Can we all agree that time is FLYING BY ??
Before we know it, it’s Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chanukah time!
Before we get too far into the November calendar with foods, turkeys, being thankful and such, let’s get YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER. Guests are coming, holiday shopping is coming, and your home can use some “TIDYING UP.” But where to start, what to do? How to do it, and not get OVERWHELMED. Good news, A Clutter Clearing at your service. Follow these simple tips and tasks to get your home shiny and bright, or at least neat and clean!!
1. Start with a SIMPLE TASK FIRST – you know that laundry area? Those shelves, hangers and bottles of things? Why not start here? Clear the shelves and counters, wipe everything down to a clean surface. Then, with a clean counter and empty shelves be DELIBERATE with what goes on this valuable real estate. Got multiples? See if you can consolidate, or stack, or donate the extras you may never use. Got hardware tools mixed in with laundry detergent? Move the tools elsewhere, allowing greater space for the laundry items. A typical-sized laundry area could take less than one hour to clear and repurpose the space. Toss out expired, gunky, old and dried out liquids. There… you’re on your way with a successful D-Cluttered area. Next!!
2. Having a healthy MINDSET helps get the job done more graciously. Don’t believe me? Just watch Mary Poppins and her “Spoonful of Sugar” song where she snaps her fingers and the children’s toy room gets “snip-snap” all clean, as if by magic. It’s a mindset of success. Turn up the tunes, get a nice glass or mug of your fave drink, and wear closed-toe shoes to protect those itty-bitty toes.
3. Take ACTION with color-coded garbage bags. Use big black garbage bags (33 gallon) for garbage and discards. Use white kitchen (13 gallon) for soft-good donations. Having your “what to do with stuff I’m getting rid of?” bags at the ready, time to D-Clutter.
4. Get your kitchen in order, since it’s the heart of the home. I like to get the counters renewed, repurposed and reorganized. Countertop clutter is your first place to attack. Simply choose a counter and CLEAR it of ALL APPLIANCES, those spoon and spatula holders, coffee pots, air fryers, microwaves, you name it, move it and CLEAN the COUNTER top to bottom. Make a mental note, or take a picture to see how BIG, SHINY and NICE the counter(s) looks with no distracting or gunky appliances, oils, condiments sitting out.
Again, once you’ve got a clean slate…assess. “Where do I want the Keurig machine to sit?” “Where do I want my Vitamix for daily smoothies?” “Do I even use the toaster, or can I place it elsewhere out of view?” The LESS on the COUNTERS the better, the more organized, clean and opulent your kitchen looks and feels. Try it… then move to the next counter, clear and clean and rebuild to your liking for holiday hosting. This is a great time to PRESET the cooking and baking supplies. Pots, pans, food prep ingredients, get it done now, so you have less stress as Thanksgiving rolls around. (Shop now, too, for ingredients, get it done NOW !)
5. Family and dining rooms yearn for your attention. Clear the counters. Wipe clean surfaces. Discard old mail, old magazines (sure recycle, but get them out of here!). Dusting, washing throw blankets, and straightening up the table, chairs and what’s in the cabinet displays (old dishes, crystal, the Llardro® collection?) Spruce it up, pay attention and you will have a greater sense of appreciation for all your lovely items. Cracked, chipped or damaged items? Feng Shui design suggests donating and getting rid of broken things.
6. Entryway minimalizing. A good energy entryway should include:
• A mirror
• A table for placing keys, mail and a flower vase
• A place for jackets, sweaters and shoes
• A living item, like a plant, fresh cut flowers, a tabletop water fountain, a striking piece of wall art, something that is ALIVE. Having a rug to wipe off your guests’ shoes is helpful. I ask my guests to take off their shoes (and if slip-on socks are offered, how considerate).
It’s the season of GRATITUDE and THANKSGIVING. And I ask you to “set the table” with love and good cheer. Peace begins with me, my family and my friends. Let’s strive for a better way, a better day, and a world where there’s enough food, shelter and clothing for all. And if you’re actively participating, why not get your closet made over and donate unworn items to a shelter for others to benefit? Doing good deeds, making donations and donating blood (by the way) helps us and our neighbors with a more enriching opportunity to thrive.
Be GRATEFUL, THANKFUL and GENEROUS with your time and treasure.
And remember… CLEAR THE CLUTTER… CLEAR
THE MIND™
