Category Archives: Organize

when decluttering a young person's space, start with easy stuff like clothing.

How to Move on and Declutter Your Child’s Items

when decluttering a young person's space, start with easy stuff like clothing.You might feel conflicted between your desire for a clear home and your sentimental wish to hold onto memories of your children’s early years. Who said you have to go all or nothing? It’s perfectly possible to declutter and improve your overall aesthetic while still preserving precious memories. 

You need the right plan of attack and a clear thought process for why and how to tackle the job to avoid falling into the procrastination trap. What’s your motivation? Dig deep and let it inspire you. Then follow this plan to move on and declutter your child’s items, creating a clear home while holding onto select mementos. 

The Many Benefits of a Clear Home 

Why should you move on and declutter your child’s items, anyway? There are pragmatic reasons, of course: 

  • Creating more space.
  • Readjusting your decor to reflect your current needs — for example, nursery to sewing room.
  • Protecting your safety — too much stuff can trip you. 

However, those are rarely enough to motivate you to take action, and not because you are lazy. Many people need an extra push. 

Consider this — living in a cluttered, untidy home is stressful. Looking at all that stuff is like a never-ending to-do list, feeding the anxiety and depression cycle. Unburden yourself from the psychological weight. 

While you want to preserve memories of your babies, you don’t need a constant visual reminder of yesterday. Decluttering and refreshing your decor after your kids leave for college or adult life can be a healing, nurturing way to honor life-cycle changes, helping you look forward to the next chapter instead of dwelling with ghosts. 

4 Steps to Decluttering 

Now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. What’s your plan of attack? The following four steps don’t necessarily occur in order but are all a crucial part of the process, so review them all before beginning your clear home makeover. 

1. Make Several Piles 

Decluttering your child’s items is a decision-making game, one made easier by keeping things simple. You can invest in bins for this process or simply make separate piles for items:

  • To stay in their current location 
  • To keep but move or repurpose
  • To sell or donate
  • To recycle or compost 

It’s also helpful to create a fifth pile — your “maybe” pile. It can help you avoid paralysis from the fear of not knowing what to part with and what to keep. Set a reminder on your phone to look back at it in a week or two and move on to the next thing to declutter. 

organizing the clutter is recommended. a professional organizer suggests labeled boxes.

2. Go One Room at a Time

You might feel attached to your child’s teddy bear they loved when they were a toddler. That half-empty bottle of Johnson’s baby shampoo? Not so much. The moral of this example is to declutter your child’s items one room at a time — starting with those containing the least-sentimental pieces. 

On a positive note, this approach could mean tackling the worst of the mess first. Few people relish going through their basement, attic or crawlspace — it’s dusty and you might encounter bugs. However, you are probably better equipped to deal with things you don’t see every day than those items that spark nostalgia on sight, so roll up the sleeves of your most stained-up shirt and do the dirty work. 

Another plus? By the time you reach your child’s bedroom, you might have a unifying theme for what you hope to keep. For example, you could make a trophy case displaying your child’s sports awards and photographs to grace the wall of your living room. 

3. Take Everything Out 

Many people only go halfway when organizing, then wonder why their drawers and closets always look slightly cluttered. There is no in-between — take everything out. Imagine you are doing a move-out cleaning and have to get every last bit of dust from the corners, meaning you must do more than shuffle items. 

This step shows you exactly what you have to work with space-wise, which can help you decide what to keep and toss. Furthermore, it gives you a clearer picture of your home — you might choose to knock out walls or add cabinets, and a full clean-out shows you the best place to do so. You may even shift your piles to another room while you design a new layout. 

4. Invest in Organizers 

Once you decide what you want to keep, you need to rearrange your belongings in an aesthetically pleasing way. Start with big decisions — are you going to preserve a full room for your child’s memories? Most people lack sufficient space and decide to instead display their memories throughout their homes with the right organizers.

Shadow boxes and picture walls are only one option. Look to the following home areas for creative storage for your memories: 

  • Corners: You can hang corner shelves, open up the space beneath your stairs or use a curio cabinet or display case. 
  • Vertical storage: Including shadow boxes, shelves and basket hangers.
  • Hidden-space storage: For example, adding a shelf above walk-in closet doors to use vertical space, building drawers into stair risers and using slide-outs in cabinets and under beds to organize small items. 

an organizer will be able to find places in your home that the organized items can be placed to keep items organized

Where to Take the Items You Declutter 

Parting with your decluttered items the right way can ease any discomfort you might feel. One time-tested idea is to donate your hand-me-downs to other family members. You’ll still get to see your child’s beloved items when you visit your favorite niece or nephew. 

Another idea is to donate. Some places that may take your belongings and even arrange to pick them up, saving you the trip:

  • Thrift and second hand stores
  • Churches
  • Homeless shelters 
  • Libraries
  • Community centers 
  • Animal shelters 

If you choose to donate somewhere other than a traditional thrift shop, call the organization beforehand. You want to ensure they can use your donation. 

What if some items, like your child’s clothing, are too stained or torn to donate? You can compost natural fabrics like cotton, but please read the label. You shouldn’t mix artificial materials, so avoid composting blends or synthetics. However, you can cut them into rags to reduce your paper towel use. 

Finally, remember the magic of the high-tech age. You can keep electronic photographs of those items you have no space to keep, even digitalizing cards and pictures your child made into a touching presentation. 

