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My Journey to a Minimalist Home: Embracing the Power of Simplicity

January 27, 2023
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I never thought that I would be someone who embraced minimalism. Growing up, I was surrounded by clutter and an overwhelming amount of stuff. It seemed like having more things meant more success and fulfillment in life. But over time, I realized that less is more when it comes to leading a happy and meaningful life. So, I decided to take the plunge—I was going to turn my home into a minimalist sanctuary. In this blog post, I’ll share with you my journey to a simpler home as well as how embracing minimalism has empowered me and made me happier in the process.

Why I decided to pursue a minimalist lifestyle

In today’s society, it seems like we are constantly being bombarded with ads and messages telling us that we need to buy more stuff. We’re told that we need the latest fashion trends, the newest gadgets, and the fanciest cars. But what if there was a different way?

What if instead of chasing after material possessions, we chased after experiences and relationships? What if we embraced simplicity instead of complexity?

This is what I decided to do when I made the decision to pursue a minimalist lifestyle. For me, minimalism is about living with less stuff and focusing on what really matters in life. It’s about simplifying my life so that I can focus on the things that are truly important to me.

There are many reasons why someone might decide to pursue a minimalist lifestyle. For me, it was about decluttering my life so that I could focus on what was truly important to me. If you’re considering minimalism as a way to simplify your life, here are some things to keep in mind:

The benefits of living minimally

minimalist
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-towel-on-white-wooden-sofa-3965534/

When most people think of minimalism, they think of stark white walls, a single couch, and a coffee table. However, minimalism is about so much more than just aesthetics. It’s about living with less stuff, decluttering your home, and simplifying your life.

There are many benefits to living minimally, including:

  1. You save money.

When you live with less stuff, you naturally spend less money. You don’t have to buy as many things to fill up your home, and you can save money on things like storage costs and cleaning supplies.

  1. You have less clutter.

A minimalist home is typically a lot less cluttered than a traditional home. This means that you can actually find things when you need them, and your home feels more serene and peaceful.

  1. You simplify your life.

Minimalism isn’t just about owning fewer things – it’s also about simplifying your life in general. When you live minimally, you have fewer commitments and obligations, which leaves you more time and energy for the things that matter most to you.

  1. You become more mindful.

Living with less stuff forces you to be more mindful of the things you do bring into your home. This means that you’re likely to only surround yourself with things that bring you joy or that are truly necessary, which can lead to

How I decluttered my home

minimalist
Photo by Zarak Khan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-minimalist-workspace-4256211/

I never thought I would be the type of person to declutter my home. I always thought that I liked having a lot of stuff around me and that it made me feel more comfortable. But as I started learning more about minimalism, I realized that all of the stuff was actually weighing me down. It was taking up space in my home and in my head, and it wasn’t bringing me any joy.

So, I decided to declutter my home. And let me tell you, it was liberating! Getting rid of all of the clutter felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. My home felt lighter and brighter, and I finally had room to breathe.

If you’re thinking about decluttering your home, here are a few tips to get you started:

Start with one area: Don’t try to tackle your entire house all at once. That will just overwhelm you. Start with one small area, such as your closet or your desk, and go from there.

Set aside some time: Dedicate an hour or two each week to decluttering. Put it on your calendar so you don’t forget or push it off.

Be ruthless: This is not the time to be sentimental. If you haven’t used something in 6 months (or longer), get rid of it! We tend to hold onto things because we think we might need them someday, but chances are we won’t

What I keep in my home now

I keep a lot less in my home now than I used to. I’ve embraced the power of simplicity and gotten rid of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring me joy. My home is now a haven, a place where I can relax and be myself. Recently, we’ve decided to make some changes to our home and we’ve added a grey door for our home. It has brought a new sense of style and elegance to our home. Here’s a look at what I keep in my home now:

  • Furniture that is comfortable and serves a purpose. I got rid of any pieces that were just taking up space or that I didn’t love.
  • A few select decor items that make me happy. These are things like photos, art, and plants.
  • A minimal amount of clothing, only what I need and love. This was probably the hardest thing for me to purge, but it was so worth it!
  • Only the essentials are in the kitchen. Again, if an item wasn’t being used or didn’t bring me joy, it had to go.
  • Bath and beauty products that I actually use on a regular basis. No more cluttered counters filled with half-used products!

