It's Spring, time to get rid our clutter. If you have clutter in your home, you’re certainly not alone. Most of us hang on to unneeded things and struggle to keep our homes clutter-free. But if we could identify the root causes of the clutter, could we make it go away?

Clutter often has one of several root causes. 

Life Circumstances Change

A change in life circumstances — a new baby or job, a move to a new home, an illness or injury — can be stressful and lead to a typically tidy home becoming cluttered. Eventually, this type of clutter resolves; the question is how long adjusting will take and how much your clutter will bother you in the interim.

If you’re frustrated by your chaos and you lack time to address it, you may want to seek help from family, friends or a professional home organizer to get you through this stressful phase.

You Lack The Habits

Some people are not in the practice of hanging up their jackets or putting away their beauty supplies. Patterns like these can cause a state of disarray at home. But it’s not impossible to create new habits.

Try the approach called “The Habit Loop,” from the book The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, by Charles Duhigg. It involves three steps: Cue, Routine and Reward. The Cue is a reminder that initiates a new behavior. The Routine is the behavior itself. The Reward is the benefit you get from doing the new behavior. It’s a method that works well if implemented.

Lack Of Systems For Handling Stuff

Not having systems in place to handle items we touch every day can lead to a lot of clutter buildup. Here are a few of the big culprits.

◦  Paper and mail are the No. 1 source of clutter in many homes. If you’re unsure how long to keep old bank statements, bills, tax returns and other records, or if you lack an efficient system for handling pending paperwork such as unpaid bills, the mess tends to mount. The good news, you can take some simple, straightforward steps to address your paper pile and create a system for sorting mail. If you need help sorting the old items and setting up a new system. 

◦  Cellphones, keys, glasses, wallets and laptops: Lacking a designated location to store these items can lead not only to clutter but to endless frustration. The solution is to simply designate a location so that you don’t have to search for these items every time you leave the house. A kitchen drawer with a charging station is ideal, but if you don’t have one, then simply corral these items in a small basket near an electrical outlet where you can easily grab them when you leave the house. 

◦  Purses, computer bags, backpacks, sports bags and outerwear: Closets and coat racks can fill up quickly with these bulky items, with extras ending up on the backs of chairs or draped over bannisters. Often, there are just too many of these items, so consider reducing your collection. For example, if your child receives a new backpack each year, consider donating the old one. Sort through coats and donate any that no longer fit or you no longer use. Hang everyday bags and outerwear on a coat rack or in a closet near the front door. Store ski jackets and special-occasion purses in a different location.

◦  Children’s art supplies, toys and homework: Children generate a large amount of clutter. Taming this mess can be challenging for even the most organized person — especially when it comes to toys that pile up. If your child will agree, consider donating some toys to a charity to cut down on the mess.

As for the rest of children’s belongings, because young children like to be near their parents, you’d be wise to set up storage in or near the spaces where the family is most likely to spend time. Typically, this is the kitchen or the living room.

Too Many Things Used for the Same Purpose

It is common to collect an overabundance of pens, pencils, reusable grocery bags, notepads, serving bowls and platters, kitchen tools, sunscreen, binders and coffee mugs. Fortunately, this is a relatively straightforward decluttering challenge. Simply reduce your collection of these items to an amount that will reasonably fit into your storage space and that you will realistically be able to use. Going forward, consider what you already own before buying. Be realistic about whether you have room to store a new item.

 Avoid Making Decisions About Your Things

Some people avoid deciding what to do with their clutter by placing items in a basement, garage or closet not visible from the main living spaces. This is a common tactic when quickly cleaning up before a party. However, this type of clutter weighs on people’s minds because they know it has to be dealt with sometime.

Sort through boxes and bags of stashed belongings that have been left in place for years. Usually the contents end up in the recycling bin or the landfill. If you know you have such boxes lurking, consider enlisting the help of a friend or a professional to help you sort through them and get them out of your life.

Your Health Gets in the Way

A long-term health problem can sometimes result in household clutter as schedules are upset by medical appointments and free time becomes scarce. In these circumstances, a person may lack energy or mobility. Similarly, clutter can accumulate as we age and lose energy, balance or mental capacity for making decisions.

In such cases, it may be necessary to get outside help. A family member might need to attend to the clutter once a week. A professional organizer may need to create systems to more easily keep the home tidy.

On the other hand, extreme clutter or hoarding is usually caused by underlying issues that may require the help of a psychologist or other professional.

For most of us, clutter is simply a part of modern life. If you struggle with it, you’re certainly not alone. But take heart: With determination and a little help — whether moral support from friends or the guidance of a professional — you can overcome it and live a more organized life.

One of life’s pleasures is curling up and relaxing on a cozy sofa. But buying a sofa that will stand the test of time requires careful consideration. Your sofa will be one of the most-used pieces of furniture in your home. A high level of craftsmanship that delivers comfort and support is paramount. But there are other considerations as well: style, shape, upholstery and durability.

This sofa buying guide lists the most essential points to consider, so that when you finally make your purchase, and sink into your new sofa at home, it will not only provide an exceptionally comfortable experience but also will last for years to come.

