During college, I had a housemate (Tina) who was undeniably a clutterbug and a bit of a scatter brain, two traits that should never be combined. I am not the pinnacle of organization, but I do keep moderately organized and usually pick up after myself. So, the living situation was interesting.

I could always tell when Tine was home because there was a trail of stuff leading from the door to the couch or kitchen table. Usually the shoes were left right by the door, sock discarded a few inches away, bag deposited on the floor wherever, keys on the couch, sweater on the floor next to the couch, and cell phone on the table. She was the queen of clutter.

After many times of loosing her keys, cell phone, and purse I suggested that she create a spot where she put all three everyday to ensure that they would not get lost in all the clutter; I don’t think she ever did. When she could find some important papers in her room I helped her look; I can’t recall whether or not the document was ever found, I just remember thinking, “Oh my gosh how can one person have so much crap lying around…everywhere.”

That living experience taught me a few things have stuck well ever since: One; I hate clutter that becomes a décor theme of any room or starts trickling out doors. The mess actually makes me less comfortable in a home. Two; I must always keep my keys in one place so that they can be easily found. Three; never try to keep more stuff, be it paper work or just trinkets, than your allotted space will allow.