My journey to a minimalist home has been so liberating. Embracing the power of simplicity has allowed me to create a space that feels like my own personal oasis. If you’re considering making the switch to a minimalist lifestyle, definitely give it a try! You won’t regret it!

How minimalism has changed my life

Though I’ve only been practicing minimalism for a short while, it has already had a profound effect on my life. For starters, getting rid of all the excess stuff in my life has helped me to declutter my mind and focus on what’s really important to me.

In addition, living with less stuff has helped me to appreciate the things I do have so much more. I no longer take my possessions for granted and am more mindful of how I use and care for them. And because I don’t have as many material things to keep track of, I have more time and energy to pursue the things that truly matter to me.

Overall, minimalism has made me happier, more fulfilled, and less stressed. It’s a lifestyle that I highly recommend for anyone who is looking for greater simplicity and peace in their life.

Conclusion

Pursuing a minimalist lifestyle has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to create more space in both my physical and mental environment, allowing me to live with less stress and clutter. I have found that living with fewer possessions has made it easier for me to identify what really matters in life, focusing on the things that truly bring joy instead of getting lost amongst material objects. 

Minimalism isn’t just about having less; it is about embracing the power of simplicity and creating a home where you can be content without needing excess or quantity.

4 Essential Things to Consider When Moving Homes

December 6, 2022
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Are you planning on moving into a new house soon? If yes, you must be excited to start your new life but getting there might feel like a lifetime of preparation. 

The stress sets in when you know you’ll be moving into a new place. The idea of what must be completed and how much time and effort it will take to do can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, it’s normal.

However, you need to overcome the initial phase of worry and stress by wasting no time creating a solid plan. Remember, the importance of planning every detail of what goes into moving from one home to another is essential in making the process easier and hassle-free. 

While there might still be some stress included and perhaps some surprises, it makes a lot of difference to have a plan that allows you to stay prepared for unpredictable circumstances. With that said, here are some things you must consider when moving into a new place.

  • Declutter in Advance

Irrespective of how long you’ve lived in your current house, you might have accumulated clutter that shouldn’t be taken to your new house. As a result, clearing your house of any unwanted, old or unnecessary things before your move can save you time and money. 

By recycling, donating, or throwing away stuff you don’t need, you’re reducing the number of things you need to move. The fewer things you have, the fewer hours you need to pack.

But what about your belongings like RVs you might not need immediately after you move into your new house? You can consider using storage facilities for your valuables, like RVs. 

For instance, if you’re residing somewhere in Royse City, you can opt for RV storage Royse city TX to ensure your RV is safe and secure. Additionally, storing it in a storage unit also helps protect it from the extreme temperature of the city, saving your RV from getting damaged in the weather. 

moving into
Photo by RODNAE Productions: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photograph-of-a-woman-in-a-white-shirt-sitting-beside-cardboard-boxes-7464701/
  • Book a Moving Company

Undoubtedly, moving into a new place can be a stressful experience. After all, having to organize to book a truck or van and schedule the logistics consumes a great amount of your effort and time that might be better utilized somewhere else, like having fun at your new place. 

On the other hand, hiring a reputable mover is a real-time saver and allows you to move into your new house without losing your peace of mind. 

Moreover, once you book a moving company, you can ensure your belongings are protected. Booking a moving company is also more affordable than DIY moving. The energy, time, and money that goes into moving by yourself are much more than booking professional movers. 

But when should you book a moving company? You can book your move three to five weeks before D-day, so you can get a date or time that caters to your schedule. 

