A fresh start, it’s a great way to think of the New Year. As if you've finished this amazing book on December 31st with great anticipation of starting the sequel on January 1st, you open the new book and the pages are crisp, clean, and have that fresh printed smell. Unlike the one you just finished, with its folded dirty pages that tend to stick together with some foreign substance that you hope is jelly from your morning toast. This book has brought you joy while turning each page as you've lost yourself into an imaginary world. You hardly realize or even care how weathered it was until you opened the new book.
Much like our lives and homes, we tend to want the new “book” for the new year, but how do we simply get there?
As the end of the year approaches, so many of us get caught up in New Year resolutions. Usually those resolutions include money, work, health, or being a better version of yourself. As you look back on your year, that last year's promises hardly made it past the 2nd week of January. Maybe if we approach our year with excitement in truly turning a new page in our new book - then why not simply start our new year organized? If we declutter our visual space, it may just spill over into other areas of our lives. Making those other resolutions seem attainable.
Similarly as the old book we’ve lost ourselves in while reading, we become comfortable in our unkempt space, but no doubt - Clutter = Stress. Clutter actually works to raise our stress hormones. A cluttered house creates a heaviness that leads to a stressful home. But decluttering doesn't have to be a daunting task that seems to paralyze us before we even begin. These are some simple tips to help declutter areas in our home that will prompt a visual change in the way your house looks to keep you encouraged and motivated.
Now, time to let it go and turn that page on some areas that need help….
Closets:
We’ve all seen those closets that make us insanely jealousy and wonder - “how is that possible?” You can achieve the same look by donating that clutter! We all have heard that if you haven't worn it in the past year, chances are you won't wear it again. So let someone else enjoy it! The only way to truly clean out your closet is take everything out and go through each item. Only put back those things that fit and bring you joy by actually wearing them! Also if you can't let go just yet, turn your hangers backwards when putting them back. As you wear an article of clothing, turn that hanger back around the right way. At the end of the season, get rid of any clothes that are still hanging backwards. Donating feels good!
Refrigerator:
This decluttering may go hand and hand with other new year resolutions … weight & health. Start with a trash can pulled up closely to your fridge and as you remove items, go ahead and trash all expired and unwanted condiments. All those packets of sauces we hold onto for some reason, trash them. Leftovers that now have become a small living organism - trash! Once everything is removed, clean it! Use 1 part vinegar, 2 parts warm water and wipe down everything with a cloth. Let it dry completely. There are so many amazing affordable containers for the refrigerator. Use baskets to group smaller items together like kids snacks. Add labels to containers to keep it organized. This will also help with quickly spotting items needed before heading to the grocery store!
Under Cabinets:
We’ve all wasted ample amounts of time digging through our cabinets trying to find that one thing. Not necessary! Clean it out! We all hold onto those products that didn't work the first time. We stash the “almost used up'' toothpaste as if they'll stop making it one day. We treasure expired medications as if the potency will increase over time. Just Stop!! There are incredible containers, baskets, and bins that fit under your vanities and they will save you from saying words that you may regret later. Spend a few dollars, trust me, it's money well spent!
Your Workspace:
The idea of our office and for some, school, has definitely changed. We all have some form or fashion of an area in our home designated as a workspace. Tidying up this area can make all the difference in keeping you on task and certainly less distracted. Simple strategies are to neatly gang your wires and cables, shred or scan old copies and bills, and don’t eat at your desk. Use the wall space around your desk to maximize your work area. Whether floating shelves, wall planners, or pictures that make you smile - get them off your desk to allow for a clean Lighting, proper lighting improves mood and mental capacity.
Your bed:
I’m not sure why I saved this one for last, because it should actually be the first one. Make your bed! The great debate, I know, but think about it … It starts your day off with a small accomplishment. It also encourages us to keep the rest of the room tidy and then this good habit could move to other parts of the house. It creates a habit which leads to better productivity. We spend roughly ⅓ of our lives in our beds, the appearance can affect your mood and lower your stress level. So maybe starting this one small action can create a big result!
Admiral McRaven from the University of Texas states: “ If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter.”
So looking into 2022, make decluttering simple and somewhat enjoyable! Just like that book, there is a beginning - middle - end that keeps you coming back for more. Don’t try to tackle areas that seem overwhelming. Start with the introduction of decluttering in areas that make the greatest impact and that provide you with a visual accomplishment right away. If you get overwhelmed, no worries, regroup and finish tomorrow. Just finish it and remember that Goodtainer is here to help if you need a little extra storage.
Article by: Kayla C.
Goodtainer's In House Organization & Style Guru