Did you get to the gym this morning and eat a balanced breakfast? It’s that time of year when we pledge to be simply perfect people. But what about our surroundings? How are we supposed to eat healthier if our pantries are overflowing, or be inspired to hit the pavement every morning if we are looking at piles of clothes? Clear your mind by clearing out the clutter. If you organize your home, your mindset will be organized too.
A clean and balanced home is a launching pad for all of your other resolutions. So if you are already starting to fail at your self-resolutions try this home resolution: Find more space by clearing out the clutter and organizing your home. Follow these tips and you will be inspired to complete your other resolutions and have a more organized year.
In the kitchen
Create room in your pantry and cupboards by removing large and awkward food packaging. Purchase clear, air-tight containers, cut out the product name, nutritional facts and expiration date from the product packaging. Tape that information on the clear container and use it to store the food instead.
Arrange the food on your shelves in a way that will help you keep your resolutions. Make “first choice” shelves for the food you “should” be eating. Make shelves that are for the kids snacks or foods that you’re not going to eat on a regular basis anymore. You get the idea: Some shelves are just for the once-a-week treat, while others are for every day.
If you like to buy in bulk, put most of your paper goods in another location, perhaps a closet or the garage, and place only what you need in your pantry — restock as needed.
When storing pots, pans and other durable items, stack them on their sides like files. This simple step not only creates more room, it also allows you to see exactly what you need. Caddies or sorters from a shelf or container store are great tools for vertical organizing.
Looking to save money on your mortgage?
Renovating your home?
Find out what your home's worth, edit facts, and see the impact of home projects.
In the bedrooms
Renovating your home?
Place clothing in dresser drawers vertically. This not only maximizes space, it allows you to find items more quickly. You can purchase wooden planks or plastic planks to use as dividers. This way you can see all of your clothes at once when you open the drawer.
Step up your closet organization.If your shoes don’t have a place, they end up in a pile taking up valuable space. Place shoes and accessories in clear plastic containers so you can see everything, and photos of each to the inside of their container facing out. This little step gives you triple duty: more space, you can find it easily and better still you can put it away in the exact same spot.
Arrange your closet and drawers from dark to light. It can be a great way to keep things organized, and to find out that you really have way too many black blouses. Then you can keep your resolution of being a kinder gentler you by donating the extras!
Purchase bed raisers for under-the-bed storage, particularly in kids’ rooms. You can store shoes, laundry baskets, books and any bulky items that may otherwise clutter the room.
If you have a closet in a baby’s room, is there room to add another bar? Take advantage of the fact that baby clothing is smaller and, if you can, add an additional bar to hang the clothing to maximize space. You can purchase premade closet organizers that you can customize to make the most out of baby’s closet.
Remember, less can be more! So if you find you have extra things lying around, throw a reverse housewarming party! You will be starting a new party trend. Set aside your unwanted items and instead of having your friends bring a housewarming gift, they are to pick one of your items and take it home with them. This is a great way to reunite with friends, find your unwanted things a good home, and declutter all at the same time!
About Laura McHolm and NorthStar Moving Company
Laura McHolm is co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company and an organizational and storage expert. NorthStar Moving Company specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services.
Note: This is a guest post; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Redfin.
Other popular posts:
1. Simple Home Fixes to Ease Parenting with Disabilities
2. How to Boost Resale Value with Home Improvements
3. How to Prevent and Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder at Home
United States
Canada