Additionally, high-quality moving companies are generally booked out for at least two to three weeks, sometimes up to a month. Hence, remember to book the movers early to avoid any last-minute delays.

  • Have a Box of Essentials

Imagine being at your new home and looking for boxes that contain essential items. Doesn’t it sound inconvenient, frustrating, and time-consuming? As a result, you need to move and keep the box of essentials safe in the new place before moving into your new house.

Packing a separate box of essentials ensures you don’t have to look through a hill of boxes looking for toiletries, cleaning supplies, bed linens, and a change of clothes. Hence, remember to name this box ‘essentials’ for ease of remembrance, and it’s the first box to unpack after moving.

But what should your box of essentials include? Here are some things that you should remember as you declutter and pack your belongings so that you can set the relevant things aside:

  • Medicines
  • Chargers and devices
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Children’s belongings
  • Repair tools
  • Snacks
  • Toiletries
  • Change of clothes
  • Basic utensils
moving into
Image by rawpixel.com
  • Make a Moving Checklist

Remember, having a plan before you move into your house avoids any hassles down the road, making it essential to have a moving checklist ready. 

A moving checklist can help you ensure that everything goes as stress-free as possible and there are no surprises when D-day finally arrives. Not just that, a moving checklist allows you to organize your things before moving. It also helps you sort out your belongings more quickly, making unpacking simpler.

Moreover, a moving checklist ensures that everything that needs to be completed will get done. That way you’ll always know what to do next. A moving checklist helps you avoid unnecessary delays and stress and allows you to complete all tasks properly and on time.

But what should your moving checklist look like? Here’s what an ideal checklist should look like:

  • 3-2 months before moving: You should book time off work before and after your move. Besides that, you need to ask your employer whether they provide relocation assistance and research moving companies. Make sure you’re getting estimates from at least four companies. You should also start decluttering. Remember to go through every room individually and identify things to sell, donate or store in storage units.
  • One month before your move: You need to plan for pet care and childcare during the moving day. Additionally, you must start emptying your freezer, fridge, and pantry. Don’t forget to confirm the moving day with your moving company.
  • Two days before your move: Walk through your house and check all areas. You should also pack a box with tools you might need to unpack, such as scissors. Remember to charge all your devices and pack a few lunchboxes for when you might get hungry during the entire process.

Final Thoughts

If you’re unsure what to do when relocating to a new place, check out these things. Consider the above-mentioned things and see how you can make the entire moving journey smooth and hassle-free.

At times you get lazy, and the house looks like a mess. But, you need to get up from your couch and start doing the dishes sooner or later. If you had superpowers, you could clean the house in one go. Sadly for us mortals, we are not born with any supernatural abilities. Therefore, one must spend time cleaning, cooking, doing the dishes, and more. All these chores can take a lot of valuable time. This time could be better utilized if you could do the work faster. Worry no more! Continue reading this article to learn practical tips to clean the house faster and better. 

Compartmentalize

How do you eat a whole turkey? The answer is one bite at a time. When you have a huge task at hand, it becomes daunting. You start procrastinating and push the actual work further and further away. But, not starting the work itself can lead to anxiety and tension. Therefore, you are still thinking of the unclean rooms and the piled-up dishes at the sink; you cannot enjoy leisure. So, instead of avoiding or delaying the process, just dig into it and start the work. 

  • Divide your work into sections and focus on one section at a time. You can start with one room, finish cleaning the room and then move to another room in the house. Or a better plan might be to divide your work according to specific tasks. For example, you can gather the clothes that need washing from all the room. Then you start dusting the rooms. Separate tasks such as washing, dusting, cleaning, and more. 
  • You cannot take on a huge project and expect to finish the same in a short period. Do not expect to clean the whole house in one day; it is absurd. Instead, divide the workload into days. You may also distribute the work among your children and spouse. Make sure everyone completes their job, and voilà! Your job is done. 

