Summer is here! Make the most of the warm weather by decluttering and organizing. Here are five tips to help you get there:
1. Take a good look at the entrance of your house (this is the place where everyone leaves things when they go out and come in). It can be through the front door, the garage or the laundry room. Are the things that are currently in this place going to be used this summer? If it’s littered with last year’s winter boots, coats, and homework, then it’s time to do some good sorting and purge. Remove anything you won’t be wearing this summer and replace it with items you’ll need, like sunscreen, sunglasses, and bug spray.
2. When was the last time you cleaned the car? Be prepared for your next road trip so you don’t have to fight to make room in the car by dumping things at the last minute. Remove anything in your car that doesn’t serve a purpose. Also, make sure you have everything you’ll need in case of a roadside emergency.
3. Are you planning to go to the mall soon to buy some new summer clothes? Make sure you have a list, so you don’t overbuy. Don’t forget to implement the one in one out rule: for every new item you buy, one must go. Don’t know where to donate those items you no longer need? Visit the city of donation. Just enter your zip code to find charities near you that need your donations.
4. When was the last time you were able to park your car in the garage? Is it full of boxes that have never been unpacked or things you just don’t know what to do with? Don’t let clutter take up valuable space in your garage during the hot summer months. Even if it’s just one box a day, take the time to go through these items. Chances are if you don’t even know what’s in the boxes, you don’t need it. For things you can use, make sure it has a home.
5. Are you keeping precious photos and other memories in the attic? Heat can damage these items. Find a cool, clean space to store these items. For other items you store in the attic, use durable plastic containers. Also, it’s a good idea to keep containers elevated. Take a look at the AtticMaxx organization system.