Have you ever opened a gift with a big smile, all while thinking “What am I going to use this for?” Maybe it’s a lovely scarf that simply isn’t your color or a kitchen gadget you know you will never use. You appreciate the gift and the thoughtfulness from the person who gave it to you, but you also know keeping it will not bring you joy. So what to do with it? It’s absolutely ok to let go of these items. You can do so with a guilt-free mindset knowing it will benefit you and your space.
How to: Declutter Unwanted Gifts
Focus On The Intent
When someone you care for gives you a gift, their intention is likely to make you happy and show appreciation for the relationship you share with them. Often we feel a sense of obligation to keep anything that was received as a gift. We don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or seem unappreciative. It’s important to know that the value of the gift is in the thought behind it, not the actual physical item. Shift your focus to the care and thoughtfulness of the person as you let the item go. This doesn’t diminish your gratitude for the gift.
Consider The Clutter
If you have unwanted gifts in your home that you don’t use, they are likely tucked away in a closet or spare room. This creates or adds to clutter in your home. Over time, as this clutter builds, it will become harder to maintain an organized home. A cluttered home can greatly impact you mentally and emotionally. Learn more about that here.
When deciding whether to keep a gift, ask yourself:
Does it serve a purpose in my life?
Do I love it?
Would I have chosen it for myself?
If the answer to these questions is “no,” it’s okay to let it go.
New Purpose
While this item may not be perfect for you, it could be the best thing for someone else. A great way to offset the guilt of letting go of a gift is to give it a new life and purpose. Donating new or gently used items to a local charity can feel good knowing you are positively contributing to your community. Do you know someone who would love the item? Regift the item to someone who can both appreciate and use it. You can also consider selling the item. You can use the money you make to invest in something you love or your latest home organization project!
Letting go of unwanted gifts is about more than tidying up. It’s really a form of self-care as you work to keep control of your space. Decluttering and organizing allows you to create a space that is functional and helps you embrace an intentional mindset and life that feels lighter and more like you!
If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
Items in our homes that hold sentimental value, reminding us of a time or place or person that may be gone, can be very hard to part with. It’s fully understandable. We all struggle with parting with the cherished memories these items hold. Keeping a few items that we love and have a special connection with is great. The problem occurs when our sentimental items are piling up and causing clutter. We have talked about the mental impact that clutter can have. Couple that with the guilt and frustration you may feel in being surrounded by all the sentimental items, and you may be truly unsure of how to tackle that decluttering project. We are sharing our best strategies to help you navigate letting go while still honoring and feeling that attachment to these items.
Understanding Sentimental Clutter
Before diving into the decluttering process for your sentimental items and keepsakes, it’s important to consider why you are holding on to the items in the first place. They likely evoke a range of strong emotions and feelings for you. Assess the true value of each item. Ask yourself if the item serves a purpose or brings you joy. It’s normal to feel guilt when you are deciding to let things go. Keep in mind that you are not erasing the good moment or memory attached to the item. Decluttering is a necessary process. You are clearing out and creating an open and organized space for new experiences and memories.
5 Ways to Let Go
Consider the memory attached to the item over the actual item. Take a moment to think about the memory the object connects you to or reminds you of. If the item reminds you of a person, write down the memory or story. This will help you find value in the memory itself over the object.
Set limits on how many sentimental items you are willing to keep. Find a place for them in your home and designate this the keepsake corner. Setting boundaries will allow you to be more selective in what you choose to keep. It’s a great way to keep only what truly means something to you.
Go digital and take photos of your special items. If the thought of not seeing the item anymore is too much, taking a picture can work well for you. You can create a special album for sentimental keepsakes. These photos will be safely stored away for you to revisit whenever you need or want to.
Upcycle to breathe new life into your items. If you have clothing or blankets filled with memories, create a blanket or pillow. You get to keep the item and the memory, all while creating something you can use. So instead of being tucked away, they can be on display.
Share the item with someone who can use or treasure it. You may find it easier to let go of an item if you know the person it’s going to will appreciate it as you do. You may have family members with limited items from the family who would love to have something to cherish from the past.
