New Year, Better You
As promised I wanted to share with you what it looks like in our household when gearing up for the New Year.
The snow is falling + we are dedicating this time to reevaluate what we hold possession of. I like to think I'm great at keeping my house in order, but I am human too. I have shared with you my progress + truly remarkable transformation. With that comes commitment, which looks something like this.
Two years ago we got married, bought our first home and both dived into new careers. It was a whirlwind but our home did not suffer. Why you ask? Because we had systems in place. Back to being a human. We still need to take time in maintaining our sacred space. It is vital for us to take time each week in “keeping up.” I have to remind myself why I started this journey.
“To come home to space that makes me feel at peace.”
The world can be hectic, chaotic and out of my control BUT home is where I can implement all the control crazy!! :D
Let’s talk about “stuff”. Given we just passed one of the largest gifting holidays of the year, it is only logical to give you some ideas on how to deal with all the abundance you just received.
Do you ever buy something with great intentions? Have you received a gift with that same intention? (I’ll use it ONE day)
I invite you to start your journey with us today. While reading this, what space in your home is making you feel a little itchy? Is it your master closet? Under the bathroom sink? Or that godforsaken Tupperware.
Let’s start small. Today in our home we are focusing on the kitchen. By small I mean ONE drawer, ONE cabinet in ONE space. For my family the kitchen does not hold sentimental or emotional attachment. Sweaters on the other hand… not easy. No sentimental reasons but oh SO hard at times to tackle. I love me some sweaters!!
Funny story. I came home from a vacation and made sure to use all of the perishables before we left. When I got home I had no food to eat, shocker. So I did what any normal person would do, I searched for something to eat in the pantry. I rarely make pasta but whenever I visit my grannie she hands us a box of macaroni. Light bulb: I’ll eat the macaroni! To my surprise it was ALL expired. ME, the organizer. The one who helps clients prevent this sort of thing from happening. The difference here was that I saw it, and did something about it right away. It is in our nature to feel overwhelmed + get stuck on where to start while looking at the big picture. I have trained my brain to see each item at face value. Expired pasta= trash.
Back to organizing today:
PULL IT ALL OUT?! My clients are in awe when they see how much they really own. The next step for me is simple, its expired so BYE BYE. I don't like it, i haven't used it…BYEEE!
This is why I say to start out small. Imagine pulling apart your entire kitchen, then the kids get off the bus. You shove it all back because you didn't have enough time. This is what we want to avoid. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is getting organized.
Let’s get to that drawer. The thought of pulling out the contents of ONE drawer isn't so bad, right?
If this looks familiar, keep reading!
Q:Does this belong in this drawer?
A:No
Q: Should it live somewhere else?
A: Yes, in the bathroom.
Here is where we start to sort and ask questions to get a better idea of what stays, what goes and what lives elsewhere.
Let’s talk about the junk drawer.
Do you need 45 pens? 3 notepads? Batteries, lightbulbs, a hammer, toothpaste? All in your kitchen drawer?!
WE’VE SEEN IT ALL! I like to keep 2-3 pens available in the kitchen/dining room area for easy access without having to enter another room. The leftover pens can go into the office, or wherever in your home makes sense. You can repeat this with ANYTHING.
5 Piles For success:
1.Trash
HOW TO DETERMINE WHAT AUTOMATICALLY GOES: Stained, worn, torn, scratched, chipped, broken + can be replaced for under $20. (Given you don’t want it)
2. Donate
I take all of the donations at the end of each session to ensure it gets removed. Bring all donations to the car immediately so it doesn't turn into a mess hidden in another room.
3. Friend
Sometimes letting go can be difficult. You want to share (insert item here) with someone close to you. I’m all for it. I ask all clients to have their friends look through their pile before I finish the project. Adios clutter.
4. Lives Elsewhere
Do you have a space where you have household tools? If so, you know what to do. Before you make your lunch or when you leave the room for any reason do a drop off to the correct room.
5. Marinating
WE KEEP THIS PILE IN CHECK. Whether you need to try something on, or aren't sure in the moment we move on to keep the project rolling. We will revisit this pile at the end of the session/project. If you still aren't sure we box it up and if in six months it wasn't used or missed= DONATE.
SENTIMENTAL ITEMS: Keeping an item because it made someone else happy isn't a great reason to hold onto it. It can be hard to let go. I remind my clients why we started this project to begin with. What was your goal in hiring me? If you're at home and wanting to take on the DiY project, why? Keep reminding yourself of this when it gets difficult. Also keep in mind that someone else will cherish these items much more than you currently are by storing them in a tote in the basement or attic.
Once you get down to what stays you can decide how you want to organize it. Do you want inserts or simple drawer dividers.
Measure. Measure. Measure.
I see this so often with clients where they buy product before decluttering + measuring their space.
Uniformity is a great motivator in keeping a space well organized long after the project is complete. Matching hangers in a closet for example give a streamlined look, how could you not want to continue?
Drawer dividers in the junk drawer only allow for so much “junk.”
This point in the process is where the other half of us get stuck. If you’ve made it this far I feel confident you can keep pushing! Maybe you don't need any product at all + thats ok too!
My husband and I completely emptied the contents of our kitchen, reorganized + cleaned in two hours! Typically an kitchen organizing project can take 12 hours to complete the first go around. Once a year we go through each room and reevaluate what we own. I found only one set of tupperware that didn't match. Thats pretty darn good! Just don’t ask me about the spices.
We all have to start somewhere. Just know that it gets easier to maintain once you do the initial edit. If one drawer or cabinet at a time works for you, do it! Be sure to share your transformations with us using the hashtag #thatshowwecleanse to be featured on our page!
If this has made you want to pull your hair out, luckily we know someone who can help. :) Head over to our contact page and fill out an inquiry form to schedule your discovery call with us today!
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