Spring into a Fresh Start: A Quick Guide to Spring Cleaning and OrganizingSpring is finally here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh and revitalize your living space. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it's time to say goodbye to the winter blues and hello to a clean, organized home. I will share with you some simple yet effective tips and tricks to help you tackle your spring cleaning and organizing like a pro. 1. Start with a Plan Before diving into spring cleaning, take some time to make a plan. Identify which areas of your home need the most attention and create a checklist to help you stay organized. 2. Declutter First Before you start cleaning, declutter the high frequent areas of the home by letting go of items you no longer need or use. This will make the cleaning process much easier and more efficient. 3. Clean from Top to Bottom When cleaning the home, start at the top and work your way down in each area. This way, any dust or dirt that falls will be cleaned up as you work your way down. 4. Use Natural Cleaning Products Consider using natural cleaning products to reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals. Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can be effective cleaners and are safer for your family and the environment. 5. Focus on High-Traffic Areas Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. These areas tend to accumulate more dirt and grime and may need a deeper clean. 6. Don't Forget About Windows and Window Treatments Spring is the perfect time to clean your windows inside and out. Also, don't forget to clean your window treatments, such as curtains or blinds, to remove dust and allergens. 7. Freshen Up Upholstery and Carpets Consider steam cleaning upholstery and carpets to remove deep-seated dirt and allergens. You can also sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to help absorb odors. 8. Organize Closets and Storage Spaces Take the opportunity to organize closets and storage spaces. Donate or sell items you no longer need and use storage bins or baskets to keep items organized. 9. Maintain Your Outdoor Space Spring cleaning isn't just for the inside of your home. Take some time to clean up your outdoor space by raking leaves, trimming bushes, and sweeping walkways. Clean outdoor patio furniture on the porch or backyard. You can even get the shed organized by bringing stuff outside on a nice day, declutter items, sort and organize, but first clean the inside shed floor before returning stuff back.
If you live in a condo/apartment with a balcony, clean any outdoor furniture including railing and flooring, so it’s ready to enjoy again. 10. Stay Consistent To make spring cleaning more manageable, try to stay consistent with your cleaning routine throughout the year. Regular maintenance can help prevent a buildup of dirt and grime, making spring cleaning less daunting. By following these tips, you can tackle spring cleaning like a pro and enjoy a clean, fresh home.
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The Minimalist’s Guide to Socks, Underwear, and Bras: How to Build a Streamlined Wardrobe In the pursuit of a minimalist lifestyle, every item in your wardrobe should serve a purpose and bring you joy. This includes essentials like socks, underwear, and bras. A minimalist wardrobe for these items is not only about decluttering but also about thoughtful curation and maintenance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you create a minimalist wardrobe for socks, underwear, and bras: Assess Your Needs • Start by taking stock of your current inventory of socks, underwear, and bras. Identify items that are worn out, no longer fit, or are rarely used. • Consider your lifestyle and preferences. How often do you do laundry? What types of activities do you engage in that may require specific types of undergarments? 2. Determine Quantity • Socks: Aim for 10-15 pairs of everyday socks, plus a few extra for specific activities. (This is If you live in one climate) • Underwear: 10-14 pairs, including a mix of styles for different outfits and activities. • Bras: 7-10 bras, including everyday bras and specialty bras like sports bras or strapless bras. I live in Canada so for four seasons I do need more socks for a variety of weather. I have 5 pairs of boot socks, 8 pairs of tube socks, 6 pairs of ankle socks, 6 pairs of no show socks (they are so small they don't take up much space), and 6 pairs of ankle dressy socks and 2 pairs of no show dressy socks. I also have 2 pairs of black stockings. Choose Quality Over Quantity • Invest in high-quality, durable undergarments made from breathable fabrics. Look for features like moisture-wicking properties in socks and underwear. • Quality bras with good support can prevent discomfort and last longer. Organize Your Wardrobe • Use drawer dividers, small boxes or wire baskets to separate socks, underwear, and bras. • Arrange items neatly, with the most frequently used ones easily accessible. Practice Regular Maintenance
