Coming home to a messy, cluttered house can put a dampener on your day. Here are five tips to get your home spick and span in no time.
1. Stick to the basics
Avoid having too many clunky pieces of furniture. Stick to minimalistic, basic pieces for a clean and open look where you can breathe easy after a hard day’s work. All you need for a welcoming living space are a sofa, a coffee table, a bookshelf and some chairs. Arrange them such that you retain as much open space in your home as possible.
2. Keep it clean
Is your coffee table piled high with back issues of your favourite magazines? And are those tacky ornaments from the 90s still languishing on that side table? If so, it’s time to think of a better place for them. A quick fix is to simply pick tables designed with storage space – either drawers or a simple open rack. Decluttering a packed table top is as simple as picking up that stack of magazines, and stashing them below. Ottomans which lift up to reveal generous storage space within are a good pick too.
3. Space them out
A heavy book-laden shelf does no favours for an already-cluttered room. If you have ample shelf space in your home, intersperse your book collection with some tastefully selected pieces. Plants, vases, photo frames and bookends work just fine. With just 10 percent of each shelf free, your library will take on an entirely new, relaxed vibe – and so will you.
4. Rehome the clutter
A clutter-free existence is a near-impossible feat for even the most fastidious. Designate specific areas of your home as “clutter zones” – places where you can stash things you can’t find a suitable place for. It could be a clothes rack where you can hang stray outfits, or a drawer for all the random bags and containers you’ve been hoarding. Make a commitment to keep the rest of your house neat and tidy.
5. Go green
Setting up a mini recycling centre in an unobtrusive corner of your home is a good way to declutter while minimising waste. Set aside recycling bins for different types of waste, such as paper, plastic and glass. Start on children young to care for the environment too.
Make a mental note of the collection times so you can make room for more recyclables on a regular basis. Think of ways to repurpose junk too – old clothes can be used as rags, fabric bags can be used for supermarket shopping, and used paper products can be saved for children’s art projects. With some creativity and a little effort, you and your family will be well on your way to an organised home that’s kind to the environment too.