Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 spots to declutter this fall
As Autumn arrives, we start spending more time in our homes and could benefit from decluttering (just like you spring clean to get ready for summer). No one is saying you need to live like a minimalist, but clutter causes subconscious noise! For some of us this can be stressful and you may not even realize it. Here are a few key spots in the house that tend to gather clutter and how you can make it better:
The house entryway. Shoes, bags, keys, coats, mail and packages can turn your entryway into an obstacle course. You can begin by removing anything that doesn’t need to live there. Clean and store away any summer accessories. Only keep items around that you use on a daily basis. Get yourself a shoe cupboard. There are so many styles out there now that will hold a dozen pairs of shoes in a small footprint. Use a small bench with storage underneath for shoe and boot removal. Use a small end table with baskets for keys and mail.
Kitchen counters. Countertop appliances, shopping bags, mail and miscellaneous odds and ends can leave you with not enough space to prepare your dinner. Start by paring down your appliances. What do you use several times a week? Probably not the food processor, juicer or blender, they can be stored in a cabinet. Think about storing up instead of down. Like a peg rail for pans, floating shelves for cookbooks or a magnetic knife rack instead of that big block. Even clearing one section of counter space can make the entire room feel more spacious.
The ubiquitous junk drawer. We all have one! Often a spot where things go that we think we may need some time in the future. Here, a general purge is needed. Empty out the entire drawer. Group similar items together. Test writing implements, batteries and chargers. Duplicate items, one must go. Office stores have storage solutions like drawer dividers and small plastic boxes.
Wardrobe. Summer wear needs to go to make room for heavier knitwear, boots and coats. You need to have a rather brutal eye here. Before summer clothes get packed away, notice what you actually wore this summer. Anything that is not worn or no longer fits or is uncomfortable needs to be donated or sold. No reason to store it unused for another season. Do the same as you bring out warmer wear. It will help you notice if there are gaps in your wardrobe and it may make new purchases unnecessary.
Bedside tables. This is a spot that especially needs to be kept calm, as it’s the last thing you see at night and the first as you wake. Remove empty water glasses or bottles and books or magazines that you’ve finished. Keep away any work-related items, devices or paperwork. Your bedroom needs to be separate and a calm space, not a workspace. If your table has drawers, clean them out too. You can also purchase a bedside table that has charging inside the drawers so there is another way to put things out of the way.
The living room. Start with sideboards, coffee tables and areas around the couch. Recycle old papers and magazines. Find a good storage spot for remotes, chargers and other pieces of technology. Try to pare down some of the decorative objects that we all seem to accumulate. If something makes you happy, it has earned its space. Focus more on possessions that you don’t enjoy or even notice anymore. You are trying to give the things you love breathing space to be more appreciated!
Remember: you don’t need to do it all in a day. Choose a small area at a time. Think of how you can make each space work better for you. By the time the snow flies you will have a home that feels lighter and functions better. It’ll make you feel cozy and comfy!
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
