There's something about summer that makes us yearn for simpler times, like back when our garage was a big space that held just a car.
Now it stows everything from broken lawn chairs to rusting tools. Time to jettison the junk.Here are some tips for de-cluttering:
1. Be prepared: Don't start the process without proper supplies including cleaning supplies, garbage bags, recycling containers and tote boxes. Even a label maker (or masking tape and a Sharpie) will help.
2. Set goals: Make sure your goals are small enough so you can meet them without getting discouraged. Something like "Garage cleaned out by the end of the week" is manageable. "Entire house organized and closets cleaned out" -- not so much.
3. Baby steps: There may be clutter in every room but that doesn't mean you need to tackle it all at once (see above). Choose to organize one room, once a week.
4. Make quick decisions (no second guessing): When you're rummaging through your stuff, ask yourself, "Have I used this in the last two years?" No? Get rid of it -- you'll likely never use it again.
5. Donate items: Help others while you help yourself. 'Nuff said.
Functional decor ideas
Now that you're organized, let's keep the space looking spiffy. Aspenhome (aspenhome.net) suggests using bookshelves or cubbies to maintain order and style.
-- Bathroom: Use a small cube shelf to make storage areas look tidy. Place extra soaps of different sizes but in the same colour family in a clear vase. Stack towels together by size and colour. Magazines and bath toys look nice stored in wicker baskets.
-- Mud room: Put open cubby shelves by the back door with colourful baskets to hold gardening supplies, gloves, hats and yard toys.
-- Playroom: Use a bookcase or cubby shelf with picture-labelled bins or colourful buckets to help kids organize toys. As they get older, it can be used to display trophies or awards.
-- Kitchen: A tall bookcase becomes a work of art when you co-ordinate it with colourful dishes and accessories such as cookbooks, candles or a bowl of fruit.
-- Den: Tall, slender open back bookcases can add a focal point to a small room. Use it as a bar, for books or to store extra pillows.
-- Postmedia News
