The Clutter Plan

Want to save time and reduce allergens?
Then get rid of clutter!

Having lots of stuff around does more than clutter up a room. It makes cleaning harder and gives places for dust and other allergens to collect. Follow these simple steps to reduce clutter.

1. Sort It Out

   Start with a bedroom and take everything out of the closet dressers, shelves, and under the bed. Put stuff in separate piles: clothes, shoes, toys, books, school supplies, sports equipment, etc.
   Work with your children to pick the toys and belongings that are the most important, and separate those they don't use anymore.

2. Give It a Home

   Keep similar items together so that children know where to find things. For example, keep school supplies near the desk or table where your children do homework; store videos by the VCR; toys in the play area, etc.

3. Cover It

   Put items inside drawers, closets, covered boxes or plastic containers so dust can't collect on them.
   Put labels on containers to show where things belong. Have your children write or draw labels.

4. Use It

   Review the "clutter plan" with your children. Remind them that controlling clutter may help reduce asthma attacks. Have them try to put one thing back before getting out something else. Or, schedule 5 minutes of clean-up time every night.