Dealing With Your Feelings 

In general, the feeling of relief you experience when viewing your new, clear home compensates for any nostalgia generated during decluttering. However, you should honor and validate your feelings about this life transition. How? 

Make decluttering a celebration. Consider it preparation for your next stage of life, just as you would prep for the holidays. If you need a little extra TLC during this time, ask for it. Communicate your needs with your partner and maybe schedule a small treat for yourself once you finish the job. 

How to Move on and Declutter Your Child’s Items 

You want a clear home but haven’t yet decluttered your child’s items. The right mindset and plan of attack get the job done. Follow this guide to move on and declutter your child’s items. Create the clear home you deserve while finding creative ways to preserve your precious memories. 

Pictures:
https://unsplash.com/https://unsplash.com/photos/assorted-color-apparels-oa7pqZmmhuA/
https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-cardboard-boxes-on-brown-wooden-table-66NaCdBrkCs
https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-and-white-wooden-cabinet-mi6-Sl4eGY0

Author Bio:
Evelyn Long is a home living writer passionate about providing practical organization and decluttering tips to make keeping a beautiful home that much easier. She is the founder of Renovated, an online home living magazine.

Organizing Mistakes

Check out the recent Redfin article we were featured in: Organizing Mistakes: 27 Slip-Ups to Avoid During Your Next Project | Redfin

Organizing is difficult and can be a stressful, time-consuming project. It’s also an essential skill that can increase your physical and emotional health. Chances are, though, that during an organizing project, you made a few mistakes. While it’s natural to feel disappointed or frustrated when mistakes occur, it’s important to recognize them as valuable learning opportunities rather than failures.

So, whether you live in a house in Brentwood, CA, or a Greenville, SC, apartment, these expert-backed tips are sure to make your life easier. Read on for 27 organizing mistakes to avoid during your next decluttering project.

Read the full article here: Organizing Mistakes: 27 Slip-Ups to Avoid During Your Next Project | Redfin

Closet Organization 101 : A Complete Guide to a More Functional Closet

Lots of reasons to clean out and organize closets. Using a professional organizer will help ease the stress.

Organizing a closet can be a chore, but a simple system to get you started is sorting through items you want to keep, donate, and throw away.  If you are cleaning out the closet in preparation for a move, contact your relocation specialist first to see if this is something to handle on your own, or if it is a service they provide. The Boomer downsize movement is happening nationwide and there are many resources available to help Seniors get through their move stress-free. Before you swing those closet doors open, this list of storage solutions will get you started creating a serene and beautiful closet:

  • Shoe racks
  • Hat racks
  • Belt and purse hangers
  • Shallow under the bed containers
  • Plastic sorting containers
  • Donate bin
  • Trash bin
  • Stick on LED lights

Set Up Sorting Containers

Shoebox sized containers that you can find at the container store are the best size. This will allow you to store knick-knacks in closets where storage is the main purpose. Make sure to get containers with lids so that you can stack them to make the most of the space. As you remove items, sort like with like. This means your phone chargers and batteries shouldn’t be in the same box as your cleaning products. Remember that the main purpose of getting organized is to know where to find everything. Professional Organizers call this “a home for every item.”  A large donate container and trash bin will help you eliminate those items you don’t utilize anymore. Getting organized before actually diving into the closet organizing helps tremendously. Now, once you’ve opened the closet doors, here’s where the following expert tips will come in handy.

organizing a closet is often a precursor to a full pack and unpack move. Best to use a Certified Senior Move managerTake it one closet at a time

It doesn’t matter if you’re tackling a hallway closet or a walk-in closet – take out smaller items and work your way up to larger items, one at a time, so that you can properly determine which stay-or-go pile it fits into. Start with the smallest closet and work your way up to the largest. This leaves space throughout your home to put items where they are best utilized. You will be happiest with your organizing result if you keep items close to the part of the house where you use them the most.

Thoroughly clean the empty space

A small handheld vacuum can get the dust and small stuff out of a small closet in a few minutes. Once every item has been removed, and the space is vacuumed, wipe down everything from shelves to rods, hooks, and hangers. Make sure you give your closet door a good wipe down as well. There is nothing worse than a beautifully organized closet that is full of dust and sticky messes that soil freshly washed clothes.       

Measure the space

There are a few reasons to measure the space in each closet. The first is to make sure everything that is returning to the closet will fit. Every professional organizer becomes an expert in space management because purging is an important part of getting home spaces usable and aesthetically pleasing. You also need to know how much space you have for storage products that you may need to purchase. You may even find that it makes sense to re-purpose a closet for different items than the ones that you’re taking out. Be disciplined in your purging. There are dozens of studies that show that people of all ages are happier with less stuff and more space. Remember that the less you have in your closet the larger it will seem.

Determine storage ratios

closet shelving will help to reorganize a closet which is a comment suggestion from professional organizers.How many of your items will need hanging space vs shelf space? Take this into account before purchasing hangers, shelves, and drawers. You will want to determine how much space you need once you’re done purging, so take this step once the closet is cleared and all items have been sorted, donated, or thrown out.  There are probably large items or things like dirty boots that may be better off in a garage or shed where they won’t dirty up your beautiful new closet. You can watch this quick video on file folding to help maximize drawer space

Incorporate helpful storage solutions

Make the most out of your closet space by implementing storage solutions like shoe racks, shelf dividers, and over-the-door storage. Start by examining how much you have of items in different categories. Don’t forget storage solutions for smaller items like hats and belts that tend to make your closet cluttered even after it’s organized. Remember that space under the bed is often underutilized and a shallow zip-up clothing container can help you better use the space. Closet contents don’t  always need to have labels, but if you’re storing things in your closet that are seldom used, be sure to label the bins that you’re keeping them in.

