05 Jan Stuff and Things: De-cluttering in the New Year
The holidays have come to a close so let’s be honest, things are a mess, and we’re still trying to catch up. If you’re like us, clearing out the clutter is near the top of your to-do list right now. Especially in the winter months, which can be so blah as is, cleansing the spaces you and your family spend the most time in is important!
Clutter is draining, mentally and physically, and it steals valuable time away from you, too! So why is it so overwhelming? Because once you decide to rein it in, you have to make a dozen decisions to even decide where you’ll start. The first step may take a little motivation, but once you get over the proverbial hump, you’ll realize that simplifying your spaces is incredibly energizing. Bonus: getting rid of stuff and things is a stress buster — it feels good to donate or throw away!
Here are some tips for starting the process:
If you moved tomorrow, what would you take with you? What would you leave behind? If it doesn’t make the cut in this scenario, it goes.
Take note of the most cluttered spaces in your home. For my family, it’s my desk, the back door, and the playroom. I especially hate desk clutter because it cuts down on my productivity.
Make the most cluttered zones your priority, and set reminders to de-clutter those areas. Set a timer. 10-15 minutes of progress is better than no progress!
Ensure that the most used walkways in your home are clear. Examples: the garage door to the kitchen, the front door to the back door, the bedrooms to the laundry.
Start small. Tackle the junk drawer or mud room before the basement or bedroom. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done, then move on to larger tasks.
Watch your children closely for a week or two. What do they play with? What goes untouched? If they haven’t used it in a year, donate it. Consider rotating other toys (seasonally, monthly, etc) and books, so they always have something ‘new’!
Kitchen clutter is real, too, especially if you enjoy cooking! Take inventory of your pantry, and commit to using up that food before restocking.
Ready to get started? Great!
(Photos: Better Homes and Gardens, Land of Nod)
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