– by Tracey Jones and Stacey Kaminski –
Happy New Year! It’s that time when we take stock of what we have and, more importantly, what we have too much of. After a year of collecting, maybe the house needs a cleanse too! It’s not the most glamorous part of creating a new look for you home, but it’s actually the first and most important step.
Here’s how to start a New Year declutter workout:
Have a goal and a time frame: Just like stepping on a scale, we have to have a starting point and a deadline or goal. Write it down! Maybe it’s a one-day room challenge. Get the whole family involved.
Take an inventory and aim for the 50% rule: Determine which room or space isn’t working and start small in that room. Maybe it’s a jammed junk drawer, closet or pantry. Don’t panic! The goal is to cut the contents in half. If you can’t see what you are looking for, the unnecessary things stay hidden and tend to multiply. A box by the door is a good reminder that when something new comes in, something old must go out!
Try 10/10/10 challenge: This workout is fast: 10 things in a cluttered space to donate, 10 things to throw away and 10 things to keep and put away in their proper place. Put a timer on and go! You will be amazed at how quickly you get through the mess. If this idea is really daunting bring in a coach – maybe a friend or professional to keep you on task.
Stop buying pretty storage containers! We all get sucked in here. Some planned storage is great, but a ton of containers to hold unnecessary bits just adds to your clutter. This holds true in a garage or basement storage space as well. Just because its contained doesn’t mean you need it. Remember: we are trimming down here!
Closet squeeze and repeat: The more you can hang on hangers the better! You won’t wear what you can’t see. If you are in a small area with limited closet space, rotate seasonally (follow the 50% rule above). Do you really need six of every towel and multiple sheet sets? How many people can sleep in beds in the house? Allow for two towels for that number and keep only two sheet sets per bed.
10 second tidy: Once you can see the light, creating a maintenance plan is key. Every day take a moment for a quick tidy and put away. Recycle newspapers and mail immediately and file important paper as soon as it comes in. Tidy the toy space daily if you have kids (their stuff should not become permanent squatters in the living room!).
Keeping up the new system up will allow you to create a welcoming and comfortable space. That’s a great start to the New Year!
For more information visit www.remarkableinteriors.ca.
