6 simple ways to ditch the clutter and get organized
Posted by Smart Calgary Homes Blogging Team on Friday, January 13th, 2012 at 9:57am.Reducing clutter in your house will not only help your home run a little more efficiently, but it is a great way to prepare for a move or a sale. Get started now, and move slowly from room to room; before you know it, you’ll be more organized than you knew you could be.
Here are six simple tips and ideas to help you get organized:
1. Rid yourself of old books and magazines: If there’s no sentimental value in a book, or you don’t intend on reading it again, get rid of it. Drop off gently used books at senior centres (check first that they’ll accept them), shelters (like the Mustard Seed), or used book stores. If your books aren’t in great condition, drop them off at a recycling depot (check to see if your local one accepts them). As for magazines, take them all to a recycling bin; unless they, like books, hold sentimental value, there is no point in keeping them. If you want to keep certain articles or recipes, cut them out and start a collection in a photo album or scrapbook. That way they’re accessible and in one place.
2. Empty out kitchen cupboards: Take absolutely everything out (oh yes, it’ll create a mess!), wipe down the shelves, and take a look at each item before putting it back in the cupboard. If you’ve got expired products (food, cleanser, etc.) – get rid of them. Next, place everything you use the most often in the most accessible areas. Keep healthy snacks at eye level, small appliances not too high up or low down, and cleansers away from any edibles.
3. Clear it up: Use clear jars or containers to keep small items, like elastics, tacks, pens, and paper clips, organized. As these are typically contents of the infamous “junk drawer”, it’s best to store the containers close to where their contents came from – like back in the drawer.
4. Multiply your laundry bins: Instead of having just one dirty laundry bin, have three. It may seem like you’re adding more clutter, but by having separate bins for white, black, and coloured clothing, you’ll avoid the standard laundry-room mess. No organizing piles of clothes, or sorting through dirty clothes.
5. Get a shoe-in: Shoe racks are definitely worth investing in – and it doesn’t have to be much of an investment if you head somewhere like Ikea, where you can purchase a few for a decent price. Store out of season footwear in large containers out of sight (in the garage, basement, or spare closet), and in-season shoes on a rack. This will not only reduce clutter, but it’ll also keep shoes clean and out of the way.
6. Keep toys in one spot: If you’ve got kids, there’s a good chance that toys have taken over your house. Instead of using big, not so smart looking plastic toy bins, pick up several large baskets or containers that match the décor of your home. Store toys in them in the rooms they’re played with – it’s much easier to get your child to clean up after themselves if they don’t have to lug their stuff around the house. A basket of toys under the coffee table or in the corner of a room will be both disguised and easily accessible – everyone wins!
What are your best organizing and de-cluttering tips? Head to our Facebook or Twitter pages and let us know!
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