Valentine’s Day is considered a day for romance. While the special day has been around for a long time, the day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today it’s an opportunity to spice up a relationship and show the love. You want to set the mood for your own romantic evening. You close your eyes and envision the pair of you cuddled up on the couch, watching a romantic movie. The lights are dim.
But then you open your eyes and look around your love nest.
You notice the piles of shoes kicked off by that couch. Then there are the piles of papers and magazines cascading off the coffee table. Those DVDs are scattered on the floor near the entertainment center. The living room is going to need some serious work before that romantic evening. Just diming the lights isn’t going to do it.
Maybe just scoop the clutter up into a box that you stash in the closet to deal with later.
On to the dining area where you plan on serving that romantic evening meal.
Wow! The table seems to be covered in projects, bills, a vase of dead flowers, a couple of coffee mugs as well as clean clothes to fold and put away. Another box…. or two?
In case we get lucky, what’s the bedroom look like?
The bedroom holds more scattered clothes – some thrown over an exercise machine. Stacks of books and magazines are on the bedside table. And look at all those cosmetics, jewelry, and just plain trash on every surface! This room is not ready for that special night even if the lights are low and you use candles. It’s way beyond sweeping stuff into a box.
Do What You Can Then Make a Change
OK, do what you can to salvage your space for your Valentine’s Day romantic evening but then go back and brainstorm all that needs to happen if you want a peaceful romantic atmosphere in your home.
Plan – Then Work the Plan
Develop a vision for each area in your home. Then make a plan and schedule times on your calendar to work your plan and get things done. Create some simple home solutions that work for you. Remove items from each area that do not support your vision. Have specific places for everything that stays and put those items away. If you have more stuff than space, either let items go or find another storage area.
Enjoy Your Space
Now clean your re-found space. Put out some flowers and candles. Play that special music. Enjoy!
If you are struggling with developing an organizational plan or just want some help or accountability in following through with the plan, join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space for You virtual support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, author of four books as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.
One of my favorite Valentine’s Day meals with my beloved was when we set up a card table in a corner of the master bedroom with a table cloth and candles. The kids were home (it was COVID) and acted as French servers, complete with accents and fake mustaches. It was so fun to eat someplace other than the kitchen table, and we even used the good china. It all came together at the last minute and was a treat.
Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays- the LOVE day! I mean every day is filled with love, but on Valentine’s Day it is a chance to go all out- hearts, chocolate, love notes and more. And it’s so true that cluttered spaces can put the dimmer switch on romance. I’ve been hired by many couples to help “clear” the bedroom because it was hindering their relationship. I love all of the suggestions you made for decluttering and keeping the love alive.
“In case we get lucky, what’s the bedroom look like?” Bwahahahaha! Jonda, you slay me!
What a fun and lovely (no pun intended) way to make Valentine’s Day (and after) a special, organized time.
A great motivation! Give yourself and your partner the gift of an organized space for Valentine’s Day. You pointed out the most important spaces to start focusing on. Hopefully people will get motivated when seeing the change and continue in other areas of their home.