In this crazy modern world we live in, there is something or someone constantly begging for our attention. Ping! There goes your phone. Oops, the dogs need let out – by the way has anyone fed them?  “Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom.” I can’t even pee in peace anymore. Emails piling up, kids school papers, appointments need to be made and well look at that – its only 9am.

I get it, I live it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken my kids to the park, solely so I could get on my phone or send a couple emails. Pushing my little one a swing thinking “Oh no, I should be writing that invoice”…or…”Crap! I need to send over her proposal.” Like a duck on water, appearing to be gracefully gliding through life – but underneath my mind was non-stop. I’ve had to do some serious rewiring , not just for me – but for the relationships I value.

To be fully present during meal times, thats what your kids will remember. I don’t mean just sitting near them – but mentally checked in too. Before my daughters are excused from our dinner table, they have to share the best part of their day. Sometimes, often times… its “right now.” What if we began to look at our “right now” a bit differently? Focus on whatever we’re doing in that moment 100%. Give it all we’ve got. Dinner, the park, date night, work, exercise – whatever it is in that moment, its got your attention 100%. This is where the systems I have put in place in my home become the driving factor for my sanity.

Physical clutter means mental clutter too. So PURGE, PURGE, and PURGE some more.   I don’t organize my life because I want it to be Pinterest pretty, I do it because I want a life that is rich, sweet, and not so complicated. And with that, comes something absolutely divine.

Check out these 3 ways to help eliminate clutter in your space.

1. Coats and key hooks by the door you use most. Our key hook station is from Target. It has two nooks for additional storage too. But I also love those little hooks with a sticky strip on the back. They are 2 bucks at any drug store and work for coats, towels, hats, and robes too! By the way do you really need all of those keys?

2. A place for papers. For most people, this clutter party tends to gather on the counter. It seems like any flat surface in our home can easily become a dumping ground. We chose to make a “homework cabinet”. The cabinet closest to their homework seats opens to a paper bin that both kids can access. For some people this can be out of sight out of mind sorta thing, so a lidded box solution maybe a better fit. Home Goods has lots of great options.

3. Toss it. Are you holding on to an itchy sweater? Pants that are missing a button? Why? You didn’t wear it last year, you won’t wear it this year either. Create a donation station over the next week and get rid of some those items you holding on to in hopes to “fix” in some way.

No matter what your family size is, how big your budget, or career situation – everyone can benefit from decluttering distractions, setting up systems, and establishing routines. Making physical and mental space for what really matters most.

Free yourselves.