Photo by Domenico Loia on Unsplash
Whether you're looking ahead to a PCS move or your home is in need of some TLC, you need ways to cut the clutter and organize your home before you get to the actual cleaning!
You don't have to go to a lot of expense or buy new containers (unless you want to!). We're keeping it simple. Try a few of these ideas to start and see if they can help you create a more organized space.
Tip #1: Put important papers somewhere easy to see so you spend less time looking for important mail or crucial paperwork.
- Hang a decorative clothesline of sturdy twine and clip papers to the line with colorfully painted clothespins.
- Use magnets to place important papers on a dry erase board.
- Hang papers on a bulletin board with colorful push pins.
- File papers into plastic magazine holders.
Tip #2: Start a habit of opening your mail near a paper shredder or recycle bin.
This makes it easier to dispose of unwanted papers immediately!
DIY Network illustrates how reusing cleaned out tuna cans can help you organize desk drawers!
Tip #3: Repurpose everyday items to sort the contents of your desk drawers.
- Repurpose short round cans like tuna cans. Place them side by side or stack in a drawer to hold loose desk items such as paper clips or rubber bands.
- For larger desk items such as a pad of sticky notes or a stack of business cards, pick up a batch of cardboard mini loaf pans. Often sold in packs of 30-50, these sturdy little cardboard holders will keep the contents of your drawer from sliding around.
Related: Make Pre-PCS Cleaning a Breeze with This Checklist
Tip #4: Keep track of important receipts by putting them in one location.
Make it simple! Use file folders, an accordion file, or simply a plastic tote with a lid. Having a consolidated spot for all important receipts will keep them from looking like they've multiplied.
Photo by Justin Aikin on Unsplash
Tip #5: Use a bin or basket to gather items for each person in your household.
Place a basket just inside the door of each person’s bedroom or try designated storage cubes under the bench in the hallway.Whatever your preference, explain to each member of your family that loose items found around the house will be gathered into their specific bin to be stored or put away later.
Tip #6: Try the “Four Box” system when going through larger piles of clutter.
- Box 1 - Put back where it belongs.
- Box 2 - Donate or sell.
- Box 3 - Find a place to keep this.
- Box 4 - Throw away.
Now, turn on some good music or your favorite Netflix binge, and tackle the clutter around you. Each item you pick up needs to go in one of the four boxes. When everything has been divided up, immediately take out the trash. This will prevent any second-guessing on what you’ve tossed.
On a similar note, if you placed items in Box 2, it’s time to let go. Look online for the best place to donate or sell your items. Go around your home and place the items from Box 1 back where they belong. Find new spots for the items in Box 3 or make a list of the contents and store those things.
This box-by-box process makes decluttering more efficient! The act of sorting through the items that surround you may can you feel better about the potential of your living space.
And if you have a PCS approaching, once the clutter is cleared, you'll find it easier to tackle those cleaning tasks you'd been putting off!
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