Small Steps: De-cluttering Your Life
It’s no secret that I hold a firm belief that good decor can dramatically improve one’s mood and general outlook. Of course, you don’t have to take my word for it. There are several mental health studies that link depression with cluttered surroundings . Personally, one of my favorite ways to bust a bad mood is to do some straightening up.
There’s no doubt that proper organization is a large part of any design plan. There are many steps you can take to transform your unkempt abode into a clean zen retreat. Check out some of my tips streamlining things in your home:
• Schedule annual (or biannual) overhauls. When I was growing up, my mother called this “Spring cleaning”. This ritual can be as thorough as you’d like, but regularly cleaning storage spaces like the attic and basement keeps them from becoming overstuffed.
• Clean out your holiday decorations. These seasonal adornments often remain in nooks and crannies way past their prime. Know when it’s time to let go of your patriotic decor.
• Purchase appropriate trash bins and recycling containers. Attractive and high capacity waste bins will encourage the family to put trash in its place.
• Recycle, recycle, recycle. Turn unneeded items in art or make donations to your local Goodwill. Also, take the time to sort your paper, plastic, and aluminum from other refuse.
• Make lists. Spend a month making lists of the items you use on a regular basis. To make things easier, split them up into kitchen items, clothing, and cosmetics. At the end of the month, keep the things you’ve used and consider disposing of the things you haven’t touched.
• Use it or lose it. I have a whole stack of art and other accessories I would love to incorporate into a room one day, but it’s unlikely I will ever get around to using them. If you can’t find a place to hang that wall mirror or display the platter you got on your vacation overseas, give it away and let someone else enjoy it.
• Plan and implement an organization strategy. This can include buying racks and shelving for closets or getting drawer organizers for the kitchen utensils.
• Read my post on attractive storage . Aside from learning about my love of coat racks , you could pick up some quick tips on how to manage in small spaces.
• Archive, scrapbook, and display your prized possessions. Organizing your family photos into books will protect them from damage and allow you quick access to your memories.
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