How Your Clutter is Affecting Your Mental Health
Is it really that terrible to have a messy home?
Psychology Today reports:
“Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli, distracts us, makes it more difficult to relax, makes us anxious, signals our brains that our work is never done, creates feelings of guilt, inhibits productivity, and frustrates us.”
Is it really that terrible to have a messy home?
Psychology Today reports:
“Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli, distracts us, makes it more difficult to relax, makes us anxious, signals our brains that our work is never done, creates feelings of guilt, inhibits productivity, and frustrates us.”
It distracts us.
You want to focus on doing one task, but see the clutter from the corner of your eye, calling for your attention… Next thing you know you’re cleaning up instead of doing the task you wanted to do.
DO THIS: Clean your space after every use so you start a new day, clutter-free!
It makes it difficult to relax.
Our environment affects our mood. Clutter is not conducive to a relaxing environment. This frustrates us and stresses us out because we have a visual reminder that our home is not the way we want it to be.
DO THIS: Designate your room of relaxation as a clutter-free zone. Make a house rule that any other room can get messy except for this one.
It makes us anxious.
Clutter can make you feel like you’ve lost control of your home because you’ve “let things get away from you,” and now there’s this huge pile of things out of place. It would have been easier to sort through a few items here and there over time, but now you have one giant pile haunting you.
DO THIS: Ask someone for help to categorize the clutter into groups that you can tackle one by one.
It creates feelings of guilt.
Do you often criticize yourself and think, “I should be more organized?” That’s the guilt talking. Not everyone is born with the gift or taught the skill of organizing so you can’t expect to magically be organized without first developing the skill.
DO THIS: Allow yourself to improve your organization skills over time, and to create an organized system for one room at a time.
It inhibits productivity.
Instead of getting through our to-do lists, we add clutter to the list and create more work for ourselves.
DO THIS: Give your items a home and be sure to put things back in their homes after use so you don’t waste time looking for them or putting them back at a later time.
If you feel like your clutter has been affecting your mental health, let’s have a conversation.
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST INSTAGRAM POSTS!
LOVE THIS BLOG?
Sign up to get an email with our latest posts!
The Benefits of Bins
The O in the Chaos Organizing Method Acronym means ORGANIZE! And the best way to organize is using BINS!! Why? Here are a few reasons.
The benefits of organizing bins:
The O in the Chaos Organizing Method Acronym means ORGANIZE! And the best way to organize is using BINS!!!
Why? Here are a few reasons:
• Bins gives items a home. Yes, a home where people will know exactly where to find the item when needed saving one from wasting time and having added frustration! Well, that is if it gets put away in said home.
• Bins create boundaries! If you have a bin of pens and that bin is overflowing and spilling, then you know it’s time to purge or reassess the home for pens. This is the same for shoes, t-shirts, earrings, handbags, coozies, snacks or anything else you have in your home.
• Bins can be pretty. Bins can be used to hide unsightly clutter that you don’t want people to see. Baskets for throw blankets, pretty containers for cords or remotes, colored bins for personal hygiene items in a bathroom are all great examples of bins hiding items that we don’t necessarily want guests to notice.
• Clear bins cut down on wasted time. They are helpful because you can see when items need replenishing. I particularly like to use clear bins in my pantry, so I can quickly assess what I need to add to my grocery list.
• Bins with air tight lids can keep your food products away from bug infestation. All of my dry goods are in air tight containers
• There are bins specifically made to weather proof items, so your garage can be organized too! No dust or moisture will penetrate these bins and your items will be safe.
We hope that some of our favorite bins make your Spring Cleaning Amazon List!
LOVE THIS BLOG?
Sign up to get an email with our latest posts!
10 Things to Throw Away Right Now
Remove items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Ten things your professional organizer would throw away right now!
If you're overwhelmed by clutter and disorganization in your home or office, it might be time to hire a professional organizer. One of the first things they will do is help you declutter by removing items that no longer serve a purpose. Here are 10 things your professional organizer would likely throw away right now:
1. Expired items
Expired food, medicine, and beauty products should be thrown away immediately. Not only are they no longer effective, but they can also harm your health.
2. Broken items
Broken items that can't be repaired or don't serve a purpose should be thrown away. Holding onto broken items only takes up valuable space and can make your home or office feel cluttered.
3. Outdated technology
Old electronics like computers, printers, and phones can take up valuable space and may not even work anymore. Consider donating or recycling them if possible.
4. Duplicate items
If you have multiple items that serve the same purpose, such as multiple coffee mugs or sets of dishes, consider getting rid of the duplicates. This will free up space and make it easier to find what you need.
5. Clothes that don't fit or haven't been worn in over a year
If you haven't worn a piece of clothing in over a year or it no longer fits, it's time to let it go. Consider donating or selling items that are in good condition.
6. Unused or broken furniture
Unused or broken furniture can occupy valuable space and make your home or office feel cluttered. Consider donating or selling items that are in good condition and getting rid of items that are beyond repair.
7. Outdated paperwork
Old paperwork that is no longer needed, such as old bills or receipts, can take up valuable space and make it difficult to find important documents. Shred or recycle paperwork that is no longer needed.
8. Gifts you don't like or use
Gifts that you don't like or use can take up valuable space and add to clutter. Consider donating or regifting items that are in good condition, and getting rid of items that are no longer usable.
9. Kitchen gadgets you never use
Kitchen gadgets that you never use can take up valuable space in your kitchen. Consider getting rid of gadgets that are collecting dust and taking up space.
10. Old or worn-out linens
Old or worn-out linens like towels and sheets can take up valuable space and may not be usable anymore. Consider donating or recycling old linens and replacing them with new ones.