Upgrade lighting

Traditional closets have a tendency to be dim. Not surprisingly, lighting in these areas can give them a gloomy feel, and smaller closets may lack any type of lighting inside. To brighten up this space, invest in some inexpensive stick on LED lights. They are battery powered and will give your closet a completely different look. They can be placed on the ceiling, under shelves, really wherever you need the light. Ikea also has a large selection of excellent plug-in LED products.

Keep everyday items in plain view

Organizing and hiding are very different strategies. Consider storing seasonal items on the top or bottom of your closet, while everyday wear should be front and center and easy to access. If you work from home you probably don’t need that suit or other work clothes taking up prime real estate. Move these items to harder to reach spaces. If there are things in your bedroom closet you really don’t want to look at all the time, that is probably a good reason to find another home for them. If you really want a sleek look in your closet, a professional organizer can give it a boutique look that you never thought possible.

Plan to seasonally clean and reorganize

With different seasons come different wardrobes. A quarterly reminder to switch out everyday clothing and shoes, will if you are going to organize a closet, help from professional organizers can make this a very easy task.make your closet more usable throughout the year. Another rule that can help you with acquiring too many of the same clothes and keep your wardrobe fresh is the one in one out rule. Every time you buy something, find a similar size item you can do without to donate. Someone else will enjoy your clothes as much as you did!

The closet is a great place to start organizing as it is usually the space where all of those items that don’t have a home end up. Remember, staying organized is an ongoing process, so diligently re-organizing and eliminating unwanted items will keep your closet looking “Pinterest Perfect”. If you need professional home organization services, there are plenty of organizing services nationwide who can get your closet organized in a day or less.

This is a guest post by Kevin Connors. If you’re based in the Phoenix area, please contact inspiredorganizersaz@gmail.com for a free consultation. A Happy Closet is an Organized Closet!

 

Top Benefits of Using Technology to Stay Organized at Home

technology can help keep one organized without the help of a professional organizer

We live in the age of technology. So, we can easily say that technology has become integral to our daily (and nightly) lives. We use it to ease our work, our studies, etc. But we can also use it to stay organized at home. Yes, you read that correctly! There are many benefits of using technology to stay organized at home, and today, we will share some of the most important (and beneficial) ones with you. Thus, keep reading if you want to know how to use some ‘technology’ and how your life and home can benefit from it.

Increased productivity

To increase your productivity around the house, you have several options – to start decluttering all the stuff you have accumulated around your home, to deep clean every inch of all of your rooms, to completely change your mindset, or to invest in smart home devices.

But how can smart home devices increase your productivity and help you stay organized at home? Well, with the help of technology, you can, for example, easily create to-do lists with reminders, schedule all the tasks that need to be done around the home, etc., and do all other things that can help you stay on top of your responsibilities and get more done in less time.

organizatoni can be simplified using youir phone and connected devices.

When your home is ‘smart,’ you’ll always be able to control it with your phone..

Your Smart Home Can Work for You

Speaking of getting more things done in less time, did you know that your smart home can actually work for you while you are gone and, thus, save you a lot of time and energy? Yes, it absolutely can!

Imagine this – you are at work, it is freezing outside, and you just don’t want to go home because you know that the inside of your home is going to be icy as well. But, if you invest in a smart heating system, you can turn on the heating using your phone before you get home. This way, once you arrive, you will be greeted by a warm home.

You can do this with your cooling system in the summer as well. And that is not all – you can also invest in smart appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, microwave ovens, etc., and control them all from your phone.

Greater Flexibility

If you work from home, using smart devices such as your phone, laptop, tablet, etc., is a must. But that is not the only way for you to be more flexible at home.

For example, if you have small children, you can always monitor them using smart cameras and even reheat their lunch in that smart microwave from afar. If you have pets, you can also get them one of those smart feeders and not worry whether they need to be fed while you are outside doing some work. All of these smart devices (as well as many more) can help you be more flexible and not worry much about what is happening at home.

Moreover, besides using technology to stay organized at home, you can also use it when moving out of your home, for instance. Of course, experts from Bravo Moving say that moving professionals can help you do all the tough moving-related tasks, but you can keep everything organized with your to-do lists, schedules, reminders, and all other things smart devices offer.

your phone is your gateway to better organization and a professional organizer can help find the bests apps

It would be a shame to have all these options to help you stay organized at home and not use them.

Your Home Can Finally Be More Eco-Friendly

Smart home devices are not there only to help you save time and energy; they are also there to help you save money and, most importantly, help you save our planet. We think that this is more than enough.

But how can smart devices save you money while saving the planet at the same time? Well, here are some examples:

  • Smart thermostats can help you save a lot of energy by learning your heating and cooling patterns and adjusting the temperature when necessary
  • Smart lighting systems can also help you save energy by turning off lights when they’re not needed
  • Smart appliances, such as washing and drying machines, can be more energy efficient than traditional models
  • Smart water systems can help you conserve water by alerting you if there is a leak or a burst pipe 

And when you save so much energy and water, you are actually saving the planet! Moreover, if you want to be even more eco-friendly, you can invest in solar panels, outside boilers, energy-efficient light bulbs, etc. Of course, these ‘green’ features can’t help you stay organized at home per se, but they can help you save the planet.

a professional organizer can help you use technology to organizer your life, save on energy usage and help save and heal the planet

With the right smart technology, you can save a lot of energy!