Hire Help

There are different reasons for hiring help to do domestic work. Some people are on a deadline as they expect guests soon. So, they want the house to look good before the guests arrive. Some people are not physically fit to do the work all by themselves. And then again, there are people who believe (and rightfully so) that their time may be better utilized in doing other work.  Whatever the reason is, you will find help available. 

  • Some work like cleaning the Air Conditioning needs an expert handyman. It is not physically possible for you to clean the ventilation system of the whole house.  One may look for nearby expert cleaners to come over and do the work for them. For example, if you live in Arizona, you may browse Arizona air cleaners to get help. 
  • Hiring help will allow you to receive expert service while saving your valuable time. Make a list of chores you want to be done and communicate your wants and needs to the cleaners. If there is a tough spot you want them to clean, make sure you tell them. The cleaners are always willing to work more for extra hourly pay and a generous tip.

Nothing can give you more fulfillment than having your own home. It makes you feel proud and relieved to have the house of your dreams where you can live a joyous life with your loved ones. Taking care of your house by renovating or remodeling it increases its resale value and helps you maintain it in good shape. Although, the value of your property depends on different factors, including the home’s location. But making upgrades over time is also essential to uplift the value of your home. Improving the overall appeal of your home often can help you to get desired selling price in the future if you want to sell it.

When it comes to improving the worth of your house, you have to pay attention to different areas. It would be best to consider different factors, from upgrading rooms’ paint to installing security cameras. 

Without further ado, let’s find out how you can increase the value of your home. 

Install Pedestal System 

There are plenty of options available to enhance the value of your home, and installing a pedestal system is one of them. It is a system adjusted on varying heights by using the integrated concrete foot to balance the uneven surfaces for paving purposes. 

You have to do proper research in your city or state to find the quality service providers for pedestal system installation. For example, if you currently reside in Auburn, California, you may consider taking the services of pedestal system auburn ca. It will save time and effort by consulting the service providers nearest to your current location. 

Installing a pedestal system gives you different benefits. It improves the drainage as there is a gap between pavers installed on pedestals. Also, the pedestal system ensures the surface leveling of the floors. If all your outdoor areas are leveled, it can boost your home’s value. Therefore, installing a pedestal system is crucial.

Install Security Cameras

The finest way to elevate the value of your house is to strengthen its security by installing security cameras. You can install Wi-Fi-enabled CCTV cameras to monitor your home 24/7. It gives peace of mind to homeowners by allowing them to easily keep an eye on their surroundings.

Wi-Fi-controlled home security cameras help in surveillance through smartphones. You need to install the relevant mobile application and scan it through your home security camera system. It helps you to observe your home from any part of the world. With such a solid security system, buyers will be willing to pay you the desired price without much argument. 

Clean and Declutter your Home

According to a statistical study, decluttering your home can increase its resale value by over $4,000. It would be best to understand that buyers prefer clean and clutter-free homes. If you are not in a rush to sell your home, you may declutter your house by keeping the unnecessary stuff in a storage unit. 

Cleaning and decluttering may sound easy, but it takes time and effort. You have to start from the minor areas of your home, such as closets and cabinets, to ensure that everything is well-organized and cleaned. You may also have to clean out your drawers to ensure that you are not keeping anything you do not need. 

Install Electric Gates

Electric gates give your home a refined look and ensure safety by protecting it from trespassers and intruders. A high-tech entry system is integrated into gates that also works as a foolproof security system. It also allows you to integrate a code lock with a fingerprint, incorporated number plate, or facial recognition. Manual gates do not provide you with such privilege, so you should consider having electric gates that increase your home value big time. It is always good to strengthen the safety and security of your home to avoid unforeseen circumstances and happenings. 

Enhance your Home Look with Fresh Paint

As a homeowner, you should know that paint works like magic that can improve the worth of your home. It would be best to upgrade your home’s interior and exterior with fresh paint. It will give your home an updated look that is surely a treat to watch.

