Homes Designed For Clutter

So, last weekend Ed and I were house hunting. Sometimes it’s just fun to tour model homes to “dream” and/or get decorating inspiration.

So anyway, while we were touring one home, we were talking to the sales agent who was explaining the different models of the particular home we were standing in.

I don’t know if you’ve been to a model home lately, but the current “trend” in new homes are open floor plans where all of the rooms on the main floor are seen immediately upon walking into the home. It’s actually really cool and makes the house appear larger with more sunlight!

Anyway, while we were talking to Chris (the sales agent), he said, “Now, if you don’t want the open floor plan, we have another floor plan that is closed off with walls in the foyer. This floor plan is designed so people don’t see your mess when they walk into the house.”

HA!

I couldn’t believe I was hearing this. They are designing homes to conceal clutter?! I mean, I guess it makes sense. “Technically” you don’t want people to see your mess. But is hiding it the best solution?

If you ask me, I’d say no. Instead of hiding your clutter, a better option is routinely making the effort to get the house organized.

If you’re choosing a floor plan because it hides clutter, then you must not want anyone to come inside beyond your foyer. When you avoid inviting people into your home, you’re letting clutter control your life. The clutter is actually reducing your potential happiness by preventing you from enjoying spending time with friends and neighbors.

Do you want clutter to control you? Of course not!

For example, let’s say your house is a mess and your neighbor knocks on the door to give you freshly baked cookies. You open the door and receive the cookies.

Now, the polite thing to do is ask her if she wants to come inside to visit. However, since the house is a mess and you’re hiding your clutter (instead of tackling it), you quickly end the conversation before the awkward silence where you’re supposed to invite her inside.

So instead of enjoying spending time with your neighbor and connecting with her on a deeper level, you sent her on her way while you’re inside feeling guilty for not welcoming her inside the house….

All because of clutter.

One of the most important things in life is the relationships we build with one another. Why should we let clutter stand in the way and prevent us from forging new relationships and strengthening existing ones? Especially when spending a few minutes each day on our routines can keep our home in order and ready for company.

All in all, you should be proud of showing off your home, it’s a reflection of your unique beautiful self. And it can be the place where you can spend time with family and friends, both old and new, enjoying each others company.

So no matter what type of floor-plan you have, I hope the next time a neighbor drops by with cookies, or a friend knocks on your door, you’ll welcome them in to spend time catching up, because you’re proud of the hard work you’ve done to keep your home neat and organized.

So, that’s what happened last weekend.