As we kick off a New Year, it feels awfully good to clear away the proverbial cobwebs and start things off fresh. Jammed drawers. Overstuffed cabinets. Paper piles. What better time to declutter and reclaim your sense of organization?
Here are a few ideas for “out with the old and in with the new” attitude:
Kitchen
Dig into your pantry and cabinet shelves, including the spice rack, in search of expired and not-so-fresh food. You might be shocked how long that dry oregano or pasta has been there. One of our favorite bloggers, Anna of www.askannamoseley.com, has some great tips for reorganizing your newly cleaned out pantry.
Pick up some plastic storage containers and organize your cleaning supplies under the sink. Containers with handles let you easily tote your cleaning supplies from room to room.
Have you accumulated way too many pots, pans and plates? Maybe you never use that food processer or French coffee press. Donate excess and enjoy more workable space. Plus, it feels good to give.
Tired of seeing the mail and miscellaneous pile up on your counter? A wall-mounted cupboard or cubby can serve as a great mail sorter. You might even want to request paperless statements and/or sign up for junk mail removal with a service such as www.catalogchoice.org.
Beyond storing mail and providing a place to hang jackets, keys and anything you please, this wall shelf with a built-in chalkboard is great for daily reminders.
Bedroom/Bath
Say sayonara to clothes you haven’t worn in a couple of years. Shoes stuffed in boxes? Try a space-conscious shoe rack on for size. DIY sites like Pinterest have some crafty ideas for wall-mounted shoe racks made of crown moulding.
Same goes for makeup. If you’re not wearing it, why keep it? See Anna’s suggestions for not only sorting/storing cosmetics, but also keeping your bathroom beautifully organized.
Office
Has your desk become a messy catchall? Compartmental drawer organizers keep supplies within easy reach. (Tip: They’re great for sorting/keeping batteries from rolling away, too.)
You only have so much room for the paper trail. Flip through your filing cabinet(s) and decide what can be shredded and recycled, such as old tax documents. Check out organized Anna’s tips to make tax season a little less taxing.
Opt for decorative boxes and baskets on bookcases for storage with style.
Have some tips for a less cluttered, more organized home? We’d love your feedback.
