Many more individuals desire a clean and comfortable living space than those who are content with living in a cluttered and untidy home. Despite this, not everyone is able to achieve their desired level of tidiness. It may feel as though a general cleaning was just done yesterday, yet today there is a need to clean up once again. Objects are scattered and haphazardly hung, kitchen surfaces are cluttered with not just dirty dishes, and shoes seem to purposely obstruct hallways.
Sound familiar? One of the reasons for this may be infrequent decluttering or a lack of decluttering altogether. It’s a good idea to sort through things in the house at least every six months, and a convenient time is when you’re switching out seasonal clothing. You’ll likely find items that haven’t been worn in over a year – consider if you’ll wear them in the future or if it’s time to get rid of them. Don’t keep things you don’t need, and if you can’t repurpose them, donate them to someone who can use them.
The same goes for shoes, books, newspapers, magazines, and dishes. Get rid of items that are damaged or cracked – it’s not worth keeping them around. It’s especially important to be mindful of damaged frying pans and Teflon coatings, as they can be a health hazard.
When it comes to children’s toys, remove items that are no longer age-appropriate or that your child has lost interest in. Keep small pieces and games with small parts in their original packaging and store them in a higher place. Cars, dolls, and cubes are easier to clean up after playtime.
It’s important for every household member (excluding babies) to know the location of their belongings. If you rearrange the closet or wardrobe, make sure to inform your family members and show them where everything is. Expect to deal with questions like “Where are my socks?” and consider labeling shelves or boxes with names to avoid confusion. All household members should follow the rule of returning things to their proper place to maintain order.
Cleaning the kitchen can be time-consuming, but try to take a few minutes each day to wipe down the stove and kitchen apron to prevent dirt and stains from building up. It’s also recommended to wipe the oven and microwave after each use. To quickly clean the microwave, put a container of water with a tablespoon of liquid soap and a teaspoon of baking soda inside and microwave for five minutes, then wipe down with a soft cloth.
Figurines and decorations can take up a lot of space and collect dust. If they’re not valuable or meaningful, consider getting rid of them to save time and declutter your space.
For plant lovers, it’s important to get rid of diseased or dying plants in a timely manner to prevent negative energy from accumulating.
Finally, avoid hoarding empty bottles or anything that you don’t have an attachment to, as it can lead to clutter and negativity in your life and home. Trust your intuition when it comes to decluttering and simplifying your space.
