DECLUTTER

Here’s How.

The holidays have come and gone and what’s left?  Clutter – everywhere, it seems.  Let us help you de-clutter!  Try these handy tips to make your home look clean, simple, calm and uncluttered.

Home is a place where family gathers to relax.  Yours should be comfortable and soothing.  Removing clutter will help add the ambiance that your home needs to be a place of relaxation and peace for all of you.

Do
Banish visible clutter by clearing off the areas you and visitors are most likely to see — your kitchen counter, coffee table, credenza, mantle, and so on.  Choose only a few meaningful items to remain, and these spaces will instantly look less cluttered.
Reconsider collections.  Sometimes what started out as a collection ends up being a frustration.  How many salt & pepper shakers does one need?  Decide if you really want your collection and if so, designate a specific spot for it. 

Stash things away that are not needed.  Place them in containers and label them for easy locating.  This will remove clutter and effectively keep items together. 

Go through all your cupboards and discard unused items.  You will be amazed at what you don’t need.  Look at expiration labels and toss items that have expired. 

Get rid of clothes you haven’t worn for over a year!  It’s okay, really — that style may come back, but when it does, treat yourself to a new outfit.  Take all those clothes you don’t want to an organization or ministry for distribution to those in need. 

Clean out the bathroom cabinets and throw away old make-up and medicine.  And while you are at it, get rid of all those worn towels, too.

Put everything in its place.  Everything should have a place unless it is stored away in a tub somewhere.  This will keep your home airy and inviting.

Organize!  The secret of an organized, uncluttered home is storage. There are so many great products available to organize your home – look on page 32 for some great ideas we found! — and bring peace and simplicity to your life.  

Don’t
Use fridge magnets — they are the fastest way to making your  kitchen look messy.  Unless you have a true collection, put them away.  Otherwise, organize them intentionally so they appear as  art — not clutter.

Clutter your windowsills.  Leave windowsills clear and your room will appear much tidier.  Can’t resist a little color?  Choose a simple vase and some fruit to create a calming still life.

Use big audio speakers!  Regardless of what you have been told, if they are on the floor they are too big.  Purchase small wall unit speakers and hang them in the corners or from the ceiling. 

Leave your liquid detergent and hand lotion bottles on the kitchen counter.  This simple act will give your kitchen a cleaner, sleeker look.