• Wash undergarments according to the care instructions on the label. Avoid using harsh detergents or hot water, as these can damage the fabric. • Replace undergarments every 12 months, or sooner if they are worn out, damaged, or no longer fit properly. Consider Sustainability • Choose undergarments made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled fibers. • Look for brands that prioritize ethical production practices and minimize environmental impact. Embrace Versatility • Select undergarments that can be worn with multiple outfits to maximize their utility. • Choose neutral colours that can easily be mixed and matched with the rest of your wardrobe. By following these steps, you can create a minimalist wardrobe for socks, underwear, and bras that is both functional and stylish. Remember, the key is to focus on quality, versatility, and regular maintenance to ensure that your essentials serve you well for a long time. Transforming Your Basement into an Airbnb Haven: A Step-by-Step GuideTurning your basement into a cozy Airbnb rental is a fantastic way to maximize your space and generate extra income. However, proper preparation is crucial to ensure a positive experience for both you and your guests. Follow these steps to transform your basement into a welcoming haven for Airbnb renters. 1. Legal Considerations: Check local zoning laws and regulations to confirm that you're allowed to rent out your basement. Obtain any necessary permits and ensure compliance with safety standards. Understanding the legal aspects will help you avoid potential issues down the road. 2. Evaluate Safety Measures: Prioritize safety by inspecting and enhancing the basement's security features. Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers. Ensure that windows are easily accessible and comply with safety codes. Address any structural concerns or water damage to create a secure environment. 3. Declutter and Organize the basement: If you've been using your basement as a storage area or dumping ground for your stuff ( don’t worry I once did too), then you must go through all of your stuff and decide what to keep or let go of. I converted this "man cave" to an Airbnb, by removing all of the stuff and placing in another area of the home. Do you have another area to store items like seasonal decor or stuff you can put into a shed or garage? You must have another space otherwise you will need to do a big purge. The purpose of this space will help you generate money, so there will be many benefits to decluttering and really dealing with your stuff. This will take time, but it’s an important step into transforming your space to accommodate guests. Tackle sections of the basement as it can be overwhelming, and you will have to sort items deciding what you will keep, or to donate/sell. If you can’t find the time or motivation to do this, you can find your local professional organizer to assist in this process and alleviate that stress and work. 4. Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements: Invest in quality, comfortable bedding and furnishings to create a cozy sleeping space. Consider a fold-out sofa or a comfortable bed, depending on the available space. Ensure adequate lighting and provide blackout curtains to offer guests a good night's sleep. 5. Design a Functional Living Area: Create a functional living space by arranging comfortable seating, a coffee table, and perhaps a small desk. Make the space inviting with tasteful decorations and neutral colors. Adding a touch of personality through artwork or accent pieces can enhance the overall ambiance. 6. Kitchenette or Snack Area: Install a basic kitchenette or snack area with a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker. Stock it with essentials like coffee, tea, and simple snacks. This allows guests to enjoy a convenient and private dining experience during their stay. 7. Immaculate Bathroom: Ensure the bathroom is spotlessly clean and well-stocked with essentials like towels, shampoo, and soap. Fix any plumbing issues and provide proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. A well-maintained bathroom is a key factor in guest satisfaction. 8. Adequate Lighting and Ventilation:
Illuminate the space with a mix of natural and artificial lighting. Ensure proper ventilation to keep the basement fresh and free of musty odors. Well-lit and well-ventilated spaces contribute to a positive guest experience. 9. Technology and Connectivity: Offer reliable Wi-Fi and provide clear instructions on how to connect. Include amenities such as a television, streaming services, and charging stations. These tech-savvy additions can greatly enhance the guest experience. 10. Clear House Rules: Establish clear and concise house rules to manage guest expectations. Communicate guidelines regarding noise levels, check-in/check-out procedures, and any other relevant information. Transparency is key to a smooth hosting experience. Conclusion: By following these steps, you can transform your basement into a desirable Airbnb rental. Providing a clean, comfortable, and well-equipped space will not only attract positive reviews but also ensure repeat bookings. Remember to stay informed about local regulations and continuously strive to enhance the overall guest experience. Happy hosting! As we usher in the new year, it's the perfect time to refresh our living spaces and embrace a clutter-free environment. A cluttered home can contribute to stress, anxiety, and a sense of overwhelm. Fortunately, decluttering doesn't have to be an arduous task. In this guide, we'll explore practical and effective ways to declutter your home in 2024, creating a harmonious and organized living space.