You can Upgrade Safety and Security Levels in Your Home

We cannot talk about the benefits of using technology to stay organized at home without mentioning the upgraded safety and security levels throughout your entire home. Nowadays, with smart cameras and alarms, you can monitor every inch of your home. And, if something does happen, the police are just one button away. This type of smart device is quite beneficial for the elderly who have problems walking, for example. With a smart security device, they won’t even have to get out of bed to see who is outside the door.

Security and safety smart home devices are also beneficial for parents who have to leave their little ones at home. However, with a strong security system, they will have nothing to worry about. And, with a good camera and a microphone, they can even interact with their children while away.

These are just some of the top benefits of using technology to stay organized at home. But be sure there are many more. So, if your budget allows it, don’t be afraid to invest in some smart pieces – they can only make your life easier.

Photos Used:
Round Grey Speaker On Brown Board · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Woman Wearing White V Neck Shirt Using Space Gray Iphone 6 · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Black Iphone 7 on Brown Table · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Woman Wearing a White Blazer Standing Beside a Kitchen Counter · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)

7 Mental Health Benefits of Downsizing

organizing, packing, selling, donating are all part of downsizing and a senior professional move manager can help.

 

Reaching a certain age and retiring is, for many people, a period when they start reflecting on their life. This may be the time when you start considering leaving your old home behind and moving to a smaller property. Although decluttering has many benefits, it is usually easier said than done. However, once it’s over, you will most likely be thankful to yourself for deciding to go through with it. Some ideas for downsizing your property as a boomer and making it a perfect retirement property include decorating, downsizing your closet, organizing your garage, garden, or other outdoor spaces, and more. This article will go over the seven mental health benefits of downsizing in order to decide if and why moving to a smaller home would be the right next step in your life.

It helps reduce stress

Maintaining a spacious property is far from an easy task. Now – imagine having to do it in your old age. Retirement is supposed to be a period in a person’s life when they can finally step away from all responsibilities and enjoy some peace and quiet. However, that might not be as easy as it sounds if you have a large house to upkeep – especially if your children are long moved out and you have little or no help. 

Moving out of a house and into a smaller apartment will help significantly reduce stress. You won’t have to worry about tedious cleaning that lasts an entire day – in a smaller living space, weekly cleaning might take you just a couple of hours. In order to make this process easier and more pleasant, we recommend you declutter your old house and clear accumulated stuff before moving into your new home. This way, you’ll avoid taking any unnecessary belongings with you.

paking and unpacing are one of the services of a A+ Certified senior move manager

 

It saves you a significant amount of money

An obvious advantage of downsizing is that you will be able to save up a lot on your monthly energy bills. No longer working means not having as much money to spend as you had before. Granted, you’ll have your pension, but do you really wish to spend your hard-earned money on the bills when you could have a nice dinner with your family, buy something nice for yourself or take a vacation trip to a country that you had never visited before? Have you ever thought about the difference between the bills for a big house and a small apartment? If not, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Another way to earn and save some money during the process of moving is to sell the stuff you no longer need. You can easily do this by listing your items on any online selling platforms. Some of the most commonly used ones are:

  • Amazon
  • Craigslist
  • eBay
  • Facebook Marketplace

If you aren’t too sure about how to use these online marketplaces, you could put the images of the items on your personal Facebook or Instagram profile. Granted, the audience won’t be as wide, but you never know – maybe your friends, or friends of your friends, will be interested in buying what you are selling.

Alternatively, you can donate your things to a local charity.

Allows for more free time

Retirement means you will finally have more time to spend on yourself and your hobbies. If you don’t have many maintenance tasks to perform in your place, the amount of your free time increases even more. Downsizing helps reduce all the work you need to do around your house and therefore helps you enjoy all your free time to the fullest – which is what all retired seniors deserve. Before reaching a decision to downsize, as before making any other decisions, it’s best to get informed on the topic. Consumer Opinion suggests that if your friends and family can’t be the ones to advise you, some of the websites on the internet can be helpful to you.

just organizing stuff that has become clutter is a health benefit of organizing.

Increases your confidence

Showing your new place to your friends and family will feel so rewarding and is guaranteed to boost your confidence – especially when you know you’re responsible for organizing it. Smaller spaces are easier to decorate, tidy up and keep clean and organized at all times – so you’ll be able to keep your home beautiful and feel proud every time you present it to your guests.

Prevents you from feeling lonely

One of the mental health benefits of downsizing, if not the biggest one, is that you are bound to feel less alone in a place that is smaller and not as full of memories compared to a house where you’ve lived for most of your life. A big and empty house can feel daunting and overwhelming at times, especially if you are the only one living in it. 

Moreover, moving to a smaller living space to be close to your friends and family is a great way to prevent feeling alone when you reach a certain age. It’s important to note that downsizing will by no means fix all your problems. If you are feeling sad or lonely, you should make sure to get the help you need and talk to a professional. If you don’t have the time or energy to book an in-person therapy session, a good option to consider is choosing an online therapy provider.

