There are many things out of our control… too many! But one thing that is in our control and that can have a massive impact on our day-to-day life is our home environment. The size of our home may be something we can’t change, but to a very large extent how it looks and is organized, we can.
To find out just how to do this easily and swiftly, we turned to Jane Stoller aka Organized Jane, a keynote speaker and the author of Decluttering for Dummies.
Think seasonally.
“If you live somewhere cold, you might store your warm weather items in the garage, under the bed or in a storage locker. When it is time to pull out these items, be sure to take time to declutter, audit, donate and sell anything you might not need from last season. We all love getting out our summer rollerblades, bikes, hiking shoes and paddle boards, but be realistic about what you think you will actually use this year. Same goes for clothes.
When you’re getting out your spring/summer items, it is also a great time to declutter your winter items. Often, I get so excited to use my new stuff for the current season that I forget to do this. I am assuming a few of you are also in this habit. However, this is the most important step.”
Sell.
“This is the best time to sell these items to make money if you are not going to use them; typically, people start looking for specific sporting items at the beginning of the current season and will typically pay more for an item then than at the end of the season. Once you have assessed what you will actually use, store it efficiently.”
Clean, protect, and evaluate your patio furniture and outdoor space.
“It may have taken a bit of a beating over the fall and winter and most people tend to forget about it. A quick refresh of your outdoor space is a sure way to get ready for the summer months. If there is any damage, consider investing in some new outdoor, weather proof furniture and covers, or a fun outdoor fireplace to make the space more inviting.”
Manage your time wisely.
“Summer months can be stressful, and often overplan every single weekend. This leads to little downtime that you thought you were going to have, and before you know it it’s back to fall. Track your time and be mindful. Leave time for rest and reflection at home, too.”
Sort through your linens and towels.
“Swap out your heavy sheets and comforters for something lighter. I sometimes deviate from my regular towel system in the summer, as I enjoy using colourful and light Hamman towels; these towels are also great for the beach, summer picnics, and as a travel companion. Good quality Hamman towels will last and dry quickly; this is a definite benefit in small apartments with little space to hang wet towels.”
Your tablecloth and place settings could use a fun refresh for the summer.
“Now is a great time to assess your table decor, and consider making some bold changes. Small swaps can brighten up any home. I especially love going for a mix of solids and some prints when it comes to napkins!”
