Stuck at home? It may be time to go all in on reorganizing your space

Not that we have to remind you, but life as we know it is on hold. Which also means it's getting increasingly harder to put off that pile of laundry, the messy pantry or the bathroom scrubdown.

News 12 Staff

Mar 19, 2020, 5:47 PM

Updated 1,664 days ago

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By: Kattey Ortiz
Not that we have to remind you, but life as we know it is on hold. No more dates, shopping, working out at the gym, or anything in a public setting. Which also means it's getting increasingly harder to put off that pile of laundry, the messy pantry or the bathroom scrubdown.
If there's a lot to do, don't be overwhelmed. The goal is to make the space a less stressful one. In fact, cleaning in and of itself helps reduce your anxiety and manage your stress (and it's safe to say, we're all stressed).
Here are some tips from The Container Store to tackle the to-do list:
  1. Start in one place. Where you start is up to you, but don't be intimidated by the entirety of the job. Knock a room, cabinet, or closet off your list, then move onto the next place.
  2. Give yourself time. As nice as it would be to finish the bathroom in one day, it may not be possible. Dedicate a few hours a day to organize the one area.

  3. Take control of your inventory. Go through the contents of the area you chose to start with and determine what you want to donate, toss, or keep. The Container Store goes by the two-year rule: if you haven't worn it in two years, say goodbye to it and hello to some more space.

  4. Now look at what you have left over. Is it where it belongs? Should it be in another room for easier access? Move what you can to another place in your home that may make more sense, and worry about it later when you tackle that area.

  5. There's never enough storage, is there? Look for storage opportunities now that you've cleared some things. Also look for wasted space. The Container Store advises to go "up," taking shelves all the way up to the ceiling to maximize the vertical space.

  6. Divide the space. Use containers, separators, trays, anything that can help eliminating the possibility of stacking clothes, papers, etc.
Now that you're on a roll, it's all about the little things and finishing touches that maximize your storage, accessibility, and organization. Good Housekeeping suggests things like towel racks in linen closets, drawer organizers, and hanging your pots and pans.
HGTV also has tips, like organizing your closet by occasion and using doors for added space. Small boxes to sort your shelf items can make it less daunting to look for what you need (like in medicine cabinets or bathroom closets). Also, get the kids involved in the cleaning! Make it a race to see who can pick up the most items.
Happy cleaning, and make sure to take adequate breaks and go outside if the weather permits. You'll feel amazing coming back to a tidy space.
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