Have you resolved to get really organized while you spring clean this year? The thought alone of organizing an entire house can be overwhelming, so breaking it up into themes is a useful practice. Below you’ll learn to think of organization in themes of Stuff, Maintenance and Gatherings.
Stuff
One of the best and least expensive ways to feel better about your home is to clear it of clutter. Each year most of us gain a new mountain of “stuff”. Without some regular purging, it becomes hard to find the things you use and enjoy the most.
As part of your spring clean, go room-by-room periodically clearing anything that your family doesn’t use, wear or love, and donate it.
Stash useful items such as TV remotes, game controllers and shoes in varied sizes of woven baskets. Consider these items as what you may use a lot, but are not pleasing to the eye. Then group like items that are smaller (think: keys, watches, pens, notepads) together on sleek trays or coordinated bowls for an organized look.
Stay consistent in clearing your counters of everything you don’t use on a daily basis.
Maintenance/Upkeep
Daily: Dishes should go in the dishwasher every night -always! Dirty clothes go in the hamper and jackets or clean clothes are hung in the closet. Then do a quick scan and put scattered things in their proper place.
Weekly: Clean house, using these tips: Keep all of your cleaners in a portable carryall that moves with you from room to room. Focus on one type of cleaning at a time. Wipe down all of the cabinets, for instance, before moving on to spraying and wiping countertops. Then move on to windows and mirrors and appliances. Once that’s done move on to sweeping and then mopping floors.
If possible, enlist the help of your family. This way you can divide the jobs among at least three parties: One of you can do the dusting/vacuuming and changing beds, the other can do the bathroom cleanup, leaving only the kitchen and trash emptying for you to handle.
Gatherings
To make you feel like inviting people in, why not give the areas you entertain in a little update?
One easy update that makes your home seem more finished is the addition of plants. This is a great way to decorate if you don’t want to invest too much on a quick revamp of a room or space. A couple of dramatic plants in a bright ceramic planter that complements your existing color scheme will do the trick.
Pulling out a new accent color from your existing decor can make the whole room seem fresh. Choose an underused color in the room and add more of it in the form of a new pillow or throw to update your look. A colorful rug or runner can also help anchor your space.
Lastly, take some time to rearrange your furniture so it is oriented in conversation groups and not just facing the television. That will help garner real conversation and connections.
We hope this helps you prioritize organizing while you spring clean this year! For more helpful homeowner tips, visit here.