When you are about to begin repainting your home, you must first analyze the rooms with odd color schemes. For example, if the bedroom of your 11-year-old daughter has a hot pink color, then it could be the right place to start. When choosing the paint color, you have to stick with something basic such as shades of off-white or cream color. Please keep it simple while repainting the home, as you will save your hard-earned money and uplift the overall feel of the house. 

Install Smart Gadgets

In today’s technological era, you can upgrade your home by installing different smart gadgets. It not only increases your home’s worth but also helps you to save energy and cost. For instance, installing smart and programmable thermostats lets you control your HVAC systems. It adjusts the temperature automatically even when you are not at home, which helps to reduce energy costs. You can choose gadgets as per your needs to give your home a futuristic look and increase its worth.

Conclusion 

Investing in your home is the best investment that you could ever make. It improves your home’s feel and overall look and boosts its market value. It would help if you understood that needs of every home are different, so you have to assess your home and take steps accordingly. Some homes might need a repaint, while some need decluttering. Think hard before upgrading to your home, as it might not come cheap. 

Hope this article is of great help and gives you a gist of things you can choose or do to upgrade the value of your home in an easy and hassle-free manner. The upgradation should not be overwhelming for you; rather, it should be seamless and soothing. Happy Reading.

Cluttering is a significant issue in our lives, and we ought to try everything to curb or curtail it, but it doesn’t seem an easy job. Every day, we plan to declutter our home and make it pleasant and aesthetic to look at, but it keeps getting worse. Every time we run an exclusive drive to clean it all up and bring things in order, we face an uphill task. It is not that we do not succeed at all, but the problem continues to recur. Perhaps, it is due to the reason that we need to develop a deep understanding of the issue.

The first step towards resolving the issue is to understand that it is not a problem but a mindset. We tend to think that we are not hoarding any things in our home while we are. Secondly, we delay it to a considerable extent, which only multiplies it. By the time we realize that it is a mess, it is often too late. Having this comprehension will allow us to deal with the issue realistically and practically.

Once we figure out why clutter is accumulating in our home, it’s time to move to the second phase of the solution. It is imperative to understand that whatever we do, we cannot remove it on a prolonged basis. If there is garbage that we are tripping over it, we need to get rid of it. There is no alternative than to call a professional service to do that.

Luckily, every state facilitates and encourages this process. For instance, in Pennsylvania alone, there are some 45 landfills to dispose of municipal waste. If you live in the state’s largest city, you may call junk removal Philadelphia for the cleanup. Let’s now look at the next phase of the process, which is related to keeping it clean daily through various measures.

Taking Complete Control

The first and foremost that everyone experiencing clutter wants is regaining control over their home. As a homeowner, we must know what sort of confusion we are generating and how we can start to manage it. We should remember that we should never opt for a delaying tactic ever. As soon as we produce waste, we should put it in its designated place. There should at least be three boxes for hazardous items, disposables, and reusable, respectively. It is essential to eradicate the habit of tossing the trash away randomly or habitually to make this happen.

Giving or Donating

The second prominent method to dispose of regularly is to learn to give it away or donate it to the needy. The fact is that clutter disposal is persistent because we rarely attach a sense of purpose to it. If we can think about recycling positively, to benefit someone, things will be more comfortable. When we start doing it, stuff like old clothes, cutlery, or interior items may no longer rest in our home. However, doing so requires that we carry out a regular inspection of what’s wearing out and what isn’t. Another way we can do that is to give away old items as soon as we shop for new ones. This approach will help negate the accumulation in the first place.

Getting Rid of Smaller Items

Another smart way to make sure we do not accumulate garbage or unused items is to get rid of all the smaller things. It cannot happen unless we develop a habit of doing so on the spot. For instance, if your work relates to generating a lot of paper trash, you may buy the equipment. Every time you produce it, dispose of immediately using the trash machine. The good part is that this isn’t just beneficial for the decluttering drive, but also to conserve trees. A seemingly small gesture can help play a role in saving the climate.