Room Shape and Size

Measure the area you’ve designated for your new sofa, taking into account the size and shape of the room. If you have a narrow or small living room, for example, you don’t want to put in a huge sofa that leaves no room for anything else.

Once you’ve settled on a sofa that you think will fill the space, note the sofa’s measurements and mark them on the floor with string. This way you can be sure the sofa will fit the space and that there will be room to walk around or past it.

Tip: 

Equally important is how you plan to get your sofa into the room. If you have narrow doorways, or live in an apartment accessed via an elevator or stairs, consider whether you will be able to easily maneuver the sofa into your home.

Frame Material and Construction

A sturdy frame usually contributes to a long-lasting sofa. A wooden frame is best, especially if it is a quality wood that has been kiln-dried. Be wary of cheap pine or green wood, which can warp over time.

The frame should be secured together by dowels or nails; avoid those that are held together by staples and glue. The legs should be either part of the frame or solidly attached. Metal frames may be necessary when the seat of the sofa has a large span, but they can make the sofa heavy and hard to move.

Suspension

Longer-lasting sofas generally have springs, and there are many types. The highest quality is offered by eight-way hand-tied springs, but pocket coil springs — similar to those in a mattress — and serpentine-style springs offer a high level of support at a lower cost.

There are other methods of support, such as webbing. Although this is a cheaper method of suspension, webbing can offer good support if used in conjunction with springs in the areas that will bear the most weight: the seats.

Cushion Fillings

The most expensive fillings for back and seat cushions are feather and down, but cushions that are 100 percent down require lots of fluffing and patting to hold their shape. Down-only cushions are better suited as back cushions.

Seat cushions should be firm and regain their shape after you apply pressure to them unless they are filled with down or feather. Foam cushions are the most inexpensive, but they can deflate quickly if they are low density. A great choice for the seats and back rests are cushions of high-density, resilient foam wrapped with either down or even polyester.

Back Cushion Arrangement

Typically there are three cushion arrangements offered for the backs of sofas.

   * Fixed-back

   * Cushion-back: the most common style, which often has T-shaped back cushion that           curve to fit around arms

   * Scatter-back: a loose arrangement of cushions that hide a padded back frame

Style

Choose a sofa style that works with the decor of your room. A low-profile sofa will suit a modern decor, and a high-back sofa will work better in a more traditional home.

Sectional

If you have a family — or have guests often — consider two sofas that fit together in an L-shape or U-shape so everyone can sit together. These styles, also known as sectional sofas, should be upholstered in a durable fabric — especially if you also have pets.

Good choices are leather, strong synthetic microfiber and chenille. Reclining sectionals are great lounging options and are particularly ideal for home theaters.

Tufted

The tufted sofa, also known as a button-back when the center of each tuft sports a button, features a classic cushioning treatment that comes in a variety of styles.

Tufted sofas rarely go out of fashion and will look great in any home decor scheme if in a plain fabric. They are usually a little more expensive owing to the amount of work that goes into the tufting.

Tip: 

Think twice about choosing a tufted style when you have young children, because the tufts collect crumbs.

Modular

Modular sofas come in a range of sizes and have many benefits. Because they combine various pieces in one unit, they are relatively compact, maximizing the space in a room. They also offer more space for sitting, especially if a chaise or fixed ottoman is attached.

Due to their flexibility and versatility, modulars can be set up in different configurations, and sometimes you can create your own combinations. These are sofas well worth considering.

Low-profile

Sofas that encourage prolonged lounging and relaxing often feature plenty of plush pillows and cushions, a wide frame and ample cushioning on broad arms. Additionally, these kinds of sofas often come in various pieces or modular forms, which means the sofa can be transported to other homes or living spaces as separate pieces and assembled in whatever combination works.

Arm Shape

Consider the style of arms you like and whether they are comfortable enough for resting your arm on, snoozing against or even perching on from time to time.

Some people like square arms, others prefer rounded ones. Wide arms suit more contemporary styles, especially sofas with a low profile, but they can take up a significant amount of room. A high-backed sofa often has a narrow arm, and if the sofa is a classic style, it may have a curvy scroll or a flare.

Upholstery Type

If you want to keep your sofa for decades, choosing the right upholstery is as important as making sure the construction standards are high.

Fabric

Hard-wearing cotton and linen are winners. But when mixed with a cheap synthetic, they can often pill after a year of wear. High-quality synthetic microfiber fabrics can mimic the weave and handle of most natural fabrics and are stain-resistant, making these textiles excellent choices. They are also less likely to fade.

Leather

Both luxurious and practical, genuine leather sofas can complement any home decor. If combined with quality construction, they offer years of comfort and style. There are also new vegan leather options as well.

Tip: 

Leather is a durable material and gets better with time, but it needs some care. Treat it with a high-quality conditioner once or twice a year.

Color and Pattern

If you’ve found your dream sofa but are unsure what color is going to work with your decor, or you haven’t decided on a look yet, stick with a neutral. It‘s more likely to work with colors or patterns you introduce at a later date.