One of the most important things to remember as you work to declutter sentimental items is to grant yourself time and grace. It’s a difficult process and it’s okay to take your time to work through all the memories attached to the items, especially those from significant life events and losses. If you aren’t ready to part with certain things, be gentle with yourself. Tuck it away to revisit another time. You don’t have to declutter all at once. Every small step will make a big difference for your physical space along with your mental and emotional clarity.
If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
Ho ho ho – here comes the holidays and the holiday guests! The holidays certainly snuck up on me, too… Family time is great with all the catching up, laughs and love. If you are the holiday host, you may be starting to feel a bit of overwhelm along with your excitement. It’s ok! We are here to help you prep your home like a pro. All you need is a little time and planning to get your home holiday ready to welcome your guests with a real smile, not the stressed out, fake smile…
6 Ways to Get Your Home Guest Ready
1. Declutter High Traffic Areas
Place your focus on the areas in your home that your guests will see and use the most. Think living room, kitchen and guest rooms. Clear out any unnecessary items to make the spaces open and inviting. You can place personal items in bins or baskets and tuck them away until the holidays are over. Your guests are bound to bring their things right? Let’s give them some room to really feel comfortable during their stay.
2. Create a Cozy Guest Area
This may be a separate room or maybe the couch. You may not have a designated guest room, and that’s ok! Make sure they have clean, fresh linens to sleep on. Clear out some closet and drawer space if possible for them to tuck their things in. If you don’t really have the extra space, set up a luggage stand or provide a clear area for suitcases. Keeping your guests’ items organized and out of the way helps you and them!.
3. Optimize Your Kitchen
The kitchen is a hot spot during the holidays and adding more people into the home gets it even hotter. You will need more free space. Start by clearing off your countertops, tucking away anything that isn’t needed or used often, like small appliances. Declutter and organize your fridge and pantry. Take inventory of what you have and might need…. make sure you don’t already have 5 open jars of pumpkin pie spices. These areas are about to be home to a ton of holiday ingredients and food. Yes, the leftovers are about to take over. Make room now to avoid clutter and disorganization when your house is full.
4. Refresh the Bathroom
The bathroom will also be a highly used area while you are hosting your guests. Make sure it’s clean and well stocked with essentials like toilet paper, hand soap and towels. Don’t overthink it. You don’t have to have color coordinated towel sets. Fresh and functional is the goal here. Fill a basket with toiletry essentials in case your guests forget their razor or toothpaste.
5. Ready the Entryway
As your guests enter your home, your entryway can quickly become a cluttered drop zone. Stay in front of this by prepping the area ahead of time. Remove any unnecessary personal belongings, like your four pairs of shoes that hang out there. This will help open the space for your guests coats, shoes and bag. Think about the potential for wet weather and have a mat or special area for wet shoes or umbrellas.
6. Holiday Vibes
If you go all out decorating for the holidays and this makes you happy, go for it! If it’s really not your thing that’s ok too. A simple door wreath, a bowl of ornaments and a few holiday pillows can give your home that cozy holiday feel. Even just a scented plug in can make the day shine and feel like the holidays. You can add some lights and holiday tunes to really set the mood. Sometimes less can really be more and it’s less to clean up later.
Hosting for the holidays can be stressful. Remember that the holidays are about spending time with your favorite people and soaking up all the love and laughter. It’s really not about having a perfectly organized and spotless house. Your guests are there to see you, not judge your home. Prep as much as you can, take a deep breath and enjoy your company and holidays!
If you need a hand prepping your home for holiday guests, we’re here to help! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
Giving gifts is a thoughtful way to express how much you appreciate and care for someone. It’s a fun way to celebrate special occasions and big moments in life. You expect the recipient to be full of joy to receive your gift, right? There are times when what we intend to be a thoughtful gesture can actually be a burden. Have you ever received a gift that really isn’t something you want or need? Of course you are appreciative of the thoughtfulness, but it’s not really something you would have purchased for yourself. In my role as a professional organizer, I often see well-intentioned gifts turn into clutter. This creates stress and a mess for the recipient. They don’t really want it, but feel guilty about letting it go. With the holiday gift giving season approaching, let’s talk about gift options that are clutter free, but still meaningful and fun!
