Buzz
Decluttering requires prioritizing. While we all dream of tidier junk drawers or perfectly arranged linen closets, it’s not always possible to dedicate hours to these tasks. Luckily, if you have just a few hours this weekend, you can make a big difference by clearing the most frequently used spaces in your home. Focus on areas you use daily, leaving less critical spots, like game shelves, for later. Here are four key places to tackle this weekend for a more organized week ahead.
Evemilla/Getty ImagesYour Wardrobe
Autumn is upon us, and while those cozy sweaters may not be in use just yet, it’s only a matter of time before they are. Decluttering your wardrobe now can also help you assess what you may need to replace for the upcoming season.
Start by tossing out old, broken hangers and the flimsy wire hangers from the dry cleaners. This simple step not only enhances the look of your closet but also makes it much easier to find what you're looking for.
Next, get rid of any clothing that’s stained, damaged, or no longer fits. Donate anything that’s in good condition but no longer suits your style.
Finally, take a moment to check your shoes. Look for any pairs that are too worn to keep, or those that could benefit from a trip to the cobbler for fresh soles or heels.
Children’s Rooms
Kids have a special talent for creating messes. Whether it's a bedroom, playroom, or another designated space in the home, these areas can quickly become cluttered, making it difficult to find essentials like jackets, school books, and toys.
Start by decluttering the closet. Get rid of any clothes that are stained, worn, or no longer fit. However, consider keeping a tote bag to collect outgrown items in good condition for future hand-me-downs or donations.
Next, focus on toys and art supplies. Anything broken, missing pieces, or no longer appropriate for the child's age should be tossed out.
Pantry
We all tend to access our pantries frequently, which makes it easy for them to get disorganized. Many people also use these spaces to store bulk items that we rarely use, like that case of chickpeas we only need once a year for making hummus.
Go through each shelf and discard anything you're no longer using, like that half-finished box of rice pasta or the old bay leaves you bought for a stew you never got around to making.
Get rid of expired foods and spices. Move items that are nearing their expiration date to the front of the pantry so they’re easier to remember to use.
Once you've decluttered, spend a few minutes reorganizing and tidying up the shelves for a cleaner, more functional space.
Medicine Cabinet
There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with an itchy bug bite only to realize your tube of Benadryl expired years ago. Check the expiration dates on both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Dispose of anything expired and reorder replacements for anything close to expiring. Don’t forget to check your vitamins and homeopathic remedies if you use them.
Remember that many skincare products begin to lose their effectiveness once opened. Look for a symbol on the packaging, often a number like six, nine, or 12, which indicates how many months the product is good for after opening. If you can’t recall when you purchased something, it’s probably best to dispose of it.