As we embark on a new year, take the opportunity to declutter your home and create a space that nurtures positivity and tranquility. By following these practical tips and incorporating mindful habits, you'll not only achieve a clutter-free environment in 2024 but also set the foundation for a more organized and harmonious lifestyle. Preparing your home for the holidays when hosting involves a combination of cleaning, decorating, and planning to ensure a welcoming and festive atmosphere for your guests. Here are some tips to help you get started: Clean and Declutter
Decorate
Guest Comfort
Festive Lighting
Holiday Scents
Entertainment and Activities
Festive Table Settings
Menu Planning
Welcome Guests
Emergency Supplies & Safety Precautions
Remember to enjoy the process and the time spent with your loved ones. Flexibility is key, so be prepared to adapt plans if needed and focus on creating lasting memories. How to Declutter and Organize Photos
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Decluttering and organizing printed photos can be a rewarding process that helps preserve cherished memories and create a more organized living space. Here are some steps you can follow to effectively declutter and organize your printed photos:
I hope this helps with your photo declutter and organization and I will be sure to share a digital photo declutter in an upcoming blog post. Happy photo organizing and enjoy those memories forever! This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the provided links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the content I create. Thank you for your support. It’s back to school season and student and parents have to adjust again to daily routines, waking up early, preparing lunches and snacks (parents), getting to school on time, and making sure kids have balance with school and activities outside for happiness and wellbeing. To try to stay on track, here are some organization hacks for parents to help their children stay organized when going back to school: Set Up a Homework Station: Designate a quiet, well-lit space for your child to do homework and keep all necessary supplies within reach. Morning Routine Chart: Create a visual morning routine chart to help your child stay on track with tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and packing their backpack. Meal Prep: Prepare lunches and snacks in advance to save time during busy mornings. Involve your child in selecting their meals. Using a bento box style lunch makes it fun and easy to store food in good portions, this bento box here is great for two sections of snacks and lunch. Backpack Organization: Teach your children to clean out their backpacks regularly and only carry necessary items. Use compartments or pouches for organizing smaller items. Label Everything: Label your child’s school supplies, clothing, and lunch containers to minimize the chances of items getting lost. This label maker is easy to use with bluetooth and app on your phone to print from. Use a Command Center: Set up a central area in your home with hooks for backpacks, a bulletin board for important notices, and a file system for paperwork. Digital Communication: Stay in touch with teachers and school staff through digital communication channels to receive updates and important information promptly. Digital Learning Tools: Familiarize yourself with the digital tools and platforms your child’s school uses for virtual learning, if applicable. Encourage Responsibility: Teach your child to take responsibility for their belongings and tasks, gradually giving them more independence as they grow. Emergency Contact List: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including the school’s contact information, readily available either in your phone or written in your agenda/calendar. Establish a Bedtime Routine: Set a consistent bedtime routine to ensure your child gets enough rest for productive school days. Encourage Time Management: Teach your child time management skills and help them create a daily schedule to balance school, extracurriculars, and downtime. Weekly Planning Meetings: Hold weekly meetings to discuss upcoming assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities to ensure nothing is overlooked. Delegate Chores: Share household responsibilities with your child to teach them valuable life skills and free up more of your time. Digital Parental Controls: Use parental control apps or features on devices to manage screen time and ensure your child stays focused on schoolwork. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your organization strategies as your child’s needs and school requirements change.