5 Pre-Gifting Considerations
What do they like– Think about the person’s tastes, interests and needs. Giving a little thought to your purchase helps you give something they will actually like and shows you put some effort into your choice.
Is it useful– Most people will really appreciate a practical gift they can use in their home. Try to think of something that will make their day to day a little easier or more enjoyable.
Is it too personal– Unless you are super close to the person, it’s best to avoid Items like clothing and personal care products. The chances of you getting their preferred scent or size right can be slim.
No obligations– Make sure the person knows you are totally fine with them exchanging or even re-gifting the gift if it’s not their favorite thing. No hard feelings. Bonus points if you include the gift receipt!
What do you want– It’s ok, likely even best practice, to ask the receiver what they want. It’s a great method to make sure they will like what they get. Make sure they give you a few choices to keep the element of surprise.
4 Physical Gift Alternatives
Now let’s talk about physical gift alternatives. Yes, there are many options to show someone you care without buying them something that may end up in their donation or trash pile. Here are a few of my favorite gifts that don’t create clutter or become a burden.
Experiences over Things
So many options with this one! Think escape room, concert tickets, a cooking class, spa day, dinner out, winery tour, or a weekend getaway to name just a few. Not only do they get a gift, but they get the opportunity to make memories with someone they care about. That’s like a super gift right?
Consumable Gifts
Gifts that can be used up while the receiver gets to enjoy it, then it’s gone. Think food baskets or trays, an assortment of sweet treats, their favorite drink, or homemade goodies. This is an excellent way to show you care without adding clutter to their home.
The Gift of Time
Planning a “gift” of spending time together can truly mean so much. You could also offer your time as a gift to help with a project, babysitting, or running errands. If your loved one is super busy, this will mean so much and show how much you care for them.
Gift Cards
Gift cards aren’t impersonal, they are freedom! They offer the recipient the opportunity to choose something they truly want or need. They can find the perfect gift that fits into their life. And they are super easy to pick out. Win, win!
With a little thought and care, you can make sure your presents are always happily received and cherished. By getting creative and putting a little thought into what your recipient really likes or needs, your gift is likely to enhance their life without adding unnecessary clutter. After all, a gift should never feel like a burden!
If you need a hand decluttering and organizing unwanted gifts (and more), we’re here to help! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
We all want the best for our kids. We strive to give them the love, support and tools they need to be their best self. To this end, we may unknowingly be doing them a disservice by creating an environment with too much stuff. Clutter, which may seem like it wouldn’t really impact a child, can actually have profound negative effects on their behavior, emotions and cognitive development. Let’s explore the impact of clutter on children and ways we can help them create an organized environment.
5 Ways Clutter Impacts Children
1. Cognitive Overload
When a child is surrounded by too much visual and physical clutter, it can make it difficult for them to focus and concentrate. If they are trying to get their homework done in a room with toys and books scattered everywhere, they will likely be distracted and struggle to stay on task.
2. Increased Stress and Anxiety
The constant visual noise created by clutter can overwhelm a child, making them feel out of control. This can cause feelings of stress and anxiety, emotions they likely don’t know how to handle or deal with well. These feelings can make it difficult for them to relax or focus.
3. Decreased Creativity
A child’s mind is a wonderful playground of imagination. While getting creative can lead to a little mess, excessive clutter can actually stifle their creativity. If a child is playing in a cluttered space, they may struggle to create new, imaginative ideas.
4. Poor Social Skills
If your child feels embarrassed by the clutter and disorganization in their home, they will be less likely to want to invite friends over. They may struggle with finding excuses or ways to explain this to their close friends. This can affect their social development and may lead them to feel isolated from their peers.
5. Behavioral Issues
Living in a cluttered environment can contribute to behavioral problems. A child who is experiencing heavy emotions like irritability or frustration may not know how to handle those feelings. This lack of structure and order may cause them to misbehave and act out.
Strategies to Develop Organization Skills
1. Lead by Example
Children can learn so much from watching you. Show them how you organize your things, whether it’s decluttering a drawer, planning a grocery list or putting away laundry. Involve them in your processes and encourage them to contribute their thoughts and ideas.
