Sell, Donate, or Trash?
“Should I sell, donate or throw this thing away?” It’s a very common question and one that saps the declutterer’s energy. My rule of thumb is to make the decision quickly, and don’t look back once you’ve decided to let something go. That’s the best way to eliminate excess clutter in your environment.
10 Statistics About Fast Fashion Waste
The effect of fast fashion waste on the environment is no news. Besides being responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions, the industry is also known for the resources it wastes. Millions of clothes ending up in landfills. We suggest efficient decluttering, and purchasing wisely.
Asbestos and Projects in Older Homes
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires certain practices for the demolition of asbestos-containing buildings to prevent exposing workers and the public to asbestos. For DIY renovation projects, it is important to understand how to remove asbestos from your home.
The Five Elements of Feng Shui
Are you Feng Shui-Curious? Maybe you want to learn a trick or two for your home or office. If you’ve been looking for answers, you’ve probably run across the concept of the Five Elements. Feng Shui divides the world into five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Learn more in this blog.
Six Kitchen Organizing Mistakes and Easy Ways to Fix Them - Part 2
Part 2: Everyone likes a good tip to organize kitchen cabinets and countertops. And, especially pantries. This two part blog discusses ways to make your kitchen more efficient and cut down on clutter and waste. Each tip or trick is easy to do, and makes a big difference in the way your kitchen functions.
Six Kitchen Organizing Mistakes and Easy Ways to Fix Them - Part 1
Part 1: Everyone likes a good tip or trick to organize kitchen cabinets and countertops. And, especially pantries. This two part blog discusses ways to make your kitchen more efficient and how to cut down on clutter and waste. Each tip is easy to do, and makes a big difference in how your kitchen functions.
Donation Ideas and Decluttering
Where to donate items is a concern for many people. They often get paralyzed by making the decision. We believe it is important to do your homework about donation sites, and then find the one or two that work for you. Finding the perfect place for each item can be as fatiguing as decluttering.
Project 333 for Summer
The Project 333 challenge started in 2010. I live my life like this. Some people I see regularly realize that I repeat many of my outfits, I’m sure. But no one ever says anything, and wearing only 33 items makes me a little more creative when I get dressed. All you have to do is to choose 33 items (clothing, jewelry, accessories, shoes) to wear for 3 months and hide everything else.
Where and How Do I Begin to Declutter My Home?
A good place to start is in the bathroom. After you’ve conquered the bathroom, you can move on to other areas of your home. Feeling a win in your bathroom will be motivating and bring you more peace. You just have to get started. In this blog, we offer tips and tricks to get you started in your primary and secondary bathrooms.
Plastic vs. Bamboo in Storage Containers
Many have made the choice to replace plastic with bamboo where possible and practical. If we scale up the environmentally friendly manufacture and use of bamboo, we can ultimately make a dent in the overconsumption of plastic. This blog offers the pros and cons of plastic and bamboo.
How Does a Pet Feel After You Organize Your Home?
I have a pet, a cat, and I regularly tidy up and go through the things he needs and loves. He doesn’t have a lot - he’s not a toy lover. But, he does have things I use regularly. This includes clippers, a brush, and definitely food, treats and medicine. Discard and/or reorder so that everything is fresh.
Decluttering Mistakes
Decluttering, simply defined, is “removing a mess or clutter from a place.” That’s it. So, whether you chose one of the methods listed in this blog, a hybrid approach, or another method from one of our other blogs, just do what works for you. The most important thing is to get started.
The Benefits of Decluttering Toys – Part 2
Watch your kids play for a week to get a sense of the toys they enjoy. Note which toys are most frequently used and those they love. And look to see which are being entirely ignored. Evaluate everything (dead batteries, outgrown, broken pieces) so you know the real reason some toys are no longer used.
The Benefits of Decluttering Toys – Part 1
Simplifying the toys in your home will reduce clutter, stress, and improve the quality of your child’s play. This is Part 1 of 2 in an explanation of the meaning of toys, their importance, and the best way to declutter them. Kids can be fickle with toys. One moment they love them, the next they stay in the corner.
How Should I Declutter My Pet’s Belongings?
Pets are a gift to us. They comfort us when we are down, bring us tremendous joy, and yet, sometimes make a mess. This blog discusses the importance of keeping a tidy space for our furry friends. Pets are sensitive to their surroundings like people. Here are a few good ideas for you to try.
What is Time Blocking?
When I was in high school, I had a friend who made a homework schedule on Sundays. No matter how much work she had, she always got everything done. I was amazed by that system and adopted it as a life skill. Her time management or “time blocking” skill is one I use to this day.
Repair Broken Items
Little home repairs can make a huge difference in the flow of your home. For example, a door that sticks all the time can drive you crazy after awhile. So, too, can a broken chair that rocks every time you sit down on it. Once repaired, that little annoyance is gone. Make home repairs quickly and easily with some of our tips!
What Is the Best Decluttering Method?
Decluttering is a very rewarding experience. Purchasing less and experiencing more have shown to have health benefits and make us feel emotionally fulfilled. Purchasing less also impacts the environment as we move away from consumerism. There are many methods for decluttering. Let’s look at a few of them.
How to Donate
In my home, if an item does not serve a purpose or serve me for a personal reason, I let it go. I feel that when I let go of things, it clears my energy and reduces distractions and visual clutter. Donating to others also changes their lives in positive ways. For example, if I have too much of one thing, I can get by with less and donate excess.
A Revelation About Downsizing
Downsizing can occur at multiple stages in life. For example, it can occur when children go off to college. It can also occur with the death of a spouse or after a divorce. To some, downsizing has a negative connotation. To others, it’s a source of liberation. Look at our personal story to see if it resonates with you.