10 TIPS TO REFRESH: A Fresh Start for Your Home
The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start. It brings a sense of renewal and an opportunity to improve all areas of your life. This year, take some time to complete projects you’ve been putting off for months and create an even better home for you and your family by decluttering and organizing your space.
Follow these tips for easy and quick ways to declutter your home:
1. Keep Things Within Arm's Reach
Store items you use daily in accessible spots, whether in a basket, on a shelf, or in a cabinet. Place items that are used less frequently on higher shelves or in storage areas like the garage or attic. This approach makes it easier to find what you need, when you need it, without unnecessary searching.
2. Add Shelves Instead of Furniture
If your home is cluttered, adding more furniture won’t help. Instead, opt for wall shelving. Shelves provide space for books, picture frames, paperwork, and even a television, without making your home feel overcrowded with bulky furniture.
3. Try the 12-12-12 Challenge
This challenge, inspired by BecomingMinimalist.com, is a simple way to organize and declutter. Choose 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to return to their proper place. This method helps you declutter while also giving back to a good cause.
4. Maximize Garage Storage
Transform your garage into a primary storage area. Use old dressers or other furniture to store seasonal items and rarely used belongings. To create a cohesive look, paint the furniture in matching colors. This approach keeps items organized and out of sight, while still accessible when needed.
5. Get Rid of Broken Items
There’s no point in keeping broken or unused items. If you haven’t used an item or had it fixed in the past six months, chances are you never will. Donate or throw away these items to free up space for new opportunities.
6. Use What You Have
Stop saving special items like fancy soaps or expensive spices for "the right time." Use them and enjoy them now. By using what you have before buying new things, you can reduce clutter and make the most of your current possessions.
7. Focus on One Room at a Time
Decluttering your home can feel overwhelming, but tackling one room at a time makes the process more manageable. Concentrate on organizing a single space before moving on to the next. This step-by-step approach ensures progress without becoming overwhelmed.
8. Label Everything
Labels are your best friend when it comes to organization. Clearly label storage bins, shelves, and containers so everyone in the household knows where items belong. This simple step reduces confusion and keeps your home tidy.
9. Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions
Set aside a specific day each month to review your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need. Regular maintenance prevents clutter from building up and keeps your space organized year-round.
10. Involve the Whole Family
Decluttering is a team effort! Assign tasks to each family member and encourage them to take responsibility for their own spaces. This not only lightens your workload but also teaches valuable organizational skills.