It makes you live in the present

Living in the same house for many years means that it is full of memories that you have been accumulating practically for an entire lifetime. Although in a way, being surrounded by all these memories is a beautiful thing, it may very easily provoke feelings of nostalgia and sadness. To put it simply – being constantly surrounded by memories can weigh you down emotionally. Getting rid of them by downsizing can be just the thing you need in order to free your mind, liberate yourself, and significantly improve your mental health. Think of your new apartment as a clean slate and a new beginning.

safety issues are important for seniors and downsizng can help create healthier spaces for living.

One of the mental health benefits of downsizing is getting rid of memories – but it doesn’t mean that you need to get rid of all of them.

Prevents safety risks

Decluttering can also help remove safety hazards and reduce the risks of harming your well-being in any way, which is particularly important if you are an older person. Some of the things that you should keep a lookout for are:

  • Cables or electricity chords lying on the ground – they are not easy to spot, so someone can easily trip over them and get injured
  • Unnecessary clutter, such as items and boxes, impedes walkability
  • Items that have been left unattended for long periods of time may contain dust or mold, which are hazardous to people suffering from breathing problems
  • Dirty and cluttered spaces are a breeding ground for mice, roaches, and other pests which transmit various diseases

A conclusion on the mental health benefits of downsizing

Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will have understood that, although it is a challenging and exhausting thing to do, there are a lot of mental health benefits of downsizing. You should consider all of them and weigh your options before deciding to take this critical step. Lastly, consider that, apart from being emotionally challenging, downsizing is by no means a physically easy job. For this reason, another question is whether you need to hire a professional to help you during this time.

 

Picture Credits:
https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-courier-his-colleague-unloading-cardboard-boxes-from-delivery-van_25630693.htm#query=moving&position=2&from_view=search&track=sph
https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/top-view-messy-full-moving-boxes-room_15973330.htm#query=moving&position=3&from_view=search&track=sph
https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-unpacking-brown-boxes-living-room_17056402.htm#query=senior%20moving%20out&position=4&from_view=search&track=ais
https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-seamstress-sewing-order-on-sewing-machine-in-workroom-3852974/

 

How to Start Clearing Accumulated Stuff in Your Home

getting rid of accumualted stuff takes a good deal of organizing and a professional can help

Most people find living a simple life with fewer items incredibly appealing. However, the thought of getting rid of the things we have brings different negative emotions such as dread, stress, and defeat. Nevertheless, with a proper push in the right direction, you will be able to rid yourself of belongings you simply do not need anymore. So, if you’re ready to declutter but don’t know where to start, here are different things you can do when clearing accumulated stuff in your home.

Dig deep to find your motivation

You will need to be in the right headspace and with the right motivation if you want to clear out your unnecessary belongings truly. And such mental work is the first step if you want to start clearing accumulated stuff in your home. Dig deep into the reasons why you wish to declutter.

  • Do you wish to live a minimalistic life?
  • Will you be downsizing?
  • Do you want to freshen up your current home?
  • Do you have negative emotions associated with your house because of the clutter?

It would be best if you ask yourself all these questions (and more) before the start of the process. This is the only way you will find the thing that will keep you going when the decluttering process becomes tiring and taxing. 

Get help if you need it

If you are dealing with a space that is difficult to clear out, be sure to ask for help from your loved ones. This is especially important if you are dealing with a difficult period in your life. Experts in treating different kinds of addiction at Bright Futures Treatment Center suggest creating a clean space that will enforce positive changes in your life. More often than not, your loved ones will want to help you have a better life, and a good environment is vital. On the other hand, there are different services that you could hire that’ll help you through the process of clearing accumulated stuff in your home.

dealing with accummulated stuff could be a hoarding issue

Be sure to word your concerns and assign the tasks to your helpers.

Create a clear plan

A clear plan will help you feel less overwhelmed and distracted while decluttering. This plan solely depends on your needs, wants, and limits.

We highly suggest answering these key questions:

  • When will I declutter?
  • How much should I declutter in a day?
  • What will I do with all of the items?
  • Should I have a deadline?

Most people, however, believe it is best you start slowly and only declutter whenever you have the time. A great tip for this is to declutter whenever you are procrastinating on other tasks around your home. And if this happens often, well, you will be finished decluttering sooner than expected.

Prepare supplies you will need for clearing accumulated stuff

Starting the process of decluttering will need other sorts of preparations, such as acquiring supplies to pack your unneeded belongings. 

In most cases, simple cardboard boxes and trash bags can be enough. You can find cardboard or moving boxes in many places, such as recycling centers, grocery stores, and bookstores. These locations frequently receive shipments after which they no longer require the boxes you will undoubtedly need. Ask around, and you’ll probably be able to get them for free or for a very minimal price. On the other hand, trash bags are quite inexpensive and can hold a significant amount of items you want to get rid of. 

Prepare a reasonable amount of both of these supplies so you can start clearing accumulated stuff the right way.

Take “before” pictures of your home

Another motivator to push through the process and keep your home clutter-free afterward is to take “before” and “after” pictures. Before you remove even one of your items, be sure to take good pictures of your rooms from multiple angles so you can marvel at the results in the end. However, do not forget to take “after” photos so you stay motivated to remain clutter-free. This is especially beneficial if you have a hoarding issue since you will be able to see just what you achieved, and it might help keep you in check.

You will want to capture the beauty of your home when it is clutter-free.
a clean house is easily accomplished with a professional in organizing, packing and helping to decide what to keep, sell or donateAlt-tag: A view of a very tidy and clutter-free living room and dining room area.

