When was the last time you smiled with pride upon opening a cleaned-up junk drawer or closet? If you can’t recall ever having this feeling, it’s time to hit these hot spots. In fact, it’s smart to tackle organization projects now, since you’re probably spending a lot of time at home anyway, because COVID-19 is lingering on.
You might be surprised by how tackling just one small area—like your overflowing silverware tray or tool chest—can put you in a much better mood. Organizing can also help lower your stress levels over the long term. Here are some simple organizing tips for the clutter magnets in your home.
Thin The Mug Herd
How many mugs can you drink out of at one time? If we’re all being honest, and even allowing for each to have an overnight stay in the sink, 2 per family member should definitely get the job done. Let those extra mugs go…even if they came with a dish set, were picked up as a vacation souvenir, or were a gift. Once you’ve enjoyed them, you’re under no obligation to keep them.
Recycle Plastic Containers
Assess your Tupperware drawer, and determine what you really use all these containers for. If you take leftovers to work for lunch every day, keep several; but if you barely cook, or if you have containers with MIA lids, donate them to a shelter or recycle them. When you have your ideal number, pair each with it’s corresponding lid, and you’ll no longer spend more time finding a container than preparing the food that’s going into it.
Refresh Your Closet
If you don’t wear it, it goes—period. Be intentional with your closet, because it’s the best way to prevent clutter. No time to clean it out completely? Even if you remove just a couple of things that don’t fit or that you no longer love, you’ll be working toward a more organized space.
Sort Your Socks
And while you’re at it…spend a few minutes piling up unworn T-shirts and ragged dish towels as well. Include them with your socks that no longer have a matching partner, and then give them the recycle treatment. You can use them for dusting, in the garage, or as otherwise needed around the house…but they’re not doing you any good taking up drawer space.
Junk Drawer
Open that drawer that makes you wince and toss every old pen, outdated appliance manual, and leaky battery. Use those plastic containers without lids to separate paper clips, rubber bands, and post-it notes. Once it’s pristine, it’s no longer the junk drawer—it’ll simply be a drawer in your kitchen.