If your decor plan has a predominantly warm palette, choose a beige, mushroom or cream sofa. A gray, charcoal and even white sofa will work best with a cool color palette. Punchy color should come from accessory pillows or throw rugs as these can easily be replaced when the next color trend hits.

Tip: 

If you feel that a colorful sofa will work in your home, choose one in a color that will be easier to style as trends change over time.

Choose fabrics with patterns in the weave as these tend to wear better over time. Ask the store you are buying your sofa from for a swatch to take home. See how the fabric looks in both natural daylight and under artificial light at night. If you are looking to buy a sofa you plan to have forever, try to avoid purchasing one that features trendy weaves or big patterns, lest it is no longer trendy.

Tip: 

A herringbone or flecked tweed incorporated into the design of a weave produces a fabric that wears well and hides any fading or scuff marks.

Whether it’s cozy movie nights or cocktail parties, the living room is often the hub of the action when it comes to gathering with friends and loved ones. And because it’s such a well-used space, it also tends to accumulate its fair share of clutter. Here are some ways to clear the clutter and create a beautiful, comfortable living room space.

What You Really Want From This Space

Beginning your space-clearing process with a positive mindset will help make your decisions about what to keep and what to let go of easier. Which activities do you imagine doing here? How do you want to feel when you enter the room? Come up with a list of three to five words that encompass the mood, look and feel you want to create.

Take Action: 

With your vision for the space firmly in mind, walk through your living room and begin removing items that do not mesh with that vision.

◦  What colors fill you with joy?

◦  What sort of artwork, textures and shapes do you love?

◦  What is taking up space that you don’t you really love or need?

Paring back is an ongoing process, and you may need to repeat this step several times before you reach a balance that feels good to you.

Calm The Visual Noise

Papers, magazines, movies, games and electronics can be helpful to have on hand in the living room, but that doesn’t mean you want to look at them all the time. By hiding away most of these items, you can create a more peaceful feeling in the space.

Take Action: 

Cabinets are ideal for stashing media and electronics out of sight. Make room in your cabinets and shelving by sorting through your media, books and papers and choosing to keep only the items you truly love and use.

If you don’t have cabinetry in your living room, you can still hide those DVDs and Blu-ray discs inside attractive bins or baskets on shelving, or tucked beneath a coffee or side table. For the most streamlined look, choose containers that are all the same and that either fill the space completely or come with lids to hide the contents.

Design For Real Life

If you have young kids at home, is your living room an easy place to hang out as a family — or do you find yourself constantly watching out for easily tipped furniture and breakable decor? Design the room for your current life phase; your household will be the happier for it.

Take Action: 

Realistically consider your needs right now and whether your space is meeting those needs.

◦  If you have young children or pets, consider washable slipcovers and easy-care

    fabrics on upholstered pieces.

◦  If you use your living room more for movies and lounging, choose a deep, cushy

    sofa. If you use it more for chatting and parties, upright chairs and sofas will be

    more comfortable.

◦  If you have a baby or young child, furniture with soft edges and unbreakable

    materials — an acrylic versus glass coffee table, for example — may not be

    necessary but it can provide some parental peace of mind.

◦  If you’re an empty-nester but your living room is still designed for a young

    family, consider how you can reclaim the space and put your own stamp on it.

Take Action: 

Come up with a list of things you love — passions, interests, activities, hobbies — that you’d like to incorporate into your life more.

◦  For book lovers, edit your book collection, letting go of those you didn’t love and

    choosing some favorites to spotlight on a shelf.

◦  For crafters, select a bowl or basket where you can keep your current project

    close at hand.

◦  For parents, consider which screen-free activities you’d like to encourage in

    this room and gather the necessary items in an appealing arrangement.

◦  For entertainers, clear space on the coffee table for sharing small plates of

    food, or organize a drink cart/bar.

Cultivate Your Passions

Whether you’re a big reader, an art lover, a wine connoisseur or a board game aficionado, let your passions take center stage. Curate your book collection and pull up your coziest chair to create a reading nook beside the fire, frame a new art print or dust off a portrait from the attic. When you shine a light on the things that matter to you, you allow your living space to nourish and support you.

Bring In Nature

Living plants clean the air, soften hard edges and bring a welcome touch to any room. Large potted plants can transform the look and feel of a room with their lush texture and vibrant color. If your room has very little natural light, you can display cut branches in a tall vessel for a similar effect.

Take Action: 

Bringing in even a single small houseplant can have a surprisingly large impact on how your living room looks and feels. If you haven’t had good luck keeping plants alive in the past, get recommendations for easy-care plants that will do well in your space.

◦  Bring in large potted plants like split leaf philodendron or fiddle leaf fig for a

    dramatic look.

◦  To start small, try an easy-to-care-for houseplant like a potted aloe or

     spider plant.

◦  If you have a sunny window ledge, why not grow a few pots of fresh herbs?

◦  If houseplants won’t work in your space, bring in cut branches and fresh flowers

    whenever possible. Even a single bloom in a bud vase has a remarkably

    cheering effect.