2. Organize Their Space
Help children declutter their rooms. Help them understand the concept of clutter and the benefits of having less stuff in their room. Let them decide what to keep, donate and discard. Help them organize and label their bins, shelves and drawers to help them know where things belong.
3. Consistent Schedule
Establish a daily routine that includes regular times for homework, chores, and bedtime. Be sure to add their “free” time to the schedule. This will help them understand the expectations and be better able to get all the things done in a timely manner.
4. Get Visual
Work with your kids to create checklists and charts for daily tasks. Use pictures or stickers for younger children to make it fun and easy to follow. Have your older children add their activities and important reminders to the calendar themselves. This will help them learn how to plan ahead and be accountable.
5. Bring Your Patience
Learning the art of being organized takes time. Your child may need gentle reminders and positive reinforcements to help them develop these habits. Consistency is the key to your success!
Children thrive on routine and predictability. Working with your child to declutter and organize their spaces (and other areas in the home) will teach them so many good life skills. By teaching these skills in a supportive and engaging way, you will help them learn to embrace an organized lifestyle.
If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
Have you seen the underconsumption core “trend” all over your social media feed? Although underconsumption is certainly not a new idea, it is gaining traction and awareness thanks to social media. As a professional home organizer, this trend speaks to my minimalist heart (and is super soothing to watch the videos)! It falls right in line with all the things I teach my clients about ~ less stuff for a happier mind and home. Let’s explore this trend and find ways you can implement positive underconsumption changes in your home.
What Is Underconsumption Core?
Essentially the concept of underconsumption core is using what you already have until it is truly worn out, and resisting the “need” or desire to buy more stuff. Thrifting is also a key element of this movement; finding treasures to give new life to that have been discarded by someone else who no longer needed the item. There is also the aspect of reusing or repurposing items in your home that would normally be quickly and easily trashed. This not only helps you get the most bang for your buck, but also greatly impacts the reduction of waste on our environment.
One thing to also be aware of, however, is to create a boundary for how many items you are saving to also keep your clutter in check. It is very easy for one upcylced jar from spaghetti sauce to quickly become 37 upcycled jars that now all need a spot to live.
3 Ways to Reduce Your Consumption
Know What You Have
Getting the most use out of the items you have already purchased is one of the best ways to reduce your consumption. Keep using and wearing your clothes and shoes as long as they are in good condition. Create a capsule wardrobe with good quality, versatile pieces you can mix and match into many different outfits. Skip the fast fashion which never fits quite right in favor of a better quality item that will last a lot longer. This not only saves money, but it also allows you to keep your closets organized with less unnecessary clutter. Use this same concept with your kitchen items and kids clothes and toys.
If you have clothes, kitchen gadgets or toys that are still in good condition, but you no longer need or want, consider donating them rather than throwing them away. You could also plan a swap party with friends and mix and match clothes and other household items with each other.
Pro-tip ~ Decluttering and organizing your closets, pantry, playrooms and other areas of your home will help you know what you have. Taking inventory of your possessions with a grateful mindset can help reduce the urge to have more.
Creative Repurposing
Who doesn’t love a good DIY project? Take that reusing mindset to all the areas of your home. Find fun ways to repurpose items that you would normally throw away. You can use pasta sauce jars or other glass jars as storage solutions for items in the pantry or bathroom. You can transform plastic containers into a herb garden. Tin cans are great for storing pens and other office supplies. Cut old t-shirts into cleaning rags. These are great for dusting. There are so many ways you can repurpose items to prolong their life and keep a few items out of the trash.
When it comes to larger items and electronics, consider the cost effectiveness of having the item repaired instead of replaced. It may be likely that there is a repair resource close to you that can help you mend the broken item. Not only are you saving money and reducing waste, you are also supporting your local community.
Pro-tip ~ Incorporate the whole family in your repurposing project. Encourage them to think outside of the box to find solutions for the use of an item. This can make for a fun, creative and maybe even competitive family event!