Make a list of things you absolutely wish to keep

If you are worried about getting rid of too many of your items, make a list of things you absolutely wish to keep. Such a list will certainly come in handy with clearing accumulated stuff in your home since it will help you avoid the sense of guilt of throwing something away. However, be sure to have an open mind and not hold onto items that you simply will never use or even look at. After all, how much do you truly like that shirt in your closet if it is buried way deep among your other clothes? Be realistic about your choices of items you want to keep. However, don’t worry; you can still keep your sentimental items even if you may be downsizing. 

Choose one room or area you will start in

The process of decluttering your home of unneeded items should always begin in a room or area that feels the least overwhelming. Starting with a space requiring a lot of time and effort will only make you lose motivation quickly. Of course, if you think you are ready and wish to dive immediately into the deep end, then go ahead! Determine which room or area fits this description and prepare yourself by following the next tip.

Label everything to make your job easier

Once you’ve done all the necessary steps to start clearing accumulated stuff in your home, there is one last thing you can do to make this process easier on yourself. Create a space with boxes (and trash bags) with different labels. 

These are the labels we suggest:

  • Sell
  • Give away
  • Donate
  • Recycle
  • Throw Away
  • Deal with Later

With these supplies ready, you will simply need to toss the unneeded belongings into their respective box or bag. Furthermore, the “deal with later” box is perfect if you cannot decide on the fate of your belonging just yet. 

With all this in mind, you are on the right path to start clearing accumulated stuff in your home. And don’t hesitate to contact our team at A Clear Path for further assistance or if you have any questions. We wish you luck!

Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-unrecognizable-person-packing-ceramic-tableware-in-parchment-4246187/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-talking-while-moving-in-new-apartment-4246243/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/spacious-living-room-with-modern-furniture-6636291/

How to Responsibly Get Rid of Your Clutter

clutter is an issue for many of us, but it can be handled in a green manner

 

Let’s be honest – people who genuinely enjoy a time-consuming task such as decluttering are scarce. Most people tend to delay it for as long as they can. Sometimes, even up to the point where they can’t imagine handling this without reaching out to professionals to declutter and organize their belongings. Even after this task is completed, there is the question of how to get rid of your clutter responsibly. But don’t worry – we’re here to help you fall in love with decluttering and realize its benefits. We’ll let you in on simple decluttering tips before revealing ways to get rid of everything you no longer need.

Tips to help you get rid of clutter

Decluttering your home is essential not only for aesthetical reasons. For instance, a study published by Current Psychology found a connection between procrastination and clutter. Keep in mind that this is just one of many studies that back up the claim that clutter can negatively impact mental well-being.

clutter can be overwhelming, therefore use a professional organizer tohelp with this decluttering task

Did you know that clutter can make us feel stressed, anxious, and even depressed?

So whether you are a senior looking to downsize after retirement or you feel like clutter is taking over the space in your home, it’s important to find motivation and get to work as quickly as possible. Below, we’ve prepared two tips to help you with precisely that.

 

Declutter like you’re about to move

If lack of motivation stops you from starting to declutter, an excellent way to boost yourself is to imagine you’re moving. Only when moving, you’d have to contact professionals to pack and unpack everything while this time, you’re spared of this part.

 

So make sure to set a decluttering deadline, aka your “moving date,” and make it a point to finish decluttering by then. It won’t be easy, especially when the time comes for decluttering sentimental items. However, as soon as you’re finished, you’ll start wondering why you haven’t done it ages ago.

 

Declutter room by room

The best way to declutter is to go room by room. It’s always best to start with the most-high traffic area in your home (most likely your kitchen or living room). Then start going through your belongings and sorting them into piles depending on what you want to do with them.

 

If you prioritize your most-used rooms first, you’ll instantly feel the positive effect of decluttering and organizing. This will give you the motivation and inspiration you need to continue purging other rooms in your home. Keep in mind that you should be thorough and check every item in detail before deciding what to do with it. Also, don’t skip areas thinking you’ll come back to them later – you won’t.

clutter clearing can be time consuming unless you higher a professional

The golden rule of decluttering is to go through your stuff and sort them into three piles: keep, toss, and donate/gift/sell.

For example, let’s say you are decluttering your bathroom before packing for a move. When decluttering a room like this, it is important to pay attention to details and check every item. We guarantee you’ll find many that are either forgotten about or even expired. Remember, your end goal is to reduce the number of items, as that will help when packing your bathroom for the move. At least, it will help not bring more junk with you to your home.

 

Ways to responsibly get rid of your clutter

Now that you know what the easiest ways to purge your home of junk are, you might wonder what to do with all of those excess belongings. Even if you had estate clearing services do all the work for you, you still need to figure out what to do next. So further in this article, you’ll find different options for responsibly getting rid of your clutter.

 

Reach out to your local waste management company

If you do a quick google search, you’ll quickly find information about what can be recycled in your community. It shouldn’t be challenging to find out how and when you can recycle your stuff. Make sure to at least get in touch with a local waste management company, as they might give you valuable info on other local resources where you can get rid of your clutter.

 

Get rid of your clutter by donating it

A great way to get rid of things that are in good condition but you no longer want to use them is to donate them. However, don’t get too caught up in trying to find the proper organization. Any organization you choose is the right one, and you’ll be doing a good deed no matter which one you pick.

