Follow these steps to tackle clutter bit by bit this summer. Do it while the sun is out and you feel invigorated. You’ll find yourself in a much better place when school starts and the holiday season (plus more indoor time) approaches. You’ll thank me later.
Professional Organizer, Ashley Gude of AshleyOrganizes.com
Kids Schoolwork and Artwork
It’s overwhelming to figure out how to respectfully go through everything your child has done throughout the school year. Many parents fall into the trap of wanting to keep each and every item. But how do you do that? And where do you store it? And, realistically, how often will you go through it? If you pare things down to a manageable size you’ll find it more appealing. And, you will enjoy looking through things over the years.
So, where do you begin?
- Start by throwing away trash.
- Collect anything generic into a pile (worksheets and coloring within the lines) and discard
- Put artwork and art projects in a pile and ask your child to pick their 5 favorite projects. Discard the rest. Don’t sift one by one as it will complicate things. Just lay out and let them look at things “collectively” … you’ll be able to see which ones have extra care and attention and love.
- Gather report cards and awards and class photos.
- Keep anything specific to your child’s growth and development (if they have mastered something, keep it. If there is a cut-out of their hand, keep it).
- Work your way through groups of “like” objects and pare down to just the most memorable items.
- Store in a hanging file clear bin. Add a file for each year/grade. A school keepsake box, that has been organized and pared down, is a lovely gift to give your children upon graduation.
Toys (indoor and outdoor)
Use summer as a good time to assess which toys your kids have outgrown and also which toys have come to the end of their useful life (broken, missing parts and pieces). If a toy was never really used or loved, pass it along to someone who will find joy in it.
Power Wash
Take time to power wash the deck, steps, furniture and any exterior objects in need of some TLC. The better you take care of things, the longer items last. And the easier they will be to clean. Many people leave things untouched and then find that it is too late to repair or enjoy them. You end up trashing things and having to re-buy. Carve out a few hours a summer to restore things that you love.
Give your Pantry a Pick-me-Up
- Remove all items
- Toss expired items
- Donate food that is still good but that you just won’t eat or surplus food that will expire shortly
- Deliver to a neighborhood food pantry (the freestanding ones are perfect for this)
- Wash shelving. If you have wire shelving … consider heavy plastic liners that are cut to standard sizes
- Group food into categories: Breakfast/Canned Goods/Jar Goods/Snacks/Breads & Crackers/Drinks/Kid’s Lunch items …
- Store candy and snacks in non-transparent bins so you’re not as tempted. Move to higher shelves in trying to limit.
- Add labels to bins so that family members know where to find things but also where to RETURN items
- Consider adding a small white board inside cabinet with pen so that family members can write down what is running low or what they want
Clean Out Dryer Vents
This one is a great annual maintenance chore that is oddly satisfying. Even better, it reduces the wear and tear on your dryer (will last longer) and avoids a dangerous build up. Time to tackle will be perhaps a half hour.
Clean or Replace Furnace Filters
This is one easy to-do to mark off of your list but if you take it a few steps further you’ll make things even easier for yourself in the long run.
Write the date of changing the filter in bold letters on a colorful post-it note and post it on your furnace. It will be a constant reminder.
Write on the unit what type/size filter it uses (in sharpie). And, if you’re running low add to Amazon list, or even do auto-ship to keep things timely.