Buying with Intention
Be thoughtful and deliberate with your purchasing decisions. For consumable items like food, take stock of what you already have and create a menu to go with those ingredients. Then create a list of what needs to be purchased, along with a budget. Next comes the hard part, stick to your list and budget! Feeding ourselves and our families is a necessity, but there are ways you can reduce the amount of food you purchase and let’s face it, ultimately waste. For more on this topic check out our “Organizers Guide to Reduce Food Waste.”
When it comes to other types of purchases, it may be helpful to consider if the item is truly necessary or is it an impulse purchase. Ask yourself if this item is going to add value to your home or life. Is it going to solve a problem and be useful or end up in the trash or donation box in a month? Use this approach for items like clothes, shoes, toys and kitchen gadgets.
Pro-tip ~ Give yourself a “waiting period” before making purchases for “wants”. For example, wait 24 hours before buying the item. This time can help you really decide if you need the item or if it was in fact an unnecessary impulse buy.
The underconsumption core is a trend we can all get behind and turn into a lifestyle. Embracing what you have and being mindful and deliberate in your purchasing choices can also help you reduce clutter and maintain an organized home. The benefits, both physical and mental, to a home and life with less stuff is huge. Read more about the mental and emotional effects of the “Power of Decluttering”.
If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
Summer break is quickly coming to a close, and it’s time to begin prepping for the new school year. This can be both an exciting and overwhelming time for you and your kids. It can be hard to say goodbye to the laid back days of summer. The time off likely led to overall disorganization in your kid’s room, play areas, and maybe even throughout the home. Clutter is a normal side effect of summer break. As you begin to prepare for a new school year, helping your kids create a clutter-free, organized environment, especially in their personal spaces can set the stage for academic success and personal growth. We are sharing our top tips to reset your nest and get the kids’ room organized for the school year ahead.
4 Steps to Declutter & Organize Kids’ Rooms
Step 1: Work With Your Child
Involving your kids in the process of decluttering and organizing their things is essential to teaching them important life skills. It helps them have a sense of control and requires them to use decision making skills when choosing what to keep, donate and trash. They will also likely gain more responsibility in caring for their belongings and space if included in the process.
You can add a little excitement to make this more fun and interesting for your child. Use a timer to see how much they can get done in a certain amount of time. Most kids’ love a good challenge and will work hard to win!
Step 2: Sort & Categorize
Decluttering the room is the best first step to organization. Have your keep, donate and trash boxes ready to be filled. When sorting their clothes and shoes, place anything that doesn’t fit or no longer suits their style in the donate or trash box. Once this process is done, you will have a better idea of what is needed when back to school shopping.
When sorting the books and toys, encourage your child to let go of anything that they don’t enjoy playing with or have outgrown. Have them help decide where to take their donations. There are many schools and organizations that can get great benefit from gently used toys and books.
Step 3: Organized Storage Solutions
Now that you have decluttered and only have the keep items remaining, it’s time to organize. Creating and using storage systems will not only help to get organized, but will be imperative to helping your kid stay organized. Labeled baskets and bins are great for small toys and art supplies. Use shelves for books and decorative items.
In the closet, group similar clothing items together – pants, shirts, etc. Have hanging clothes within reach for your child. Use those labeled baskets and bins for accessories or folded clothing. Don’t forget to use vertical storage, and even the inside of closet doors if needed, to maximize the space. Not only will this help keep the closet looking great, but will help your kid get ready each morning with little hassle and stress.
Step 4: Maintenance Schedule
The key to really making all this hard work pay off for you and your kids is to create a routine to regularly maintain the organization. Pick a time in the evening to have a quick 10 minute cleanup. Keep the time consistent, for example after homework is finished or before dinner. Setting clear expectations can really help your child. Have them place all items in their clearly designated homes they helped create. This will keep the room clean and clutter free, while allowing for an organized fresh start to their day each morning.
Pro-organizer Tip
Have a designated “drop zone” for all daily items needed for school like their book bag, jacket, and shoes. Make returning these items to their proper place part of the evening clean up routine. No one wants to start their day off searching for a missing shoe when it’s time to leave, right?
