Stuff Theory - how to corral stuff

"Do you know what the difference is between junk and stuff? Junk is the stuff we throw away and stuff is the junk we keep." 

Now that we've seen the definition of stuff and the reasons we keep stuff, this is just a small insight on how to corral stuff.

Think of stuff like you would dandelions. Endearing, cute, and capable of taking over your lawn. If you leave stuff alone, it will multiply. You can keep that from happening by recognizing where it multiplies and taking action when it starts to multiply.

Where stuff multiplies: Any flat surface not designated for other purposes. 

This includes window sills, chairs, the top of your television, and the corner of a room. Anything flat and unused is a breeding ground for stuff.

Most of the stuff has another place in the house that it can be relocated to. For the few things that don't have a place in the house, it's okay to have designated stuff areas. A basket on your dresser, or a drawer in the kitchen. That way, you know where it all is and how much there is.

HINT: Whatever size the designated stuff area is, it will get full. If you only want a little bit of stuff, only give it a little space. If it's the size of a paint can, that's how much stuff you'll have. If it's the size of a large room...

When stuff multiplies: nip it in the bud.

Choose a place where stuff gathers - like the kitchen counter. Take a mental picture of what the counter looks like when it has no stuff on it. Make it a point to get the counter back to that no-stuff condition on a regular basis. Daily, weekly, monthly, whenever you decide. Now apply that principle to every stuff-prone surface.

HINT: The more often you do this, the less it piles up and easier it is. Also, you will develop stuff-minimizing habits instead of stuff-multiplying habits.