Remember that every child is unique, so it’s important to tailor these organization hacks to suit your child’s personality and learning style. Consistency and open communication between parents and children are key to a successful back-to-school organization. Creating a minimalist home involves simplifying your living space while prioritizing functionality and aesthetics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started: 1. DeclutterBegin by going through your home (starting with a small junk drawer for practice) and identifying items you no longer need or use. By following the KonMari Method you can go through items by categories so you can view everything that you have around the home. Categories are: clothing, books, paper, komono (miscellaneous) and sentimental items, be sure to follow that order. If that is too much of a long process, you can try room by room starting with the most overwhelming space but give yourself time. Donate, sell, or recycle these items to clear out unnecessary clutter. 2. Define Your VisionDetermine the level of minimalism you want to achieve. Everyone's level of minimalism is different, with the common goal of living with less, living with purpose and having more time to do what you love in life. Then you can also clarify your aesthetic preferences, colour palette, and overall design style. How much stuff do you want to live with and let go of? Visualize your home and get inspiration to motivate you to reach your goal. 3. Prioritize FunctionalityKeep only items that serve a purpose, that you love and add value to your life. Remove excess furniture, decorations, and belongings that don’t contribute to your daily activities or style. 4. Choose Quality Over QuantityInvest in high-quality, durable items that will stand the test of time. Opt for versatile furniture and decor that can adapt to changing needs. The same for clothing items that you choose to wear, keep quality and classic items. If you cannot invest in high quality items, search for second hand and used items. I suggest vintage and second hand for clothing and shoes, and furniture or decor through Kijijii or Facebook Marketplace to find what you are searching for. 5. Optimize StorageIncorporate smart storage solutions to keep your space organized. Utilize hidden storage, built-in shelving, and multi-purpose furniture to minimize visual clutter. The key is to not buy more storage items for organization, repurpose and try to avoid plastic and use more natural storage solutions like bamboo, or paper shoe boxes. 6. Neutral Colour PaletteStick to a neutral colour schemes for walls, furniture, and larger decor elements. This creates a serene and cohesive backdrop for your minimalist design. Add natural wood and materials for your space which will add to the peaceful environment you are seeking. Adding plants will also provide life and simple green touches to create another natural element. -- 7. Limit DecorationsSelect a few meaningful decor pieces that align with your aesthetic. Avoid overcrowding surfaces with too many decorations so that you can also clean surfaces easily from dust. Adding artwork on walls or shelves to a minimum, and only having personal photographs in boxes to enjoy and only a few in frames will help create that minimalist look. 8. Empty SpacesEmbrace empty spaces as an essential part of minimalism. Allow areas of your home to remain unoccupied to promote a sense of tranquility. Rooms do not need to be filled with stuff, allow them to serve a purpose rather than a storage space. Whether it is an extra guest room, office space, or work/out meditation room these serve a purpose and don't require them to be all filled up with stuff. 9. Quality LightingUse natural light whenever possible. Incorporate quality artificial lighting to create a well-lit and inviting atmosphere. Using table lamps and side lamps instead of pot lights will give a more calming effect. 10. Mindful PurchasesBefore buying anything new to bring into the home, consider whether it aligns with your minimalist vision and adds value to your life. Avoid impulse purchases and think about what you currently have at home and if that something is replacing an item or adding to having more unnecessary stuff. 11. Functional LayoutArrange furniture and decor in a way that maximizes flow and functionality. Ensure that each item has a purpose within the space. Take a look at all the furniture in every space and see if removing some of it to create more space will help in the flow of every room. 12. Regular MaintenanceRegularly assess your belongings and declutter as needed to prevent accumulation of unnecessary items. Every day make it a habit to place items where they belong. Putting away dishes, folding clothes that were just put in the laundry and storing, hanging jackets and coats, putting already worn clothing in a proper place (laundry bin or hang/fold to wear again) and any items scattered around the home. Remember, creating a minimalist home is a gradual process. Take your time to make intentional decisions about what you bring into your space and how you arrange it. The goal is to achieve a balance between simplicity, functionality, and your personal style.