Life, Styled
Organization is an important part of keeping a home functioning at its best and limiting stress for everyone. Small piles of clutter can grow quickly, and as their size increases, so does the pressure to eliminate them. Unfortunately, the task can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to start or what to do with it once it has been sorted. Another problem is figuring out how to prevent it from happening again. All of this can be a challenge, but that does not mean it is impossible. By having a few helpful tips and strategies in place, you can master the clutter just like a pro. Let’s discuss some of the best suggestions given by the professionals to keep your home a place of rest and recharge instead of one that feels like a disaster.
Start From Scratch
Often, starting is the hardest thing to do, or more specifically, knowing where to start. When it comes to a room that is cluttered, the best method is to simply empty it. By moving everything out, it gives you a chance to evaluate the number of things that will need to go, check each item as it comes out to see whether it should be kept or thrown out, and assess the space available in the room once it is emptied. All of these steps are important, and though it can feel a little daunting, the end result will be well worth it. One thing that would be advantageous during the removal process is having three boxes or sections to place things as they come out labeled: trash, donate, and keep. As you bring items out, decide which area they best fit and place them there. This lets you know what to do with everything at the end, including what will need to go back into the room. Utilizing this method means that the process of taking things out will count as double, since you empty the room and take inventory. Be sure to think through everything as you clear the room; don’t hold on to things that have no value or are no longer needed. Choosing to donate items means you are helping to support a good cause while at the same time allowing others to have access to things they might not otherwise be able to purchase. If you have certain items that still have some significant value, consider hosting a yard sale or even selling them online. When trying to organize your home, having a good plan in place is the best place to start.
What Can You Downsize or Digitalize?
We live in a digital era where there is less need for paper copies and even specific pieces of mail. Paper and mail are the number one cause of clutter in the home. It is easy to just drop a receipt, newspaper, or even junk mail on the kitchen counter or your personal desk, which inevitably leads to pile-ups. One way to eliminate a mail stack is to have a system in place, such as sorting through the mail near a trash can or recycling bin. Immediately discard junk mail and place bills or other items that require immediate attention into a designated folder or basket. This also helps you keep track of every bill, and many companies now offer the option to go paperless. You can receive an email instead of paper mail, efficiently eliminating clutter. Scanning is another great way to defeat messy stacks of paper. It can be used for old bills that need to be kept for a few years, receipts and warranties, and other important documents that you don’t need a hard copy of. If you subscribe to a newspaper or magazine but only read them once, consider switching to a digital version. This allows you to enjoy the same great content but without the heap mounting every week. You can print off or download the articles that interest you the most, keep them in a specific folder, either in your office or on your computer, all while minimizing the chance of clutter buildup. For more detailed ideas and tips for sorting paper mail, read this article from Houzz. When you switch to a digital filing and storing system, it means you can find things faster and keep your home from being overrun with junk. A home with fewer cluttered spaces eases the mind and helps everyone feel better.
Sort Items Into Zones
Now that you have decided what is trash and what doesn’t belong in a particular room, it’s time to put it all back together. Consider this particular space and ask yourself what its purpose is and how often you will use it. Be sure to keep an eye out for trouble areas, such as spots that are more prone to collect clutter, like flat surfaces like countertops and tables. These require extra attention, such as making sure it is cleared off each evening or morning. As you begin to put things back, be strategic in their placement by creating zones. Items that you use on a daily basis should be within easy reach, such as pens on your desk or in your purse. Having a designated spot for them makes it easy to put them back after every use. Drawers are a wonderful addition to any space, as they allow you to store items that you use regularly or at least once a week. If possible, try to incorporate other storage containers throughout the design. Many furniture pieces feature a hollow space inside for extra storage, and oversized baskets are ideal for storing items such as blankets or shoes. Sometimes, lidless bins are also helpful for maintaining an organized home, as it is easier to quickly place an item inside versus having to stop and open a lid. Knowing that there is a purpose to every area within a room can help you continue to win the war against clutter and allow everyone in the family to stay on the same page. A clean and organized home can be achieved by implementing this simple system.
Connection has become a priority in the home over the last couple of years. It can be considered the most basic function of the home, as this is where we gather with family and friends to celebrate, congratulate, and comfort one another. Designing with socializing opportunities has been at the forefront of design for decades, exemplified by spaces such as sitting rooms and large dining tables. This need for connection has made a strong comeback, and designers are once again looking for ways to bring families together. We want to have a home where we can relax and easily engage with one another, but many homeowners also desire spaces that are unified while still retaining a unique character of their own. Let’s talk about how to create a home with connecting spaces.
Several variables are involved in selecting the perfect tile, including material, pattern, and color, as well as factors that influence style and placement. Tile is also a versatile and durable design element, making it a suitable option for frequently used areas. Let’s explore how you can incorporate tile in the home.
Greenbrook DesignThe kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Countertops are often underappreciated and underrated in the design world. They are the true workhorses of any space, as they are used regularly and withstand a great deal. We chop, pound, knead, spill, and more all over these smooth surfaces, yet they continue to function day after day. Unfortunately, they are not meant to last forever. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years, especially if signs of wear and tear are evident, such as stubborn stains, chips, or cracks.
Walker Woodworking Sometimes, certain areas of home decor have been influenced by trends that are no longer in style and can make the space feel dated or even uninviting. Rooms also serve a specific purpose, and those can change over time. If your children are no longer living with you, their bedroom can be transformed into a craft room or even a guest suite. There are also some new things that are making their way onto potential homebuyers’ lists. We have done some research for you and discovered some of the top new items being used in home design.
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Greenbrook Design