Two things lead to chaos. Yes, just two! Likewise, there are two types of solutions. Who knew chaos was so simple! 

Diagnosing the two chaos contributors, and figuring out where a specific type of chaos falls on the chaos continuum is key to taming it. Think of the two factors as the x and y axis on a graph.

In almost all chaos the culprit is either:

X) too much "stuff" altogether

or

Y) Less than optimal system of organization of "the stuff"

(When both factors combine, a frightening condition called "deep chaos" is created!) 

First, diagnose the problem. If you are frequently getting a tidy organizational system in place only to have it become sloppy again almost overnight, the problem is likely along axis X: too much stuff. 

Other times the problem can be solved just by more efficient organization and arrangement of stuff. In these cases, it isn’t that there is too much but that what you have is poorly managed.

Activities and responsibilities are similar, in that schedules become chaotic if :

X) there is too much going on in the schedule

or

Y) time is poorly managed

Again the problem is either too much stuff (stuff to do in this case, not physical stuff) or poor management of the "stuff".

To a point, you can get away with a degree of laxness in one of the chaos contributors if the other is tightly controlled. Right now I have stacks and piles of books sitting around in chaos. Honestly, the problem is really having (*gasp*) too many books. Instead of getting rid of books, however, we’ve chosen to build even more shelves. In this way I can beef up the organization and storage to compensate for stretching chaos contributor X (too much stuff). 

In my schedule I do the opposite. I’m not great at managing my time as precisely as I should, so I compensate by living a slower paced life with fewer commitments. Find the balance that works for you in every area where chaos threatens. 

When something appears to not flow well, whether it is a segment of your daily schedule or your bedroom closet, evaluate whether it is best solved by paring down or by rearranging and adding structure–or a combination. Mentally plot your Chaos Coordinates on the Chaos Continuum, and you will be well on your way to taming the problem.

Domestic Chaos Tamer and Homeschool Mom of five, Dell enjoys writing about home, hear, and hearth.