The Broken Window Theory

Day 97 of 100

I am sure many of you have heard of the Broken Window Theory, made popular by Mayor Giuliani. Its basic premise is that by fixing the small things, it keeps them from building up, getting worse and compounding. A building with a broken window, if not repaired is more likely to be vandalized, leading to break ins and further damage and destruction. So by fixing the small things, ie: the broken window, quickly, further damage is avoided.

I really believe this theory to be true when it comes to our clutter. Think about how when you make your bed first thing in the morning, your bedroom automatically stays neater. You are much more likely to hang up and put away clothing, rather than flinging it on the bed.

Or, if you have you have emptied the dishwasher and wiped the kitchen counters,you are much more likely to put the dirty dishes away, rather than them piling in the sink.

Think about how piles seem to be magnets for more stuff of all varieties. If you keep a pile from starting in the first place it prevents clutter from accumulating.

Also, by decluttering the small stuff, it really adds up and prevents a much bigger problem down the road!

So go ahead and apply the broken window theory to your decluttering and transform your home one "window" at a time!