If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
Our daily lives are cluttered not only with possessions but with commitments and distractions. This overload can really be a burden, not only in our physical space but in our mental space as well. Over 20% of Americans currently rent self storage units, with an additional 15% planning to do so in the future. This costs an average of $100 per month per household. Why do we hold on to so many things that we aren’t even using? Through minimalism and organization, we can work toward simplifying our lives by creating order and harmony.
Minimalist Mindset
Most people equate minimalism to living with less of all the things – possessions, commitments and distractions. While this is true to a point, it’s important not to take this concept to extremes. We can all benefit from living a simpler life, but it still has to work for you and reflect the needs of your daily life.
The best approach to a minimalist mindset is to shift your focus to what truly matters by eliminating the excess stuff. It’s about intentional living. We have to minimize in order to maximize all the areas of our lives. This allows us to make room, both physically and mentally, for what brings us joy and lights up our lives. This mindset requires asking tough questions about what you value and letting go of anything that doesn’t align with those values.
Essence of Organization
Organization is the art of creating systems and structures to efficiently manage our physical possessions along with our commitments and responsibilities. While minimalism focuses on reducing the number of possessions, organization focuses on arranging our items that we have and need in a manner that works for our family and homes. You need to enjoy existing in your home and doing the things you love. This includes having what you need for the activities or hobbies that bring you joy. The goal is to have your home be soothing but not overwhelming.
Organization is a planned arrangement of your possessions (or commitments) that work to achieve your personal goals for your space or time. Everything should have a purpose and place that minimizes the time and effort you spend to find and use what you need. Organization creates a life of intention and clarity.
Finding Your Balance
Minimalism and organization aren’t opposing concepts. In fact, they can go hand in hand. The key is to find what works for you. Start by identifying what truly matters to you. Think about your long term goals and aspirations. This will help guide your decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. Use your minimalist mindset to declutter your physical space and simplify your commitments. Then use the power of organization to ensure that what you do keep is well-maintained and easy to manage. Finding this balance is an ever changing process. Such is life, right? There will be adjustments along the way. What works for someone else may not work for you, and that’s perfectly fine. This process is personal and really just needs to fill the needs of you and your family.
If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
In today’s world, food waste has become a significant issue that impacts many households. With the rising cost of groceries, reducing this waste can help your family save money. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can reduce food waste in your home while still enjoying a variety of delicious meals. The goal is to enjoy what you have in stock while it is fresh before purchasing more. So how do we do that? Here’s our guide to turning potential waste into delicious meals.
Kitchen Inventory
This first step to really taking control of your food waste is to know what you currently have in your pantry, cabinets, and fridge. Taking stock of what you have already purchased will help you avoid buying duplicates and ensure you use the items before they expire.
This is also a great opportunity to declutter and organize your food storage areas. Discard any expired items and place items to the front that have the closest expiration date. Group similar items together to help you quickly see what you have to work with when beginning to plan your meals.
Meal Planning
Now that you have a solid inventory of your kitchen, let’s reverse the meal planning process. Instead of planning meals and then shopping for ingredients, plan meals based on the ingredients you already have. You can look up recipes on Google that include the ingredients you need to use up. Get creative and consider flexible recipes like stir-fries, soups, casseroles and salads. These can easily be adjusted to work with a variety of ingredients. Set aside time each week to create a menu. It’s important to plan meals that fit your schedule. Choose quick and easy recipes for those busy evenings where time for cooking is limited.
Let’s go shopping for missing ingredients! Using the menu you created from the food you already have in stock, write down your shopping list. Taking the time to create a menu and shopping list will help you buy only what you need. This reduces the likelihood of impulse or unnecessary purchases which inevitably leads to food going bad before you can use it.
Leveraging Leftovers
Getting creative with your leftovers can lead to exciting new dishes all while reducing food waste.If you know you will have leftover meat from a meal, incorporate recipes into your menu for the week to use that food. Turn last night’s roast chicken into a chicken salad or tacos. Soups or stews are also great ways to repurpose your leftover meats and veggies. This can also help you to plan a quick meal for one of those busy, time crunched evenings.
