Tag: home organization

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Professional-Organizer

Week 40 | Receipts | 52 Weeks To Downsize & Minimalize

Receipts

Are old receipts scattered all over the desk, dresser, or table top? Let them go!

How to Clean Out Old Receipts

This week, focus on recycling receipts that are past the return expiration date. Things for general household goods (food, toiletries, personal products) should be considered old and OK to throw away.

Clear out other things that are not required as business or tax documents, as well. Are they helpful for insurance or other claim purposes? Before you know it, you are going to be able to clear up the paper clutter, which will make room for you to breathe.

It can be overwhelming to be buried in paper in your home. One great way to downsize and mimimalize things around you is to throw away that paper that you feel buried in!

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Professional-Organizer

Week 38 | Stuffed Animals | 52 Weeks To Downsize & Minimalize

Stuffed Animals

Dear furry, inanimate objects large and small: Some of you are cute, some of you are ugly, and many of you have to go. That’s right, Stuffed Animals! You’ve been hanging around for too long, cluttering up the floor and lingering around the house gathering dust mites and who knows what. It’s OVER.

Clearing Up the Stuffed Animals in Your House

It can be overwhelming when they are found in every corner of your home. But with a little organization and creating piles for good vs have-to-go, you can clean things up in no time! Others in your house may have a harder time with this than you!

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Professional-Organizer

Week 37 | Sweaters | 52 Weeks To Downsize & Minimalize

Sweaters

It’s a good idea to review your wardrobe every 3-6 months and purge what you haven’t worn. We are going to review those sweaters in your collection now while the summer sun is searing and the inspiration is high…or is it perspiration?

Sweaters to Minimalize

Does the heat outside inspire you to let go of all those extra clothes you never wear? Let’s do this!

Do some of the clothes not fit anymore? Are they just not your style? There is tons of room in your closet that is dying to be set free!

Fast and easy, you can totally do this!

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Professional-Organizer

Declutter the Linen Closet

declutter

1. to remove mess or clutter from (a place).

2. to organize and prioritize (one’s commitments, material possessions, etc.)

3. to let go

Declutter First, Organize Next. 

Pulling out what you no longer want is key to creating space and will make the organizing process smoother. Whether it’s clothing from a hanger, shoes from a rack, books from a shelf, paper from a filing cabinet, or toys from a bin, it’s time to make decisions on the things you are ready to let go. Focus first on decluttering. When the unwanted is out of the way, begin cleaning and organizing.  

Step One – Declutter the Linen Closet

  • Prepare a large, clean, and comfortable surface on which to work and fold. Avoid bending down and putting things on the floor and on surfaces where linens can pick up dust or animal hair. A clean bed, sofa, or dining table will do.
  • Have on hand plenty of trash bags for donations.
  • Prep a bottle of all-purpose cleaner or mild soap, and a clean sponge or rag.
  • Open the linen closet and take a few “before” photos.
  • Remove ALL linens from the closet. Sort like with like as you take them out: Bath towels, hand towels, sheets, duvets, comforters, pillows, dish towels, beach towels, etc.
  • Once sorted, you will know how much of each there are and which sets are matching or missing pieces. This is an important step toward LETTING GO. It’s easier to say goodbye to the old, worn, mismatched, and unwanted if you know there will be enough left to survive.
Allow yourself to let go and help others in need. Shelters always need old towels and small blankets for their ongoing intake and care for animals. You can also drop linens off at a homeless shelter or charity organization of your choice. Shelters accept new and used towel donations year around.

Step Two – Clean

  • Wipe the empty linen closet surfaces and walls with a wet and warm, soapy cloth. Regular cleaning will keep closets and cabinets in good condition. Allow surface to dry completely before putting things away.

Step Three – Fold & Organize

  • There are many great ways to fold towels and linens. Visit these Youtube “how to” videos to see my favorites. 1) Unique towel folding, 2) How to fold a fitted sheet, 3) Types of sheets and how to fold sets together
  • When folding towels, sheets, and blankets, consider the width, height, and depth of the area they are going back into. Fold in a way that allows the linens a bit of space between each other once stacked on a closet shelf (see above photo.) Room to breathe!
  • Put like items together (towels, sheet sets, blankets, etc.)
  • Take an “After” photo of your organized linen closet.
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Isabella Guajardo, founder and owner of Bella Organizing, is a San Francisco Bay Area professional organizer offering home organizing and residential move management services throughout the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Call (510) 229-7321 or email info@bellaorganizing.com for more information. Gift certificates are available.