#Olympic athletes are used to spartan conditions. Housed in temporary dorms during the competition, their #focus is on training, nutrition and performance. No matter what you do on a daily basis, your environment may not lend itself to that kind of #focus if you are surrounded by #clutter, says Medium. “Decluttering isn’t just about #cleaning. It’s not about perfection, or buying matching baskets or becoming a #minimalist monk who owns two forks and one beige shirt. #Decluttering is about #energy. It’s about focus. It’s about emotional relief. There’s something deeply empowering about intentionally shaping your space.” #OlympicDecluttering
Tag: clutter
Sweep Your Home Clean Like an Olympic Curler
Watching the curling competition at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics over the weekend had the unintended consequence of reminding the authors of The Organizing Blog that there are a few areas of the home that could use a good #sweeping. In curling, sweeping the ice clears the way for “the rock” to travel faster and straighter, allowing competitors to direct it into a scoring circle or knock the other team’s rocks out of the way. Similarly, #cleaning and #decluttering your home makes it easier for you to accomplish other tasks of labor and leisure, unfettered by a bunch of useless #clutter or built-up grime. #OlympicDecluttering
How to Help Your Aging Relatives Declutter and Downsize
As people get older, they often enter a paradox: They have collected a lifetime of memorabilia and possessions, and they may only use a tiny fraction as their needs, interests and health circumstances change.
The problem isn’t limited to the elderly; people of all ages keep substantial amounts of things they don’t necessarily need. But the older one is, the more one is likely to have amassed a lot of #stuff — and the more likely that life changes will demand a #downsizing.
If one of your parents, relatives or friends is “getting up there” in age, they may need some help #decluttering. It can be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging, says The Homes I Have Made, but the effort will be worthwhile.
#Clutter affects physical safety and mental well-being. Once thoroughly #decluttered, a home is easier to navigate and keep #clean if a relative plans on aging in place. And if they are planning on moving to a smaller space or a sunnier location, it will be easier to pack up and go.
The whole family can get involved if an aging parent has a lot of stuff — sharing memories and making new ones. Take your time, but have everyone involved target specific areas for decluttering. Have boxes and bags ready and take frequent breaks to enjoy one another’s company.
When you help a family member shed cherished furnishings and accessories, you can ensure that those things go to a good home. Someone in the family may need that antique armoire that’s been in the family for decades, for example, or want to give that dining-room set a new home.
Any unwanted goods can be #donated to a worthy charity. ClothingDonations.org accepts used clothing, furniture, appliances, housewares, kitchen items, media, toys and many other items, for example, and will pick them up to make #decluttering convenient. Those #donations will be resold to help fund valuable #veterans programs throughout the country.
It’s never easy to #declutter or #downsize, but your aging relatives don’t have to go it alone — or worse, suddenly have to make a life change that’s hindered by a lifetime of stuff. Start today to make their golden years happy, healthy and #clutter-free.
Boundaries Can Keep Kids’ Summer Messes in Check
Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to handling kids’ #summer messes, says The Maids. Set boundaries for kids: A mudroom drop-off tray for dirty socks and shoes can help household keep floors free of mud, grass and sand. Having children eat ice cream and popsicles outdoors plus a post-treat washup regimen can keep sticky hands away from, well, everything. Pick backseat snacks that won’t drip or spill, and pack a roll of paper towels or wipes in the car for spot #cleanups. And have a towel “tree” or clothesline available for wet towels and bathing suits. #Cleaning goes fast when most of the house is a mess-free zone. #SummerMesses
Conduct Resets to Keep Summer Messes at Bay
With #summer’s busy schedules, making memories often supersedes everyday tasks such as #cleaning. Learn to expect the routine #messes of dirty dishes, stacks of laundry or strewn-about toys — the kind of mess that differs from #clutter. “It’s a byproduct of being a living, breathing human being, and no matter who you are or how #organized you may be, there is no escaping it,” says decluttering expert Katie Joy Wells. Establish quick cleanup rituals or “resets” by taking a few minutes to put things back where they belong. Busy areas such as the kitchen might need a few quick resets per day. #SummerMesses