How are your New Year’s Resolutions holding up? Not so great? You’re not alone. But it’s not too late to add one to the list that you can keep: Declutter and organize your home so it’s beautiful, efficient and relaxing.
Even if you don’t possess a neatnik gene you can do it. Get the family on your side and it’s a slam dunk!
Key to success is not to overwhelm yourself. Start with one room or closet; then do other areas over the next several weeks. If some prodding is in order—it’s tough when you’re emotionally tied to your belongings as most of us are—get a friend to help.
Following are several ideas for you. You’ll find more tips and inspirational before-and-after pictures on www.FastFix-MicheleKeith.com.
LIVING ROOM
If you have yet to read those stacks of newspapers and magazines you probably never will. So toss ‘em. Cut out any articles you really need for future reference and file them in the proper place (office cabinet, recipe box, etc.).
Give each child a big basket or little red wagon to transport toys from bedroom to family room and back. If you have a playroom, keep it neat by putting toys and games in a small pup tent or big box the kids have decorated.
Minimize the number of plants, pictures and souvenirs cluttering table tops, bureaus and window sills. Choose a few favorites and pack up the rest. Switch them in six month for a new look. Do the same with pillows and throws. Just because they’re pretty doesn’t mean they all have to be displayed at the same time.
Don’t forget bookcases. When all the tomes are positioned according to size, some vertically, others horizontally, with a few framed photos or objets d’art mixed in, they look beautiful.
BEDROOMS
Tired of seeing dirty clothes hanging on the door knob or strewn on the floor? Get hampers for the closets. If you can squeeze them in, get two—one for colors, one for whites—clearly marked which is which. Kids will stay motivated if you reward them with individual “mommy time” or other favorite treat.
You probably have more free space than you think. Try hiding things under cloth-draped tables, armoires and beds. Once the drawers are tidy, you’ll likely have room there, as well. Keep a list so you can grab what you need when you need it.
BATHROOM.
Do you really need ten shampoos, five conditioners and three types of bubble bath on the bathtub rim? No! Put one of each out, and exchange as you see fit. Store unused ones in the vanity or a nearby closet. Or, as you can do with the children’s rubber duckies, store them in a basket or bucket, also great for extra towels.
Remember, the bathroom is your sanctuary. A fluffy robe, candles, flowers and an iPod downloaded with serene music is all it takes to whisk you off to an imaginary island.
KITCHEN
Create as much counter space as possible. Put rarely-used items in the cupboard, remove unnecessary items like napkin- and mug holders, and clean up as you cook. Makes life easier and everything go faster.
Forget about taping the kids’ artwork on the fridge door. Buy or make a big bulletin board for their room, the frame painted and cork covered with fabric to coordinate with the décor. Then, depending upon its size let them choose five or ten favorites to show each week. Unless they’re young Monets, throw the rest away.
CLOSETS
If clothing is in good condition, but no longer fits or doesn’t please you anymore, give it to charity. Some organizations like the Salvation Army and Dress for Success pick up. How easy is that? You’ll not only be helping someone in need, but receiving a tax deduction—a win-win all around.
Consider painting the interior a soft pastel and be sure to light it well. Now organize garments, first by season, then by purpose, next by color and last by length. Use wood hangars for heavy coats and pretty, padded ones for the rest. Empty totes and bags before stashing on the shelves so you can fit more in.
Clean up. Clear out. Enjoy!
For more tips and inspirational before-and-after photos please visit www.FastFix-MicheleKeith.com
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Michele Keith is a freelance writer based in New York City, who says, “If it’s beautiful I write about it.” Her work has appeared in numerous publications including The New York Times, Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, New York Spaces and O, the Oprah Magazine. Her latest coffee table book is “Designers Here and There: Inside the City and Country Homes of America’s Top Decorators.” In addition to writing, Michele runs FAST FIX, a de-cluttering business. Please contact Michele at Michele.Keith.2@gmail.com for more information.
Beautiful Designs
And how you can create them too.
NEATEN UP FOR THE NEW YEAR . . .
and keep it that way!
