Clutter Assessment

1. Could you have a party without cleaning up first?

• Guests could eat off the floor. Bring 'em in!
• Maybe tomorrow. The living room's a mess, but I can hide it away in a few hours.
• Um, I don't have parties here. Can we go bowling instead?

2. Do your clothes fit in your closet?

• Of course. They're hung in order by color and season.
• They fit, I guess, but I have no idea what's on the top shelf.
• They fall on my head when I open the door. Is that so wrong?

3. Without looking, do you know where to find your car keys, your unpaid bills, and your home or renter's insurance policy?

• Absolutely—want me to get them right now?
• All except the insurance—it must be somewhere in my husband's/wife's/partner's office.
• Sure—just give me 10 minutes to find them. Or an hour.

4. What is on your dining room table right now?

• Wood polish and a rag—I was just wiping it.
• A few piles of bills—and my child's art collection.
• So much stuff that I can't see the table.

5. How many magazines are in your house right now?

• Three—the current issue of each magazine I get.
• Oh, a lot. But I need them for my job.
• I have every issue of National Geographic ever published. It's an outstanding collection.

6. How many paper and shopping bags are you saving?

• A handful—we use them to recycle newspapers.
• An overstuffed milk crate, plus a few extra. You never know what size bag you'll need.
• Every single bag that enters the house

7. If you had to change a lightbulb, could you find one?

• Yes
• No

8. Are all your DVDs and CDs in their sleeves?

• Yes
• No

9. Are your kids' toys anywhere but in their rooms or designated play areas?

• Yes
• No

10. Are there dirty dishes in the sink?

• Yes
• No

11. Are dirty clothes anywhere but in the hamper?

• Yes
• No

12. Are there out-of-date medications in your medicine chest?

• Yes
• No

13. Are all bills paid and papers filed?

• Yes
• No

14. Does every item of clothing in your closet fit you now?

• Yes
• No