"Relax about areas seldom utilized in your home, as professional organizers suggest accepting 'cluttered corners' and Why you should only concern yourself regarding specific instances"
In our busy lives, it's easy for our living spaces to become cluttered, especially those areas we frequent daily. According to Stephanie King, a professional organizer and the founder of Soulstice Living, these prime real estate areas are where we should focus our daily energy to combat 'clutter blindness' - a phenomenon where we stop noticing the mess.
Garages, attics, and basements, often referred to as "manageable dumping grounds", are particularly prone to this. King explains that these spaces act as holding zones for decisions we don't want to make in the moment. Over time, if we never make decisions in these spaces, they'll eventually become unusable.
So, how can we declutter these areas effectively? King offers several practical solutions.
Firstly, she recommends using stackable bins for storage. These bins are strong, durable, made of tough polypropylene plastic, and have a snap-on lockable lid to keep out pests and dust. You may find sentimental items wasting space or piles that need to be sorted. King suggests sorting these items, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard.
If possible, move items for donation out of the house the same day they are decided to be donated. This helps to prevent the accumulation of items and maintains accessibility.
King also suggests using a visual timer, such as the VOCOO Digital Kitchen Timer, to keep track of time during decluttering sessions. She recommends setting a timer for 20-30 minutes and working until the timer goes off. This approach helps to maintain focus and productivity.
To label your storage boxes, King suggests a pack of six Sterilite Storage Bins available at Amazon and the Brother P-Touch Label Maker available at Walmart. Clear or labeled bins help keep items organized and easily accessible.
Staying hydrated during decluttering sessions is also crucial, as they can be exhausting. King recommends bringing water with you during these sessions.
For garage storage, King recommends easy-to-assemble shelving units that hold 500 pounds per shelf and are customizable and adjustable. She also recommends a pack of three waterproof, weatherproof, and lockable storage boxes for use in the garage, attic, or shed.
To prevent 'clutter creep', King suggests implementing a regular sorting routine, categorizing items by type or use, and maintaining a consistent cleanup routine. She also advocates for the 'one touch' tidying rule during decluttering sessions, where if you pick up an item, you must make a decision about it immediately.
Lastly, King advises not to stress about the spaces you rarely enter as they are not urgent. If necessary, bring in a helper for decluttering sessions to speed up the process and prevent emotional distractions.
By following these expert tips, you can transform your manageable dumping grounds into organized and functional spaces, making your daily life more efficient and less stressful.
Read also:
- Impact of Alcohol on the Human Body: Nine Aspects of Health Alteration Due to Alcohol Consumption
- Understanding the Concept of Obesity
- Tough choices on August 13, 2025 for those born under Aquarius? Consider the advantages and disadvantages to gain guidance
- Microbiome's Impact on Emotional States, Judgement, and Mental Health Conditions