The best way to go about this is to choose organizations that make donating items easy. You’ll probably be able to come up with a couple of places where you can donate your belongings locally. Donating is definitely the best way to get rid of your unnecessary items.

 

Give things to your friends

Before you start donating things, it would be good to reach out to your friends. If you made sure to create a home inventory while decluttering, you could easily let them know what items you no longer want. Perhaps some of them could use your old blender or even some good clothing pieces that you no longer wish to wear.

Sell your stuff

A great way to get rid of your excess belongings and make some money simultaneously is to sell your stuff. Nowadays, the easiest way is to sell your things online, so here are some ideas for you:

 

  • One of the best places to sell your things is Amazon, as it’s effortless and straightforward to use. Search for any item you’d like to sell. Then look for a little button on the right-hand side of the screen that says “Sell on Amazon,” which means that the item is in demand. If you don’t see the button, it’s better to skip selling this item here.
  • If you are looking for a place to sell your old clothes quickly, check out ThredUp. Before sending anything, make sure to read their accepted list. In case they don’t accept some of the items you’ve sent, they’ll donate them for you, or you can pay to have them sent back.
  • In case you want to sell your decluttered books, check out SellBackBooks. It’s truly a quick and straightforward way to earn extra money.

 

Organize a garage sale

Once you declutter and make the most of your garage space, why not organize a garage sale and quickly remove all of your “junk”? Simply price your items and try to sell them. If you have anything remaining, you can donate it. Plus, organizing a garage sale is a good motivation for keeping your home clutter-free in the future.

Organizing a garage sale is a responsible way to get rid of your clutter

Organizing a garage sale is a great way to get rid of your clutter and earn some extra cash.

Final thoughts

We hope our article helped you declutter efficiently and find responsible ways to get rid of your clutter. Even though it might be time-consuming and tiring, as soon as you enter your cleared and neat home, you’ll know your efforts were worth the trouble. We guarantee you’ll feel motivated to continue in the same direction and implement decluttering habits into your everyday life. But if you want to experience the best results, make sure to get in touch with professionals. Their organizing and decluttering skills will leave you in awe!

We can help

Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-using-laptop-on-the-floor-3791614/
https://unsplash.com/photos/S_bbqW4yQZA
https://www.pexels.com/photo/concentrated-woman-carrying-stack-of-cardboard-boxes-for-relocation-3791617/
https://unsplash.com/photos/BuNWp1bL0nc

6 Easy Steps to Create a Home Inventory

Creating a home inventory will help when you move or strat a de-cluttering of your home

These tools and tips can help you recoup thousands of dollars when disaster strikes. 

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), over 50 per cent of Americans don’t have a home inventory of their belongings putting them at a risk for inadequate insurance coverage in case a disaster strikes.

What Is a Home Inventory?

In simple words, a home inventory is an up-to-date record of all your possessions. It’s created so that in case of a disaster, you can easily and quickly get your claims settled.

Creating and updating your inventory of personal possessions is an excellent way to make the most of your renters or homeowners insurance and makes filing a claim efficient and easy.

Creating a home inventory is simple and can help you save a lot of money (and headache) in the longer run. 

Why Should I Create a Home Inventory?

It’s important to create a home inventory as:

#1. It helps you purchase the right kind of insurance

An accurate list of your personal possessions will enable you to have a better conversation with the insurance personnel when making decisions about renters or homeowners insurance coverage. It’s one of the best ways to get the best of your insurance. 

#2. It makes filing a claim super easy

Most of us can’t remember what we had for dinner last night, let alone recall everything that we possess. Disasters are stressful and scary that makes creating a list of damaged property for claims more challenging. A handy list of your belongings will prove to be a huge relief in such times.

#3. Aids in financial assistance

Following a disaster, you can only qualify for disaster assistance or a tax break is if you can substantiate your losses. An organized home inventory will prove to be useful during such a process.

Fires, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes: disasters can strike any time. And when that happens, most of us aren’t in a position to recall everything that we owned. 

Unless a proper account of everything that we owned is provided to the insurance professionals, you’ll not be entitled to a proper claim. 

Therefore, the key is to have a detailed home inventory. Here are 6 easy steps to create a home inventory:

#1. Choose the Right Storage Method and a Software

  • Taking a few pictures or scribbling in a notebook is okay but not the best options to create a list.
  • Choose a software program designed to create home inventories such as What You Own that’ll make the entire process easier. 
  • You can also opt for free options by creating a DIY list using free templates from Canva or by creating a spreadsheet.
  • Do a little research to determine the best option for you before getting started.

#2. List your Personal Belongings

  • The best way to get started is by starting with an easy spot— like your handbag shelf or kitchen appliance cabinet. 
  • Write down the name and value of everything you own in that contained space before proceeding to the next area. 
  • If you want, you can also group items falling in the same category or of the same types such as books or kitchen utensils. 
  • Make small notes of the condition and model number of each item and staple the receipts next to the item if you have any.

#3. Take Help of Technology

  • If you’ve been using a pen and paper until now, it’s time for a little upgrade.
  • Take pictures, record videos or use an app that’ll help you create a room-by-room record of all your belongings.

#4. Finish the Paperwork

  • Replacing identification, reports, legal and financial documents can be a hassle.
  • Take steps to protect and preserve such documents.

