It is now more important than ever to focus on the things in our lives that bring us joy and happiness, to surround ourselves with things we love, and to make everyday life as easy as possible. A great place to start is in our own homes. We may not be able to control what happens in the world around us, but we certainly can control what happens in our own homes. Every day there are many things that need to be done, from getting ready for the day in the morning to preparing meals and doing the dishes at night. With so many tasks, why not make them as easy and enjoyable as possible? Here are some inspiring ideas, room by room, of things you can do to reduce stress and simplify life in your own home.
Kitchen room
Do you have gadgets? Get rid of unused kitchen utensils that take up valuable space. Keep frequently used items where you use them most. Keep large scissors, tape, bag clips, pens, black markers (for dating food), and a small notepad in a drawer for easy access at all times. Hang a personalized shopping list on the refrigerator and check off groceries as supplies run low. Store plastic grocery bags in an empty Kleenex box under the sink or in a drawer (it’s amazing how much you can fit in there). Match the lids to the plastic bowls. Throw away the ones without matches. Keep a hair clip in a small dish near the sink so it’s there when you need it when preparing meals. Also, keep a small plate on the counter for the rings when you do the dishes.
bath
Store similar items in clear, stackable, labeled plastic bins or bins. (ie nail care, makeup, small creams and lotions, travel products, etc.). Take out and use as needed and even take it to another room. Do you share the bathroom with others? Have a separate labeled container for each person. Store extra rolls of toilet paper in a drawer, basket, or cabinet. Keep a set of cleaning supplies in each bathroom for quick and easy cleanup. Keep shower cleaner and a sponge or scrub brush in the shower. Do you have a few extra minutes? Clean the shower while you shower. Keep sink counters uncluttered and organize drawer contents with drawer dividers. Do you like to listen to the radio in the morning? Invest in a small bath/shower radius to start your day off right.
Living
Keep this room tidy. Designate a home for remote controls. Keep only current magazines on the coffee table and recycle the rest. Minimize the number of trinkets and framed photos scattered around. Stay only with those you like and that are very special to you. The less you have, the easier it will be to clean and dust. Make this room beautiful. Show only the things that make you happy.
bedroom
On the nightstand, keep only the essentials (ie, lotion, lip balm, bottled water, alarm clock, and the book you’re reading). Use a laundry basket instead of the floor or a chair. Hang clean clothes in the closet where they belong. Make your bed every morning. You will feel great every time you enter your room. Need more storage space? Use bed risers to raise the bed frame and store items underneath. Keep a jar on the dresser for spare change and a small plate for emptying pocket items. Have an empty basket on hand to place items that go to another part of the house. Before you go to bed at night, take some time to put things back where they belong.
Closet
Stick only to the clothes you wear and that make you feel great! Life is short. Why wear clothes you don’t like? Organize clothing by category (ie pants together, tops together, dresses together, etc.). For a neat look, use only one type of hanger (ie wood or all white). Store shoes in clear plastic stackable shoe containers, either on the floor or on closet shelves. Use shelf dividers to keep stacks of clothes neat and tidy. Keep a donation bin on the floor to easily throw away clothes you’re ready to get rid of. Giving to those in need will brighten your day!
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