Adopt an Organized Method

One of the mistakes decluttering aspirants make is they confuse storage with the organization. In doing so, they end up piling up garbage or unwanted items. So, if you have been cluttering, you should start undoing it soon. However, it’s essential to organize items through proper distribution, as detailed earlier. The second important aspect is to maintain a schedule to take the clutter to task spontaneously.

Final Word

Garbage and clutter accumulation is a massive and worrying issue, and it should be dealt with accordingly. The key is to dispose of, distribute the items as and when they emerge, so it never piles up and multiplies. Remaining organized and adhering to a maintenance schedule is the secret to a clean, charming home. However, if you are experiencing a massive clutter already, don’t delay calling a professional service. That’s the only way to deal with the problem immediately.

Our homes are our refuges. They’re providers of respite from external stress and chaos. Home is where we retreat after a long day, to sit back and watch our favorite series or cook a healthy dinner. In an age when we’re constantly plugged in, it’s crucial to have a physical space in which to breathe and mentally unwind.

Attaining peace of mind is difficult, though, when our would-be havens are actually anything but. This is also an era of accumulation, after all, where impulse buys are available at the tap of a button.

As a result, clutter has an unfortunate tendency to conquer our homes and transform our surroundings. Dwellings morph from sources of relief to causes of anxiety. It’s difficult to cook a nourishing meal when the fridge is crammed with wilting veggies. And you can’t exactly recline on the sofa when it’s covered with last week’s laundry.

Sounds familiar?

Maybe it’s a fear of letting go that’s preventing you from donating unworn items in your closet. Or perhaps you’ve accrued a morning blindness to a collection of chipped mugs in the cabinet. Either way, piles of stuff can quickly convert to clutter, preventing you from attaining total tranquility.
Not convinced that stack of tissues is standing between you and mental clarity?

Have a look at this intriguing infographic from full-service storage company MakeSpace (here’s their website). It details the hazards of over-accumulation, which range from safety threats to relationship stressors.

Do you sometimes feel like you are drowning in garbage? Or that you cannot simply rid your home from all the unnecessary things? I, for once, had an issue with hoarding all kinds of things that were only piling up and making a huge mess in my home. My hobby gear like airsoft guns, camping supplies and kids toys took so much space. After I have decided that it is truly time to make some changes in my life, I realized that the first step towards a clean mind is a clean house. If you too have an issue with a cluttered and messy house, I recommend taking a peak at these miraculous rules for a clutter free life:

Declitter 1

Do Not Put Off Until Tomorrow…

…what you can do today, right? Train yourself to be a responsible adult and do not procrastinate when it comes to cleaning and putting things away. No matter how tired you are, make sure not to hold off your duties until the next day, as this can quite simply turn in a regular routine.

The Best Memories Are Kept…

…inside your head and not inside your home. I had quite a trouble with grasping this idea, until I realized I cannot hoard every little object someone has given me. As hard as it was, I decided to make a photo shoot of all my precious belongings and memories and I keep those photographs in one photo album, that takes just a small amount of space in my bedroom.

Declutter 2

Categorization Is The Key

If there is one rule you should follow thoroughly then it is this one. The key to a successful organization is categorizing everything. Group things according to relevance, priority, similarities or whatever suits you and do not forget to mark them. See-through containers and labellers saved my life!

Keep It Functional

This rule is based on one simple question: “Do I need this?” Sometimes it becomes quite hard to part with certain items, but in order to live a clutter free life, it is important to think in a practical and functional way. So before you decide whether you should keep it or not, ask yourself does it really serve any purpose to you.

Declutter 2

Use Your Storage Wisely

There should always be a specific space in your house reserved for storage. Of course, make sure to make the most of this space. There is no point of having a storage facility that will not be functional. So keep in mind that even your storage space needs to be organized and tidy.

