|
 Spring is a great time to reclaim the space in our home and get more organized with our living space. Over time our homes have a tendency to accumulate and collect all kinds of treasures, gems and keepsakes.
The process of decluttering will not be done in one day. Select an area of the house you want to work on. Start slow and take the time needed to follow through. You will find that decluttering is not as hard as you thought it would be.
Kitchen Cabinets - Go through all of your kitchen cabinets, one at a time, and you will be amazed at what you find that should be thrown out. If you remove everything from the cabinet, toss outdated products and items that you know you will not use, you will create more organized storage space. Wipe down the cabinets and store open boxes in plastic zip bags to keep products fresher and bug free.
Bedroom Closets - The saying goes - If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it. You may not agree with that, but if you tackle one closet at a time and go through each item, you will find things that you know you will never wear or don't fit you. If you want to keep it, hang it back in the closet. If it is stained or torn, toss it. If it just doesn't fit, put it in a bag to donate. If you sort clothing by type, for instance, blouses, pants, skirts, etc. and by color, it is much easier to find a particular item.
Bookcases - Check your bookcase each year and go through knickknacks, papers, magazines, or anything else filling it up. Paperbacks you have read can be donated or passed on to a friend who might enjoy reading them. If you have a lot of magazines that you kept for recipes, articles, tips, etc., it is easier if you take a few at a time and tear out the pages you want and toss the rest. You can start a file on recipes, a house project, helpful hints, etc. and keep everything together in each file so you can easily find them.
Bathroom - We know how cluttered and overflowing those vanities and medicine chests can get. Go through all those goodies and if it has hardened, softened or changed color, get rid of it! Throw away outdated medicines. If you have collected hair products that you know you won't use, give them to a friend.
Linen Closet - Towels, sheets, curtains, etc, are also things that need to be periodically sorted and tossed. If you organize good towels and linens together, you will always know where to find them. If you have too many towels, remove the ones that are torn or stained and use them for cleaning or drying the dog.
Once you have everything decluttered and organized, get everyone to keep everything in its place and your home will remain organized and clutter free - at least for awhile. Decluttering and organizing gives you a sense of control and achievement. If you clean the cabinets, closets and areas while you are decluttering, your house will be cleaner at the end of the process! |