#5. Create a Separate List of Valuable Items

Valuable items such as electronics, collectables and jewelry require separate insurance and therefore, it’s wise to create a separate list for them. Be extremely thorough when creating this list and include:

  • Multiple photos of each item
  • Purchase location and date
  • Serial number
  • Model
  • Make
  • Receipts (if you have any)

Follow the golden rule: if you paid more, then document more.

#6. Keep Copies in Different Places

  • No matter how you chose to create a home inventory, always create a few copies away from home.
  • Don’t limit the storage of your list to a single place such as your computer or mobile or even a hardcopy in your house—they could all be destroyed in the disaster. 
  • Save your list in the cloud or send out a few physical copies to your friends and family for the sake of safekeeping. 

The Takeaway

  • Creating a home inventory can be daunting but not if you’re using our tools and tips. 
  • Easily verify losses for your insurance claim and income tax returns by creating a home inventory. 

Need help Starting your Home Inventory

Picture credits:
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/bAA06m4O7co
Shristi Patni is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes. She enjoys creating a List of Citrus Fruits or a list of “Things That Make Happy” or coming up with creative Food Blog Names. Formerly the Chief Content Officer at Raletta, she is currently working on her second cookbook. 
shristipatni@gmail.com
Social Media Handles:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f-and-b-recipes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/FandBRecipes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/F-and-B-Recipes-100232271852184
Twitter: @FandBRecipes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fandbrecipes/

Spring Forward: Mini Motivators for Organizing Your Space

By: A Clear Path Team Member, Lauren Brennan

Let’s cut to the chase, it’s Spring, the state is about to reopen, and you never organized those closets. Along with the sourdough starter kits of the world, many of the projects you intended to complete (or simply start!) fell by the wayside. We don’t blame you. Like a drawer filled with Tupperware to which there is no matching lid, this last year has been frustratingly chaotic. If the thought of the pandemic ending fills you with dread because you still don’t know what’s buried in your hallway closet, don’t worry. There’s still time to get it together, at least where your belongings are concerned. Sometimes just getting started is half the battle. 

Here are a few places around your home that might be in need of some TLC and how to tackle them: 

The hallway closet.  Usually smaller than a wardrobe closet and situated near an entrance, this area of your home is perfect for throwing away things that aren’t yet garbage. Part of what makes it so terrifying is it’s mysterious contents. Anything could be in there.

Junk mail, empty amazon boxes, broken light bulbs, a holiday wreath…All of these items are known to congregate in this forgotten place you pass by so often. Grab a recycling bin because most of what’s in here probably never belonged anyways. The wreath can stay. Maximize the space in your closet by utilizing the interior wall space. If space permits, a command strip or nail in an inconspicuous area can be used to hang the wreath inside of the closet. Other items like umbrellas or reusable grocery bags can be hung up as well.

Recycle, reduce, reuse those single-use plastic bags! 

Speaking of grocery bags, how many do you currently have shoved into a small space beside the fridge? When you open the cabinet under your sink does a confetti-like assortment of plastic or paper bags burst forth? Thanks to covid, single-use bags are back, for now. Luckily there are hundreds, if not thousands, of tutorials online on how to store plastic bags. Click on this link for an easy and free option for storing all that plastic. The Russian Doll method of storing plastic bags will leave you feeling like a magician pulling an endless array of ties out of a hat. 

clean up, recycle, de-clutter not just for spring or Earth Day, but every day because every day is Earth Day

Environmentally friendly tips in honor of Earth Day: 

  • Instead of plastic bags use washable-mesh produce bags. 
  • Instead of plastic wrap try ethically sourced beeswax paper. 
  • Large empty food containers with lids make excellent mini-storage bins for paper-thin produce bags. Poke a hole into the top and grab as you go! 
  • Reuse single-use plastic bags for smelly trash like raw meat and expired veggies. 
  • Don’t throw out plastic water bottles and aluminum cans at the gas station unless the trash is separated for recycling.
  • White vinegar is a powerful, affordable cleaning agent that’s Earth, kid and pet friendly. Use it with baking soda to deep clean dirty spots like the bathtub and kitchen sink. 
  • Use this month as an opportunity to safely dispose of all old batteries. Check this site for  for a list of places to toss them. 
  • Check around the house for items to use as organizers in the car or trunk before buying something new. Cardboard file boxes or empty tubs and bins can double as storage spaces in the trunk. 
  • Earth

Keep it moving! Don’t neglect your second home 

Cars are another high traffic area that often get treated like a trash can. We use our cars for so much more than driving. They’re an extension of our home, a place we eat and sometimes even sleep in. During the pandemic, it may have doubled as your therapist’s office, or just a quiet place to escape the sound of upstairs neighbors. Grab that trash bin. Throw out all those empty coffee cups and pastry bags. If you don’t need it to start the car, it probably has a place inside your home instead. Consider investing in a backseat or trunk organizer if you travel often. While most people can see your car coming from a mile away, it’s an easy hiding place for junk and clutter. 

If doing a little is still a little too much, we’re here to help 

You don’t have to organize your entire space in one day; starting small can provide you with the jump start you need to get motivated. Most of the clutter in our way does not serve us any longer yet we hesitate to get rid of it for a myriad of reasons. The pandemic ending is a huge relief for many, but it could also unleash waves of anxiety as we consider welcoming our loved ones back into our personal spaces. Articles like these can provide helpful tips and tricks to get started, but if you feel overwhelmed by the level of clutter in your home and don’t know where to begin, that’s ok, too. 

Reach out to us at A Clear Path and we will help get you sorted.