As the new year begins, many of us are filled with motivation and determination to start fresh and make positive changes in our lives. One area that often gets neglected but can have a significant impact on our well-being is our living space. A clean and organised home not only looks visually appealing but also creates a calm and stress-free environment.
If you’re looking to declutter and revamp your living space, we’ve got some home organisation ideas and cleaning tips to help you get started this New Year.
Home Organisation Ideas
An organised home is a stress-free home, and one that encourages the freedom for love to prosper and enjoyment to be felt. Here are 5 home organisation ideas to get you going on your journey:
1. Create a Cleaning Schedule
One of the first steps towards maintaining a clean and organised home is creating a cleaning schedule. This will help you stay on top of your household chores and ensure that everything is done regularly. Divide your tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly chores to make them more manageable. Set aside specific days or time slots for different tasks, such as vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the bathroom. By following a cleaning schedule, you’ll be able to maintain a clean home without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Sort and Declutter
Before organising your home, it’s important to declutter and get rid of unnecessary items. Go through each room and sort your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and throw away. Be ruthless in your decision-making process and only keep items that you truly love or find useful. Remember, a clutter-free home not only looks better but also makes it easier to find things and reduces the time spent cleaning.
3. Maximise Storage Space
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to maximise your storage space. Invest in storage solutions such as baskets, bins, and drawer organisers to keep your belongings neat and tidy. Utilise vertical space by installing shelves or hanging organisers on walls. Make use of under-bed storage or invest in furniture with built-in storage compartments. By utilising every available space, you’ll be able to keep your home organised and free of clutter.
4. Create Designated Areas
To maintain an organised home, it’s important to create designated areas for specific items. Have a designated spot for keys, mail, and other frequently used items near the entrance. Create a workspace with adequate storage for office supplies. Assign specific drawers or shelves for different categories of items in your kitchen. By having designated areas, you’ll know exactly where everything belongs, making it easier to find things and keep your home organised.
5. Regularly Purge and Refresh
Organising your home is an ongoing process. Set aside time every few months to reassess and purge any items that are no longer needed or have become clutter. Regularly refreshing your space will help you maintain a clutter-free home and prevent it from becoming overwhelming again. Use this time to also assess and reorganise your storage solutions to better suit your needs.
New Year Cleaning Tips
In addition to organising your home, the new year is a great time to give your living space a deep clean. Start the year off right with these 5 New Year cleaning tips:
1. Clean Room-By-Room
Instead of trying to tackle your entire home in one go, break it down and clean room-by-room. This will make the task more manageable and allow you to give each space the attention it deserves. Start with the areas that need the most attention, such as the kitchen and bathroom, and work your way through the rest of the rooms.
2. Gather the Right Cleaning Supplies
Before diving into your cleaning tasks, make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies on hand. Stock up on cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths, sponges, and any other necessary cleaning tools you may need. Having everything ready will save you time and prevent interruptions during your cleaning sessions.
3. Don’t Forget About the Neglected Areas
When cleaning, it’s easy to focus on the visible areas and forget about the neglected spots. Pay attention to areas such as ceiling fans, light fixtures, baseboards, and behind furniture. These areas often accumulate dust and dirt and can easily be overlooked during regular cleaning routines.
4. Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery
Give your carpets and upholstery a deep clean to refresh them and prolong their lifespan. Consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. Spot clean any stains and use upholstery cleaners to revitalise your furniture.
5. Organise and Clean Out Your Cleaning Supplies
As you embark on your deep cleaning journey, take the opportunity to organise and clean out your cleaning supplies. Discard any expired or empty cleaning products and reorganise your supplies for easy access. Having a clean and organised cleaning supplies area will make future cleaning tasks more efficient.
Decluttering Your Living Space
Decluttering your living space is an essential part of the home organisation process. Here are 5 tips to help you declutter effectively:
1. Start Small
When faced with a cluttered home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Start small by tackling one area or category at a time. For example, begin with a single drawer or focus on decluttering your wardrobe. Starting small will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue decluttering.
2. Follow the One-Year Rule
A good rule of thumb when decluttering is to follow the one-year rule. If you haven’t used or worn an item in the past year, it’s likely that you won’t miss it. Consider donating or selling these items to create more space and reduce clutter.
3. Use Storage Solutions for Sentimental Items
Sentimental items can be challenging to let go of, even if they contribute to clutter. Instead of holding onto all sentimental items, choose a few meaningful ones to keep and find creative storage solutions for them. Display sentimental items in a shadow box or store them in a memory box to preserve their meaning without cluttering your living space.
4. Practice the “One In, One Out” Rule
To prevent clutter from accumulating in the future, practice the “one in, one out” rule. Every time you bring a new item into your home, commit to removing an equivalent item. This will help you maintain a clutter-free environment and make you more mindful of your purchases.
5. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If decluttering feels like an overwhelming task or if you’re struggling to let go of certain items, consider seeking professional help. Professional organisers can provide guidance, support, and practical solutions to help you declutter and organise your home effectively.
Conclusion
Cleaning and organising your home is a rewarding process that can have a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being. By implementing the home organiaation ideas and new year cleaning tips mentioned in this article, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a clean and clutter-free living space.
If your work or social schedule is too busy this New Year, we’ve got you covered! With a variety of home services all done by vetted, cleaning professionals, ensuring a spotless living space for you and your loved ones is easy peasy! Book a SweepSouth cleaning service to enjoy convenience, flexibility, and professionalism, all wrapped up in SA’s #1 home services provider.
