The Sisterhood Anniversary issue | Page 12

appealing. A step up: FAMILY ROOM Basic tactics: * Assess the kind of clutter that builds up in your family room. Perhaps your clutter consists of children’s toys, magazines and newspapers, or multiple remote controls for entertainment components. Once you know what kind of clutter you’re collect- ing, decide if it belongs and must be ac- commodated, or doesn’t and should go. * Add storage solutions specific to your needs. For example, storage ottomans can double as extra seating and a place to store frequently used toys. A caddy can keep re- mote controls organized and at hand. A room-by-room guide to decluttering your home (BPT) - Controlling clutter in your home can be a challenge; 48 percent of Ameri- cans say their houses are cluttered with stuff they don’t use anymore, according to a survey by ClearVoice Research. Multiple studies have found a cluttered home can negatively affect your mental and physical health, while a cleaner home can make you feel happier and healthier. A UCLA study found mothers in cluttered homes had higher stress levels while dealing with their stuff, while an Indiana University study found people with clean houses are healthier than those living in cluttered homes. You may realize clutter isn’t good for you, but it’s not always easy to get organized. To help you get started, here is a room-by-room guide to cutting the cl