You’ve heard of spring cleaning. But every season has its reason to let go and live free of clutter. So
here’s to minimizing in order to maximize your life, your productivity, and your time spent with those
you love. Below are our five tips for tidying up, no matter how messy things might be.
Sorting Strategy
The first step is to create a plan. What area of your home feels like the biggest priority in terms of clutter-clearing importance? Garage? Home office? Kitchen drawers and pantry? Closets? What is the ultimate desired look and feel for your space? Be inspired by magazine images and online photos. Hold a vision for the space you want to create.
Keep, Toss, Donate
Your “less mess” methodology depends upon determining what needs to be kept, donated, or thrown out altogether. Ask yourself if an item is contributing to “future you.” Have a donation area in your home for those things that will be given away. For items that remain in your home, what are the best ways to organize them? Boxes? Bins? Baskets? Remember, if it’s something you use often, don’t keep it boxed up or stacked.
On Your Mark, Get Set…
Once you have a handle on your target zone and strategy, give yourself a timed deadline in which to begin implementing your approach. Whether 30 minutes or an hour, any progress generates momentum. Consistency is key. Make a habit out of timed decluttering sessions. Take it one task at a time. Rome was not cleaned in a day.
Storage Solutions
Storage supplies come in all shapes, sizes, and types. From trays, bags, drawer organizers, and hooks, to cubbies, shelves, and built-in storage spaces, all work to clear your living spaces and minimize distractions. What’s more, with a little creative thinking, an over-the-door shoe organizer becomes a great place to store scarves and other accessories. Explore filing systems for paper piles, but only keep what’s needed!
Maintenance
The mail keeps coming and laundry always needs washing. Develop daily and weekly systems to maintain a sense of order in your home. Make it a habit to put items back where they belong immediately after use. Shred or throw away unnecessary mail as soon as it comes into the house. Creating a clutter collection plan for each part of your home will help ensure neatness over time.
Ready to unlock more joys of home ownership? Apply for your home loan with one of Austin’s top mortgage
lenders at UFCU.org/MyMortgage.
Thank you for your feedback.