Minimalism Is In

One thing that helped me a lot when I started organizing my life was all the modern and contemporary designs that were becoming quite popular in the world. So I decided to try this new minimalistic trend, so I asked the local rubbish removal experts for some advice of ridding my house from all the unnecessary trash and clutter. And you know what? It works like a charm!

Declutter 4

Go Digital

Another great thing about this internet era is that it can help you a lot when it comes to storing files, documents and all other important paperwork. Before, there were papers scattered all over the place. And now, I simply rely on the good old digital storage to keep my files organized for me.

Be Charitable

In the end, it is important to ask yourself if perhaps there is someone out there who needs those things more than you. Be charitable; do not hesitate to do a good deed and help someone who needs it.

So these are my magical rules of leading a clutter free life. They worked for me, so I surely hope they will help you organize your life as well.

We spend joyful time with our family and friends during holidays, but that seasonal shine can disappear quickly when we face with the consequences: house cleaning after guests leave, after removing decorations and all other traces of holidays. Restoring everything to its original state and taking your home back can be a difficult task, but we have a few smart tips that will help you.

Cleaning Up After ChristmasImage credit

Christmas tree

Carefully remove the tree, if it is not a natural, place it in its packaging. Nothing says Christmas is over like an empty corner where your Christmas tree used to be; so fill that place with a lamp or a plant. Wrap New Year’s lights around the empty paper towel tube, in order to prevent them to get tangled. Wrap the cord around the tube, and put the plug inside it. If you threw away original boxes for your Christmas tree ornaments, you can put them in used cardboard boxes. Place layers of soft paper or some other material between ornaments to avoid damage.

Cleaning Up After Christmas - Christmas treeImage credit 

Carpet or furniture stains

Check your carpets and furniture, there might be stains on them. The longer they stay, the harder it will be to remove them. If you notice stains, apply a mixture of warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid on them. Cover the stain with a paper towel and continue to spray that mixture and pat with paper on the stain until it is removed. Rinse the spot with clean water, wipe it again and let it dry.

Cleaning Up After ChristmasImage credit

Odors

Unpleasant odors are necessity after holidays. If you are a smoker or you had guests who smoke, you know how unpleasant odor cigarettes can leave. If your house smells like an ashtray, you need to do something about that. One way to remove the odors is to pour vinegar in a small bowl and place it in a less visible place, because vinegar has the power to absorb odors.

Sometimes odors are coming from the drain of the sink. When this happens, put the baking soda down the drain, and pour alcohol vinegar over it. This mixture will make foam. Leave it to react for ten minutes and pour boiling water into the drain to rinse any accumulated dirt.

Cleaning Up After ChristmasImage credit

Fingerprints on stainless steel

Home Appliances made of stainless steel shine nicely, but this material is an excellent surface for fingertips and other visible marks. To quickly clean the stains and fingertips from your stainless steel fridge or sink, use the olive oil. Apply small amount of olive oil on the clean rug and go over the fingertips and other marks, you will be surprised. It is a Christmas miracle!

Play the music

House cleaning can be tedious. You will be surprised how much faster cleaning goes if you are in a good mood. Play your favorite music (preferably one that has an energetic fast pace) and get to work.

Cleaning Up After ChristmasImage credit

Let your children help you

Kids of all ages can help with household chores. You should make a list and share all duties from picking up the toys to a garbage disposal.

When you remove all traces of holidays from your home, reward the whole family with a dinner (in a restaurant of course, cause you don’t need more cleaning) or go to the movies, it’s completely ap to you.

Regardless of how many closets or boxes you have, regardless if you have a storage unit or not and regardless of the size of the home you live in, you never seem to have enough space. This is something that bothers many people out there but this raises a question that has a simple answer. It is not about the space you have, it is how you use it and it is not about the room, it is about organization.

Sometimes, a thorough cleanup is a solution, but sometimes you simply cannot throw something away for sentimental reasons or for hope that you will use it again. By organizing yourself properly and by utilizing your home, you can ensure that you always have a spot to lay down your favorite things that you unfortunately no longer use.

