Happy New Year everyone! I am so excited to ring in 2011 with a fresh new start! Each year, I create a list of resolutions and work my tail off all year long trying to achieve them. Kick off this bright new year with a few of my favorite interior design resolutions, beginning with tackling one of the beast of all beasts, clutter.
Do you know the dangers of clutter?
Clutter triggers stress – a messy environment makes you feel like there’s an overwhelming amount of work to be done. Stress can be very harmful to your body and actually cause illness so why not get rid of clutter now for healthier happier you.
Clutter decreases your energy – Have you ever noticed when you are in a clean organized space you are much more energetic? Your home is a sanctuary and mess is obviously not something you are proud of, so clutter brings you down into a melancholy state.
Clutter can make you less productive – If there’s a messy stack of papers and supplies scattered on your desk, chances are you would spend a longer time looking for the one paper you need than the few minutes it would take to have placed that paper in an organized file. The same idea applies to closets, cupboards, and bookcases.
Do these all sound a bit too familiar? If so, it’s time to declutter!! Here are a few of my favorite tips on organizing your home for the New Year:
Tip 1. Three Boxes, One Big Pile
Start by clearing a space in the middle of the room. Place all of the cluttered items in a big pile in the center of the room. Label each of the boxes – Keep, Maybe, Give Away. The ‘Keep’ box is for all of the things you absolutely love and use regularly. Place all the items you are torn between into the ‘Maybe’ box. The ‘Give Away’ box are the memorable pieces that don’t quite fit your décor and feel like someone else can appreciate them who are less fortunate. Stick to the rule; if you haven’t used it in the last 6 months get rid of it. After you have sorted all of the clutter, go back to the ‘Maybe’ box and determine if it will go in the keep or give away box. If you’re still having trouble getting rid of sentimental things that you know in your gut you should let go, take a picture of it so you will have the memory forever.
Tip 2. Make Decluttering Fun!
I know, cleaning and going through things that have accumulated dust for years is not the most enjoyable activity. So try setting aside an hour to declutter with friends or family while playing your favorite tunes and dance while you’re sorting everything. After you’re all finished organizing, take a moment to enjoy your hard work and the new beauty you have created. (and yes, you can keep dancing) Reward yourself with a tasty treat and feel good about giving and starting 2011 in a clutter free environment.
Tip 3. Create a System so Clutter Doesn’t Creep Back Up on You.
Now that your home has been declutterfied, it’s time to create strategic systems to stop clutter from coming back. Start by figuring out why you had a cluttered mess in the first place and brainstorm ideas on how to solve this. For example, if you had a stack of mail that always seems to pile up on your kitchen table, create a designated mail drop off table or area next to your main entry door. Place a small recycling basket for junk mail next to the table and purchase a tabletop or wall hanging mail organizer for all of your bills and important mail. Set aside one day a week to rummage through your mail. Only this time it will be easier and much faster to go through since you already have pre-sorted the mail as you walked in the door.
Cheers to 2011!
Day Design Decor
