Space Savers

Got the urge to merge? Sandra Felton, founder of Messies Anonymous and author of Organizing Magic, offers some neat tricks.

1. Start sorting! Together, you should make three piles for your precious possessions. The first should be for important items you need to keep, the second for things you can easily discard. In the third, place anything that is up for negotiation, such as duplicates (discard the inferior one) or items you just can't agree on right now. Clearly label and pack those things away for future consideration.
2. Once you've eliminated the excess, group like items together—tools with tools, photo equipment with photo equipment and so on. Doing this will give you an idea of how much storage room you'll require and allow you to start allotting space.
3. In every house there is an area that becomes a magnet for clutter. Often it is a spot near the most frequently used entrance. The only way to avoid this trap is to set aside an easily accessible, assigned place to put your things—perhaps a basket, a shelf or a cupboard. Doing this will help make it easier to keep stuff off the floor and tables.
4. Share chores with your partner and decide which rooms you'll each be responsible for straightening up. Then post a general schedule that addresses the cleaning-up details for each room. Both of you should try to set aside 15 minutes every morning or evening to tidy up. Keep the schedule simple and stick to it as much as possible.
5. Don't procrastinate! That only creates more stress for you and your man—and more dust bunnies to sweep up later. Taking the trash out as soon as it is full, making the bed (together!) in the morning and rinsing the dishes immediately after dinner are all easy and effective ways to save time and frustration. You will also be creating a space that is comfortable and relaxing for both of you. For more time-consuming tasks, prioritize the top 10, and vow to tackle at least one or two per day. In a week's time you will have accomplished more than you expected.

Pro tip: Place stored items you regularly use where you can easily find and reach them.

Neat Freaks

• If you take something out, put it back—immediately. Leaving things for later creates clutter.
• Abide by the "camper's rule": Leave any part of the house that you "visit" in the same or better condition than it was in before.
• Create a 30-second rule. If it won't take any longer than that to complete a task, do it pronto.