Dealing with these areas can help you have a clean and organised living space. Here are some tips to address clutter hot spots effectively:

1. Identify them: Common clutter hot spots include entryways, kitchen counters, coffee tables, desks, and dining tables. Now you know where to focus your efforts
2. What are the causes? Analyse WHY clutter tends to accumulate in these spots. Do you need storage? Is it bad habits? Is it closer to the dishwasher THAN the dishwasher???
3. Declutter time: Diarise half an hour each week to tackle this area. This means sorting this area properly. Take those receipts to the correct area, donate that ugly vase you don’t know what to do with, recycle the old batteries which somehow end up there. This area should be bringing joy, so get rid of the bad and bring in the great stuff!
4. Create designated storage areas: Assign each item a designated place to prevent clutter from accumulating again. Now the fun bit, it is time to choose baskets, bins, shelves, hooks, clear drawers, pretty boxes.
5. Adopt a “one in, one out” rule: I live by this rule. This helps maintain a balance and prevents excessive accumulation. It encourages you to be more mindful of what you bring into your space.
6. Develop daily habits: Cultivate habits that prevent clutter from accumulating in these spots. Easier said than done. I know. Having a zero tolerance rule should sink in eventually. Encourage everyone in your household to take responsibility for their belongings and contribute to maintaining an organized environment.
7. Optimise: This just means thinking outside the box.  For example, if your entryway tends to accumulate shoes and coats, consider installing a shoe rack and coat hooks to keep items organised and easily accessible. Simple but effective.
8. Clear surfaces: Keep flat surfaces, such as countertops or tables, as clear as possible. This helps with cleaning and dusting (and also easier on the eyes).