Another great option to utilize leftovers is preserving them in the freezer. This works well if you don’t like eating leftovers immediately. Pop them in the freezer and when you pull them out to enjoy later, it will be like you are enjoying a new meal.
Precise Cooking
Not a fan of leftovers? Learning the art of cooking only what you need is a simple yet effective way to minimize waste. The key to this process is learning the right portion sizes for you and your family. Each member may have differing needs and preferences in the amount of food they consume at each meal. A seven year old will likely not have the same appetite as a teenager, right? This will take some trial and error that can be helped by measuring tools. If you’re working from a recipe that serves more than you need, adjust the quantities. By planning portions carefully and preparing just enough food for your meals, you can enjoy fresh dishes without the worry of excess leftovers.
We are living in a time of plentiful grocery availability. There is less need to stock up on processed food. Reducing food waste starts with a mindful approach to what’s already in your kitchen. Embracing these habits will help you save money, enjoy new recipes and contribute to a sustainable kitchen and a healthier planet. Bonus ~ you get to enjoy having a clutter free and organized kitchen that works for you!
If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
School’s out and summer break is here! Summertime is the best time for kids with unlimited joy, freedom, and fun. But as the adults in charge of the house, the influx of activities, outdoor time, travels, company, and downtime can create a chaotic mess for us. We are here to arm you with practical tips and solutions to help you stay ahead of the game and have an enjoyable summer along with the kids.
Declutter & Organize Your Pantry
With everyone home for the summer, your kitchen will quickly become a most frequented area in your home. Kids are always hungry right? The first step is to declutter this hot zone. Once that is done, organize your pantry with bins and labels to help the kids know where things are and where to return them when they are done. Create a grab-and-go zone for kids to be able to help themselves to foster independence and decision making skills. Stock up on healthy snacks to promote growth & wellness.
Declutter & Organize Kids’ Belongings
One of the best ways to stay organized is to continually declutter as kids grow up. Have your children assist with this part. Sort through their closets, toys, and books to help choose what to keep, toss, or donate. If there are toys that are broken, clothes that are outgrown, and items that have been long since forgotten about, bag up and pass along accordingly. Don’t forget to include the outdoor gear and toys in this process too. Make sure water toys are in good condition for swimming and are the correct size for safety. Once the clutter is gone, help them organize their things with designated play zones and outdoor storage for those items. Your kids will be able to help keep their things in order if they start with a good system in place.
Summer Command Center
If your children are involved in sports and activities, your summer is likely to be a busy one. Creating a central hub for all the different activities can be a game changer for you. Designate a convenient spot for a drop zone for bags by adding a few hooks in the garage or entryway. You can use a bulletin board, dry erase board, or an app to keep your family’s activities coordinated. Keep a calendar with all the important activities, any appointments, and any scheduled playdates and outings. Don’t forget to add summer camps and sport schedules. Having all of this information in one place where every member of the family has access to it will help keep everything running smoothly all summer long.
Plan for Indoor Activities
While this is a very techy time we live in, your kids (regardless of age) may find themselves bored at some point. Especially on rainy or super hot days, they may need something to entertain themselves. Be ready for this by making a a few stations with different options. Create a crafting area with supplies to encourage their creativity. Set up a cozy reading nook with a variety of books your kids enjoy. Also, have board games and puzzles readily accessible. Preventing boredom in kids is a win for the parents too. Limit screen time and let their imagination shine.
Routine & Responsibility
A big part of maintaining your home all summer is to include your children in the routines and processes required to do that. They will be home all day, helping to create any messes, so let’s help them help us. Have a daily schedule and chore chart in the Summer Command Center. They will be able to easily see what is happening and what is expected of them each day. You can also use a reward system to get them super excited about helping out. The reward could be something simple like going for ice cream or money earned toward a want they have.
While keeping a well maintained and organized home is the goal for the summer, staying flexible is important as well. There are bound to be lazy days and spontaneous fun to be had. Create a balance that keeps your home tidy while allowing you and your family to enjoy the carefree spirit of sweet summertime. Focus on creating wonderful moments and memories with your kids!
Need some help with the decluttering and organization process? Check out our Home Organizing Services. We would love to to help you organize and design your home! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.