By eliminating items that no longer serve a purpose, you can free up valuable space and create a more organized and functional home or office. Consider hiring a professional organizer today to help you start your decluttering journey.
How to Get Your Outdoor Space Ready for Entertaining
It’s spring! One of the most favorite times in Southern homes! We Southerners love our large porches where we can socialize with the neighbors or our backyard outdoor kitchens where we can cook and entertain anywhere from 5 to 500 guests before we get into the raw, humid heat of summer. We are a social culture down here, but how do we keep these areas tidy and neat in between parties? Let me show you how!
“Traders en route from the Caribbean to the British, French and Spanish colonies were influenced by island architecture, rich with large open porches to accommodate the humid climate.”
It’s spring! One of the most favorite times in Southern homes! We Southerners love our large porches where we can socialize with the neighbors or our backyard outdoor kitchens where we can cook and entertain anywhere from 5 to 500 guests before we get into the raw, humid heat of summer.
We are a social culture down here, but how do we keep these areas tidy and neat in between parties? Let me show you how!
Porches are fairly simple since we don’t keep much out there. Wiping down furniture and swings with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed. The porch itself can be swept or blown clear of any debris. If it has mildew, you may need a good power wash to get it all cleaned up. Most of us have taken our plants inside for winter so now is the time to bring them outside and spruce them up! (Y’all know a proper southern porch must have hanging ferns, right?) Make sure the railings and steps are safe and secure, especially if they are wood. Don’t forget to look up and make sure the ceiling fans are cleaned and old wasp nests and dirt diver houses are removed.
Outdoor kitchens need a little more TLC. Many outdoor kitchens have grills, sinks, stone counters, storage space, outdoor furniture, and umbrellas. Some even have refrigerators or other fun things, like pizza ovens! Mike and I spend one of the first weekends in spring getting everything wiped out and wiped down. We also power wash the concrete and outdoor rugs (when we aren’t at soccer games!) Finally, we make lists of things we need to buy for the upcoming entertainment season.
Wipe down all outdoor surfaces with a wet towel.
Tip: I keep all the outdoor items in closed containers because, well, Louisiana has a lot of bugs and critters.
Speaking of that, check your bug spray stock and sunscreen too. (Sunscreen expires, so check the expiration dates.)
Tip: If mosquitos are a big problem in your area, take old wine bottles and repurpose them into citronella lanterns! We have them hanging across our porch so those pesky little things don’t bother us!
We also make sure to have a full tank of propane for the Easter crawfish boil because if you grab that tank on boil day and it’s empty, you’ll be madder than a wet hen!
Here is my personal list:
Clean the grill
Wipe the counters
Scrub the sink
Clean out the beer fridge.
Clean out the trash cans and recycle cans.
Wipe ceiling fans
Check propane
Power wash concrete, outdoor rugs and outdoor cushions.
Uncover and wipe down outdoor furniture.
Uncover televisions (We can’t miss March Madness!)
Restock the outdoor spices (which live in a latch box inside because it’s too humid to keep them outside), paper goods, and outdoor linens.
Does any pool maintenance need to be done?
Check the fishing rods and tackle. (We have a pond. Hunting season is almost over so fishing begins. Remember, I live in Sportsman’s Paradise!)
Check out our Pinterest board to get some spring inspiration for your outdoor spaces!
The Art of Pantry Organization
Pantry organization is a simple way to streamline your kitchen and simplify meal prep. By grouping similar items, utilizing vertical space, and rotating your stock, you'll ensure that you can easily find what you need and prevent food waste.
A well-organized pantry is a key ingredient for a successful kitchen. It is one of the most essential aspects of kitchen organization that is often overlooked. Not only does it make meal prep easier, but it also saves time and money by preventing food waste and overbuying. A well-organized pantry ensures that you can easily find what you need and that nothing goes to waste. However, keeping your pantry organized can be daunting, especially if you have limited space. Let’s explore three essential tips for pantry organization that will help streamline your kitchen and make your life easier.
Group Similar Items Together
The first step in pantry organization is to group similar items. This means keeping all canned goods in one spot, all baking supplies in another, etc. This method makes it easy to find what you need and helps you keep track of what you have. When you can easily see all your canned goods in one place, you'll be less likely to buy duplicates, saving you money. Win-Win. For example, you could use baskets or bins to corral items that don't stack well, like snacks or spices. And make sure you use labels!
Utilize Vertical Space
Another key to pantry organization is utilizing vertical space. Most pantries have shelves that are too far apart, wasting valuable storage space. Consider adding additional shelves by purchasing shelf risers or installing adjustable shelving. This will allow you to store smaller items, like spices or snacks, on the top shelf and more oversized items, like cereal boxes or canned goods, on the bottom. You can even use the back of your pantry door to hang a spice rack or over-the-door organizer for additional storage. It's a great way to maximize your space and make the most out of your pantry.
Rotate Your Stock
Finally, you must rotate your stock regularly to prevent food waste. This means putting newly purchased items in the back of your pantry and moving older items to the front. Doing this will ensure that you use older items before they expire and prevent them from getting lost in the back of your pantry. Additionally, consider keeping a running list of pantry staples so you know what you need to purchase before you run out. This will help you avoid overbuying and ensure you always have what you need.
Pantry organization is a simple way to streamline your kitchen and simplify meal prep. By grouping similar items, utilizing vertical space, and rotating your stock, you'll ensure that you can easily find what you need and prevent food waste. With a little effort, you can transform your pantry into a well-organized space that will make your life easier in the long run. Remember, a well-organized pantry is not only aesthetically pleasing but will also save you time and money in the long run. So, take the time to organize your pantry today and reap the benefits for years to come or at least until you buy more groceries.
Love this blog?
Sign up to get an email with our latest posts!