I've found that my tiny home is actually very hard to keep looking neat because all it takes is one thing out of place and it looks messy. So if I don't hang up my jacket it looks messy. Right now between sewing projects everywhere, laundry that needs folded, jackets on the couch and mail I need to sort through it looks horrible even though less than an hour of work would have it perfect again (aside from the sewing. That I can't help right now).

So maybe it is perspective and he needs to understand that not only do you have a good reason but it may not be as bad as he thinks.