TIPS ON DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME

Just like a clear email inbox or desk in the office a clutter free home can also boost your energy level and productivity. The best way to declutter is to go room by room.  Review your rooms like you are a visitor going through a home for the first time. Assess content and ascertain need or usefulness of all items or furnishings. If you have not been used something over the last year, it’s probably not necessary.

FOYER

Your foyer is the first place seen when you enter your home, so it is good to make it a functional space as it plays a part in shaping the first impression of your home. Do not make it become a dumping ground as it is the place you greet your guests before taking them to a common area like the kitchen or family room.

• Have specific spots for keys, and mail elsewhere.
• Remove your shoes from entryway and store in a closet or the mudroom if you have one.
• Keep plants and other accessories to a minimum.

KITCHEN

Your kitchen should be clean and clutter free. Keep accessories to a minimum and make sure these are useful items.  Remove items which do not belong in the kitchen.

• Check your cupboards and get rid of damaged mugs, plates and bowls.
• Put away oversized cups and mugs as well as souvenir items.
• Remove kitchen tools that are not in use.
• Remove oversized pots and pans from stove top or counter.
• Do not hoard Tupperware, throw out stained and mismatched Tupperware.
• Keep items that are used daily in close reach.
• Put away juicers and baking tools that are infrequently used on higher shelves or to the back of cupboards.
• Put away small appliances which are not in use.

PANTRY

An organized pantry. Deep clean your pantry and have frequently used items within reach.

• Check your pantry for items which may have expired and toss.
• Ensure that items close to expiry are in front and use as soon as possible.
• Do not over stock your cupboards, resist buying more than you know you will use over a few months.

LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM

The main purpose of these rooms should be relaxation but sadly they always seem to be a cluttered space.  A room full of blankets, books, toys and other knicks knacks will make it difficult to unwind and truly relax.

• Add baskets to keep toys and store other items when not in use.
• Have furniture which can also function as storage units.
• Install shelves or an entertainment centre to use for storage and to organize media equipment and cords.
• Get rid of broken or unused toys and remote controls.
• Remove blankets when not in use.

BATHROOM

Keep things organized and tidy. Resist the urge to keep items used daily on the countertop. Only keep frequently used items in your bathroom cabinets or drawers.  Have a designated storage space for extra supplies.

• Check your bathroom vanities from top to bottom.
• Throw out expired medication. Unused prescription drugs should be disposed of at your pharmacy.
• Toss personal care items that have not been used in a while.
• Donate unopened toiletries you no longer use to a shelter near you.
• Go through cabinets at least once a year and group items by categories so you have a clear idea of what is there and when you need to go out and replenish supplies.  Refrain from buying items every time there is a sale. Do not over stock.
• Donate colognes which you have not and will likely not use. Use up those ones which have just a few more sprays left in them if you like the scent, if not, toss them.

BEDROOMS

Make your bedrooms stylish and relaxing.  Clear nightstands and chests, remove unnecessary items and items which don’t belong in the bedroom.

• Go through your closets and remove items which have not been worn in over a year. Donate gently used items and toss out items which are old and not likely to be worn again by you.
• Check your drawers and toss out old or damaged stockings and socks as well as pajamas which have not been worn in years.

LINEN CLOSETS

Everyone likes to see a linen closet that looks like a magazine ad.

• Organize items by categories and fold neatly (Rugs, towels, washrags, sheets and comforters)
• Keep items frequently used in front, put off season or rarely used items to the back of shelves or on the top shelf.
• Review and throw out items which are worn and tattered.
• Purge non-essential items.
• Instead of keeping the towels and sheets you no longer like, donate them.

GARAGE

Keep your garage functional and well organized.  Refrain from making it a dumping ground for items you no longer need.

• Throw out things like old paint cans with colours you no longer need (these should be properly disposed of).
• Get rid of spare or winter tires for vehicles you no longer own.
• Donate or sell bikes belonging to your kids who are now grown and no longer need them.
• Install shelves to store items like lubricants and other vehicle care products.
• Install cabinets to store tools you use for vehicle maintenance.

BASEMENT

Your basement, especially an unfinished one, can become a graveyard for items that are not in use.

• Go through boxes which may contain stuff for grown children and throw out items which will never be used.
• If you are storing items for friends or family members give them a timeline to retrieve these items or else, they will be thrown out.
• Give yourself time to start using exercise equipment which are gathering dust.  If you don’t use in a few months get rid of them and start walking.
• Refrain from keeping items on the floor, install shelves to store additional supply of toiletries and cleaning products.