MK Life Tips: Declutter Your Home
/Where are my keys?! Haven’t we all said that at one time or another? The average person will spend a total of 3,680 hours, or 153 days of their life*, searching for misplaced items - so based on math alone, it has to have happened to you at some point. Typically, the only time many of us think about de-cluttering or organizing our homes or spaces is when we’re getting ready to move. With the Holidays approaching fast, family and out of town guests will be abundant, so get ahead and get your house in order now with these few tips.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
The 5-bin approach
As de-cluttering can be overwhelming, my go to fix is the five-bin approach. This allows you to reorganize and discard of items and as a result, can help you feel less anxious and more in control of the process.
Bin 1: Items that need to be put away. Place items that belong somewhere else in the home in this bin. Eventually, you’ll put them away; the intention is to put them somewhere while you’re clearing the room.
Bin 2: Items to be fixed. Place items that you plan to fix or that need to be washed or cleaned in this bin, such as toys, dirty clothes or scuffed shoes.
Bin 3: Items to donate. Items in this bin are in good condition, but you no longer need or use them. They can be given to friends or family, sold online or donated to a local charity.
Bin 4: Items to be recycled. This is where you’ll place items made of paper, plastic or glass that you don’t want to keep. Add all empty drink bottles, food containers, and magazines or newspapers.
Bin 5: Items to discard. Place expendable items in this bin that you can’t recycle or donate.
Tips for each Room
Each room of the home has opportunities for improvement, here are some easy tips to get you started.
Photo by Laura Mitulla on Unsplash
Kitchen
The kitchen is the hub of the home, and it tends to collect the most clutter from other parts of the house. Start clearing one area of the kitchen at a time, beginning with storage spaces, including the pantry, cupboards and drawers.
In the pantry: Throw away stale or expired items and donate canned goods that you know will go uneaten but are still edible.
In the cupboards: Remove chipped dishware, as well as utensils, pots, pans and bake ware that are damaged beyond repair.
Keep the kitchen clutter-free: Put items where they belong and leave a small bin to collect items that don’t belong there.
Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash
Bedrooms
In the bedroom, clutter seems to center around storage areas, such as closets, drawers and nightstands.
Clear out dressers, wardrobes and closets by removing non-seasonal clothing you haven’t worn in more than six months and items that no longer fit. Sell or donate pieces that are still in good condition.
Organize your drawers by function: undergarments, active wear, t-shirts, etc.
Depending on your bedroom, purchase a hanging storage unit or floor shelf for shoes.
Separate anything that should go to the cleaner or a tailor.
Remove everything from the nightstand and place items that belong elsewhere in Bin #1.
Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash
Living room
Too much clutter makes it difficult to relax. The mantra for this room is, “A place for everything; everything in its place.”
Create easily-accessible, permanent storage space for items you use most often, such as the remote control.
Fold throws and place in a decorative basket within reach of the sofa.
Sort through your electronics to determine what works and if you still use it. Store your frequently used electronics where you tend to use them.
Recycle back issues of magazines and newspapers you’ve already read. Donate books you don’t want to keep and categorize the others in your library.
Bathroom
Create more space in your cabinets, linen closet and on the counter.
Clean out the medicine cabinet and discard outdated medications, skincare and makeup.
Organize the drawers and shelves so the items you use the most are readily available.
Mudroom/Foyer
This is where we tend to drop things when we get home.
Clear items off of entry tables and decide what to put away, recycle or toss.
Place keys in a pretty bowl or on hooks so you don’t have to waste time searching for them.
Remove coats, shoes and boots that are out of season, don’t fit or need to be repaired.
*Becoming Minimalist
Sources: Buffini & Company Flyer
