Beneath, under, underneath, below – in this situation we will be considering it in terms of THE FLOOR.  Stop where you are standing in your house.  Look around and count how many things are on the floor.  Whether they are there intentionally or not.  Are you surprised? 
 
I did this a while ago when we had the sniffer dogs in checking for bedbugs.  We got the all clear – it had been a plague in this area so for peace of mind we had our home checked.  What struck me as I was preparing for the visit was how much stuff I had to move so the dog could access every nook and cranny and get right up to the skirting boards. 
 
It got me thinking of other repercussions of the tidy but full floor sitch.  The most obvious is cleaning.  We all like to think of ourselves as clean.  The harsh reality to ponder though is how clean can you really be if you can’t access all areas with ease?  This is a hard one to take – I speak of what I know.  The mental gymnastics it takes to pull all the cables, routers, x boxes etc away from the walls leaves me devoid of will.
 
The other consequence I was forced to acknowledge was when we had to call the ambulance in the middle of the night.  (all good).  As we were waiting for them to arrive I was trying to see clearly – usually wear contacts – remain calm and also put things away so they had unimpeded access to the person in need. 
 
It’s true, the majority of us do not often need to clear the way for first responders.  One truth I have found is that if you can address certain issues during times of calm you do your future self a great service.
 
The immediate difference you may be thankful for is having to get up in the night or very early when it’s still dark outside.  To be able to safely and confidently stagger to the bathroom without dislocating a toe on a lone Lego piece is priceless.
 
Now, if you feel this is something that needs some attention in your space please do not despair.  It’s a process.  Take one room or area at a time.  There are no rules, no grades and no judgement.  Just be aware.  As you begin to tackle this task keep in mind the power bars, chargers etc that you use.  Make sure they are in good condition and not a hazard in any way. 
 
Enjoy the serenity,
 
Allison

In short, because life never ends.  Do you put on clean undergarments daily?  Do you wash daily?  Do you sleep daily?  Do you eat daily? 
 
Assuming you answered ‘yes’ to the complete interrogation then you can see the connection between these daily necessities and organisation. 
 
Consider what your life is like when one of the previous are not adequately satiated or addressed for even one day.  You are discombobulated.  It may be hard to explain to someone else but you can feel it.  The hair that doesn’t sit right, the slight aroma that probably only you are aware of but is constantly in the back of your mind, the mental fog that hovers insistently, the sugar high or low that affects your reactions, moods and ultimately relationships.  Whew! What a mess.
 
Now put daily organising on that list.  Many people think that what they need is to ‘just get organised’, like it’s some ‘once saved always saved’ task they can permanently check off their to do list.  Sadly, mes amis,  if you are in this mindset you are deluding yourselves. 
 
Life is alive.  Everyday we are part of new experiences - good and bad, activities, social interactions, mundane tasks etc.  Inevitably these translate into mess, disarray, clutter entering our lives – in our homes, cars, bags or minds.  This is a great thing – it means you are living life!  Don’t let it go!
 
Start your clutter management today by not letting today’s life clutter live to become an add-on to what will come tomorrow.  Throw out the garbage of today, the recycling of today, the sweet wrappers in your handbag, the redundant school notices sent home in duplicates or triplicates etc.  Stay focussed on daily clutter and the rest will come. 

​It is officially “La Rentréee” aka back to school.  It’s the start of a new year – kind of.  This one is more concrete in many ways.  Everyone feels more with it when the weather is moderate instead of freezing.  It’s easier to get on with it and get things done.  The school break has been enjoyed but everyone is in need of some structure once again.  Whether you have children or not these feelings are in our communal emotional bucket.
 
So let’s take this opportunity to re-group.  Nothing extravagant and lofty – we all know that’s not sustainable.  Maybe some good choices for our families that will serve everyone whether they even realize it or not. 
 
Some examples:
 
Meals:  do I hear you running in the other direction screaming at the thought of a meal plan?  Fear not, I too cringe at inordinate amounts of prep.  Instead, think of your family’s favourite, healthy enough meals.  Shop for those ingredients so you have what you need to hand when life takes off and the blood sugar drops.  Keep those on your regular shopping list.  Home grocery delivery is another viable option to simplify your errands throughout the week.
 
Further thought:  If your children are getting to the age where they can be guided in meal making let them prepare dinner for the family one night a month.  It’s a life skill and it is more easily taught and learnt slowly but surely.
 
La boîte de demain/ the tomorrow box:  Each member of the household can choose their outfit for the following day.  In order for this to not be another dirge chore it is best done as soon as you get home from school or work – before dinner in any case.  That way it’s a done deal and if you do need to do any laundry for the next day you have the time to do so.  Have a designated area, space or box to put your complete affairs in so less thought is required during the frenzy of the morning rush.
 
Donation:  Do yourself a favour and decide on a donation area in your home that is easily accessible for everyone.  Although, consider putting it somewhere out of sight enough to not be part of the din of clutter.  This way any clothes that are no longer useful – due to size, taste or comfort, are not clogging up the drawers or shelves.  Nothing can discourage you from putting away your clothes more than an over- stuffed drawer that doesn’t close easily.
 
You may have other ideas that better fit your life and household which you should implement.  The caveat is to take the time to mentally prepare yourself to follow through.  This is usually – I speak from experience, only truly possible and long term if you don’t get carried away with yourself and instead make it manageable for you.  Forget the beautiful people you see in your daily life that you imagine have it all together – they don’t!