Using the top shelf

Convenience is mother of laziness and laziness creates problems. Top shelves are a great addition for your home and their storing value is great indeed, however some people still find them inconvenient. Everything is about perception actually, it is easiest for us to store things in places we can easily reach and to most people and top shelves seem too high up. If this is also true in your case just add a step stools to the mix. Apart from being extremely practical, top shelves can also be a great aesthetic addition to your bedroom.

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Reversing the space

This idea is almost as innovative as it is daring. Just think about it: how much room do you actually need for your office? The answer to this question is simple as well, your office are your computer and your mobile device since this is where most of your business takes place. Why not create an office in your closet and free the space in your room. In this manner, you can successfully utilize your living space and have enough room for everything.

Space bags to the rescue

There are some things that you hope to use again but you do not need right now. In this case, it would be best to vacuum-seal them in a space bag. This way, you will not only preserve them for when you need them again but also save a lot of room storing-wise. By packing them like this, you will be able to store them anywhere you want since they will require only a portion of space that they usually take.

Under the bed

In order to solve your storage problems, no solution should be off limits. You need to utilize every bit of space that you have in your home and this means even the places you never thought of before. For example, items in the aforementioned vacuum bags can easily be stored under the bed. The same goes for bags or even some accessories with wheels like rolling carts.

Organizing, organizing, organizing

As we already mentioned at the beginning, it is not about what you have but how you use it. There is a great probability that you already have enough storage space but don’t know how to use it most efficiently. Investing in some hangers, adding wall hooks on an empty spaces and corralling items according to a pattern are just some of the tips for organizing your closet. It is always better to have an unlimited imagination than to have an unlimited space.

If it seems as if you cannot fit everything into a box, it is perhaps time to start thinking out of it. The possibilities are endless, all you have to do is find them. This way, you will not only solve your storage space problems but also have some fun along the way. A world is your oyster so let your closet become your playground, a place where you can express your creativity and ingenuity.

 

There comes a time when you feel like your home could be a bit more organized than it is. So, in order to put your plans into action, you decide to clean up a bit and make some room. Often, you don’t even notice just how much stuff you end up with after so many trips, picnics, holidays, etc. you buy a little something here, get a nice little gift there, save something to be used later, and before you know it, your bedroom, living room, and closets are filled with clothes and small memorabilia you have no use for but still keep.

Make a plan first

Sometimes, you feel like getting rid of everything at once; but no matter how good the idea might seem to you, it is not that easy to make it work. Especially if you have a large house with many rooms and closets, it is going to take a while to go through everything and sort things out. This is why you should make a plan and do your best to stick to it. You might think that you can do it in two days time, but, to be honest, nobody can clean for two days straight.


Sort out

The easiest to sort things once you start cleaning up the room, is to place them in one of the boxes labeled as follows:

1) Keep,

2) Throw away,

3) Donate.

And once you start cleaning the place up, put everything in these boxes. Have a talk with our significant other and your children and make sure they understand that they should get rid of some of their things. Clinging to the items from the past makes it harder for all of you and leaves you with bunch of useless stuff you have no use for.

Small things that make all the difference

There is nothing better than a few tips and tricks which help a lot. One of such small things is this: before you start cleaning up, make your bed. This way, you will not feel the urge to crawl in and give up the entire decluttering idea, and in addition, once you make the bed, the rest of the room will look too messy and you will want to clean it up. Maybe it’s small, but it does make a difference once you try.

Yard sale

If you have second thoughts about things you would like to either throw away or donate, there is solution for that – make a yard sale. This is a great way to get rid of all the things you don’t need but which other people could use. Children’s toys, old books and clothes, porcelain figures and baseball cards – one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

In order to avoid the situation where it takes more time to sort and organize all your things than it does to actually clean the room, you should make annual decluttering of your home and get rid of all the things you actually don’t use and don’t need. Make a good plan and invite others to join in, you will be surprised just how easy it is to keep your home clean and well organized.