WRITTEN BY KATIE SMITH
For many of us, the summer months mean we aren’t home as much. It’s a time for hitting the beach, going on hikes, attending barbecues, and going on vacation. Coming home to a clean, decluttered house after all the adventures makes for a relaxing homecoming. Not to mention, summer isn’t the time to be deep cleaning your house and loading up the car with donations. So, why not tackle it before all the fun in the sun starts?
Decluttering your home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Take small steps over a week or two, then before you know it, your home will be free and clean of unwanted messes. You can spend your summer taking weekend trips, entertaining, or just laying around and enjoying the season from your backyard.
Make a list
Before you dive in and start getting rid of stuff, make a list of goals. Tackle the rooms you use the most, like kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. These are places we go to unwind, cook a meal, or watch a show, and we need to feel peaceful when we’re in those spaces.
Set aside some time each day
Try blocking out just 20 minutes of time each day. Even if you don’t have help and are decluttering on your own, you can make a lot of progress by taking a box and filling it with unwanted items to donate — and you won’t experience the burn out from, say, trying to do it all in one weekend. Set a timer, do as much as you can during that time, then stop and pick up where you left off tomorrow.
Focus on one room at a time
It’s easy to get distracted once you get going. But staying focused on one room or area at a time will actually make the decluttering go faster. And when you see the progress of one room, you’re more likely to stick with it.
In the Kitchen
The kitchen can be a catch-all. Start by clearing off counters. Getting rid of piles that have accumulated over time can make a world of difference. Whether it’s mail, a cluster of spices that you leave on the counter, or too many appliances, having too much clutter can cause a lot of anxiety and take the joy out of cooking. Take an inventory of all your dishes, utensils, and appliances. Donate anything you don’t use. Freeing up space not only makes your space feel and look better, but you’ll be more efficient when you are cooking and entertaining.
In the Living Room
This is the room where we spend most of our time as a family. And when we’re winding down after a long day, we want to feel relaxed. If you have piles of magazines, books, or toys on display and they seem to be growing, go through them and get rid of anything that’s not important or isn’t being used. Even doing something like clearing away a few extra throw pillows and blankets to store until the fall can give your space a facelift.
Bathroom Clean Up
Clearing off your vanity alone can give your bathroom new life. Make a space to store all your lotions and potions, so begin this job by going through your bathroom storage areas first. Get rid of expired products and things you don’t use anymore. Do you have a tissue holder hanging around that no one uses? Move it to a room in your home that’s more accessible. Even something as simple as hanging up the bathmat if you leave it on the floor can make a world of difference.
Organizing Bedrooms
Start with the closets because those are the most daunting. If you have a tendency to leave clothes at the end of your bed or an unused treadmill or chair, an organized closet will give you the motivation to put things away. Donating clothes, shoes, and handbags to your local consignment shop is a great way to earn some extra money. Making small investments in matching hangers and shoe racks can also be great incentives. Once your closets have more room, then you can store things you don’t use each day. Even taking a few things off of your nightstand and dresser can open up your room and make it feel tidy with little effort.
