Clutter is such a bother. Every household has it, and it’s so hard to get rid of unless you get professional cleaning services. If you find yourself wading through stuff just to find your house keys – it’s time to get down to business.
William Morris got it right when he said, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Here are some ways to zero in on clutter.
1. Closet
Still got that dress from 1992? Then, it’s time to get organised. Have a look inside your cabinet and get rid of items that don’t fit you anymore or those that you haven’t worn in the past year. If throwing out some stuff makes you uneasy, store them with your out-of-season outfits and consider donating them if you still haven’t used them after six months.
2. Coffee table
Clear the table first and dispose of rubbish such as candy wrappers or receipts. Put books and magazines back in their proper places. Old newspapers can go directly in the recycling bin. Put a basket, box, or tin can for your keys and remote controls.
3. Entryway
Start by gathering your coats on a coat rack or in the hall closet. Check the pockets of coats, jackets, and bags for anything that can be thrown out. Set up a place for the items that tend to pile up, such as a shoe rack for your shoes, a basket for the car keys, and some pegs for the umbrellas.
4. Kitchen countertops
Store kitchen appliances in your cabinets and save for those that you use every day. Put empty boxes or bottles in the recycle bin.
5. Kitchen drawers
Clear out every drawer. Throw away old clippings, receipts, expired coupons, and other rubbish. Make sure to keep items close to where you use them: dishes next to the dishwasher, utensils next to the range, and kitchen appliances near the countertop.
6. Refrigerator
Organise the contents of your fridge and throw out expired or stale food. Assign certain areas of your fridge for leftovers, snacks, condiments, and other stuff.
7. Desktop
A clutter-free desktop can increase your productivity, while a messy desktop can keep you distracted. Clear out your desk of everything except for items you use on a daily basis. Keep your office supplies in a drawer next to the desk.
8. Medicine cabinet
Throw away any expired medicines and other over-the-counter products. If makeup is older than one year or if you never use it, toss it out. Before discarding old medicines, contact your state sanitation department for info on safe disposal.
9. Kids’ craft tables
Put away art supplies in a box or basket that can be stowed away when not in use. Frame favourite pieces to spruce up kids’ rooms. When it’s time to recycle, take photos of your kids with their artwork or school projects. Place the photos in an album and let go of the physical items.
10. Bathroom countertops
There’s no reason why your beauty creams should be out in plain sight. Move them over to the cabinets. Less used items should be tucked away under the sink or inside the drawers. Whatever you use daily should be most accessible.
Remember that you don’t have to do everything at once. Conquer one area at a time. If there’s just too much clutter for you to tackle, it would be best to ask for help – get free quotes from professional cleaners now.
