Organize the Spaces That Often Get Neglected

Even the most organized people have areas they neglect to #organize and #declutter, Real Homes says. These areas likely include the #junk drawer — that catch-all space that holds everything pens to pills to old phones. The pantry is another area that gathers random items (sometimes in multiples) and must be #cleaned and #organized regularly to avoid eating expired foodstuffs. Linen closets should contain only the towels and bedding you actually use, not the many backups used for cleaning or guests. Instead of neglecting these spaces, tackle them before everything else, professional organizers suggest.

Decluttering on Labor Day Weekend

If you have a lot of #stuff laying around that goes unused, Labor Day weekend is a great time to weed some of it out. Pick one of the three days and get to work: Go room to room with boxes, bins and a garbage can, selecting things to give away, sell and trash. You’ll likely be able to fill those bins with #junk you don’t want or need in just a few minutes or hours. Take that stuff and throw a #garage sale to make some extra cash, or simply contact ClothingDonations.org for a free #donation pickup to get it out of your sight quickly and help fund programs that help the nation’s many #veterans. #LaborDay

When Dads Create Clutter

As #Father’s Day approaches, you may be thinking about ways to celebrate dear old #dad. Depending on his pastimes, a pizza oven, automotive accessory or gadgety gift may be in his very near future. But before you buy, consider for a second how dads create #clutter.

It may be a gross generalization to say that moms probably think about clutter and household #organization more. In a consumerist society, individuals of every gender can accumulate lots of #stuff as time goes by, and that stuff can pile up around the house.

But surveys say that women often spend more time cleaning than their spouses. They are also more adept at planning work-related tasks, travel and holiday celebrations. They largely dominate the professional #organizer field.

Dads may be prone to let things pile up. And they many build vast collections of tools, garden implements, collectibles and other highly specific and specialized #stuff that’s seldom used on a day-to-day basis.

If you have one of those dads, try to make Father’s Day a day free of added clutter. Focus on the experience: buy him tickets to a ball game, a round of golf or an online class. Or go for something consumable, such as a nice steak dinner — in or out — or a bottle of his favorite spirit.

Like with moms, you also can give the gift of #organization by actively helping #clean, sort and consolidate his stuff. Wash his car or have it professionally detailed. Install pegboard organizers in his home office or workshop. Help him clean out a storage closet or the garage.

If you find anything he no longer needs or wants, schedule a free #donation #pickup from ClothingDonations.org. That way, you’ll assist in clearing the extra unwanted #junk from the home environment, which will make dad’s life less stressful overall.

The best gift for any parent is not only #clutter-free, it’s also virtually free: spending quality time together. So whether he’s a hoarder or a neat-freak, that’s the best way to honor dad on Father’s Day. #FathersDay

Make a To-Do List to Stay On-Task

Sometimes, getting #organized is a matter of managing your schedule and task list, says The Spruce. Even if you don’t like to make to-do lists, they can help you stay on top of priorities and cut mental #clutter. Consider making your first in honor of National Get Organized Day (April 26). Jot down the projects or tasks for the day, and cross them off as you complete them — or move them to the next day’s list. You’ll feel more fulfilled and productive as you complete tasks and reduce the likelihood of running behind or procrastinating. Having a list and routine can also help create better habits and automate even the most boring, undesirable and avoidable jobs. #NationalGetOrganizedDay

Organizing Is Important to Your Health

#Disorganization can affect your mental and physical health, says Piedmont Healthcare. It may manifest as a symptom of attention deficit disorder (ADD), depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and exacerbate feelings of #stress, depression and anxiety. That’s why it’s important to celebrate National Get Organized Day this week and any other day of the year you can find the time to #declutter and #streamline your life. “An excessive amount of stress can actually lead to premature death,” Millennials in Motion points out. “Therefore, one could argue that staying organized can literally save one’s life.” #NationalGetOrganizedDay