messy desk!