After ringing in the New Year, now is as good a time as ever to stop and think about your clutter and how to manage it. When you have time on your hands, you can make a dent in your to-do list. By the end, you should have a clear and spacious space. Getting started is sometimes the most challenging part, so you need a plan. Hopefully, you have an energetic crew to help you. By making an early dent and seeing the fruits of your labor, you can stay motivated to continue throughout the year.
One of the best things you can do is designate a box or area to collect unwanted items you have decided to donate. This way, when the box gets full, you know it's time to take a trip to your local donation center. When you come across something that cannot be donated, please dispose of it or recycle it if possible.
When it comes to your kitchen and pantry, there are a few things you can do to manage your clutter. If you no longer use small electric devices, dishes, or cookware, consider selling or donating them to family members. You can reduce your clutter by recycling or tossing reusable cups and take-out plastics. Worn dish towels should be discarded or reused as rags. Try to make a habit of discarding expired food weekly, so that as you buy food, you will have space to store it. By placing the newly purchased food at the back of your cabinets and the older food at the front, you can make it easier to use it before it expires, reducing how much you toss. First in, First out!
Now that you may be using your home office more, it is wise to keep it as organized as possible. By sorting your papers, filing as needed, and shredding or recycling the rest, you will help reduce clutter. If possible, sign up for paperless bills and statements to reduce the amount of mail you receive. When the mail arrives, handle it immediately: file important items and recycle or shred what is unneeded.
When it comes to your closets, it may be best to ensure what you have fits and will continue to be worn. If you find items that are not being worn, decide to fill a bag and donate it. This goes for your linens as well. Anything that is no longer usable should be removed from the linen closet. Don’t hold onto sheets and towels that are no longer used, so now is the time to recycle or donate them. Now is also a good time to go through your medicine/bathroom closets to toss anything that is expired. Check product dates, be wary of items that may have been exposed to inappropriate conditions, and discard anything that has been compromised.
These are just a few things to get started on while life takes a pause and we can spend more time at home, catching up on work that may have gotten away from us.