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the provided links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the content I create. Thank you for your support. When it comes to travel, we all want to go somewhere new for some relaxation, new adventures, discovering more and just to have fun and get away. The planning part can either be fun or stressful depending on how you think about it, but I like to get excited for a vacation and the planning part is part of the experience. When you plan and pack smart, you will alleviate some stress that can come when unexpected stuff happens out of your control. Here are some of my travel must haves for packing to make your life easier when you embark on that journey! 1. The right carry-on luggageThe right carry on-luggage is so important as this is basically your closet and essentials for everything you bring when you are away from home. I always recommend having a carry-on luggage that is light weight, and that has bigger wheels to roll along. If you are going from transportation and walking a lot to your accommodations and anywhere in your destination, you don't want to risk busting those wheels...trust me it has happened to me! I ended up buying a new carry-on luggage while I was away because of this. I also just discovered this amazing carry-on luggage which is like a closet in your luggage, such a game changer! It's an award-winning Carry-On Closet® suitcase. Engineered with built-in shelving system, indestructible polycarbonate shell, and integrated USB charging port. The Carry-On Closet® will keep you organized anywhere your travel takes you. 2. Packing Cubes for clothingPacking clothes in packing cubes will make your clothing stay in place and organized within your luggage. Not only will it leave your luggage organized, when you unpack you can simply leave your clothes in the packing cubes and put them straight into drawers of your wardrobe/dresser at your accommodations. If you have no where to store them, you can also just have them sit on top of a dresser or table for easy access. No need to search for items within the luggage as it will be easily seen in your packing cubes. 3. Shoe bags for travelWhen packing shoes, you want to also store them in a shoe travel bag to keep them clean, but also to keep the rest of your luggage clean. Ever since I used shoe travel bags it has been a must have to pack with, and especially in case of foot odours you have that contained and avoid any smells or dirt spreading. With these bags you can make sure your shoes have a home in the luggage. 4. A Long Passport WalletA long passport wallet is so essential as it will store your boarding passes (if you have them printed) and foreign currencies and cards and of course your passport. I have been using my long passport wallet for years and it has been put to good use. I can also fold any travel letters like an affidavit or long birth certificate within. You just need to have the right travel purse or bag to store it in. 5. Electronic Organizer BagThe electronics all need to live in one place and it is easy when they have a designated home to live in. This electronic organizer bag for travel can store all of your USB cables, chargers, headphones, and everything you would need for your devices. The electronic organizer bags are waterproof for peace of mind and have pockets and dividers within to separate and categorize all of the items inside. Make sure you keep this in your carry on bag so it is easy to bring out when you need it. 6. A luggage cover protectorWhen you invest in a good luggage, you want to make sure you take care of it on it's journey through the airport and plane and back to you. We all know that luggages get tossed around and not properly cared for as there are many luggages travelling constantly. You want to protect the outside of it with a luggage cover fits it like a glove and it is easy to store away and laundry wash for next use. 7. Clear Toiletries BagUsing the right bag for your travel toiletries will make your life easier when passing security at the airport. You want to use a clear travel toiletries bag so that all of the products and items you bring can be seen easily when it goes through that conveyor belt machine. You can also just bring it out from your carry on bag separately so it can be seen right away. When you just fill this bag up, you know that the liquids will be allowed on the plane as well as it is TSA approved and airport/airline compliant. I also love all of the toiletries bags and containers at Muji which I use all the time to store my skin care products in clear containers. 8. Apple Air TagsIf you want to have peace of mind when it comes to your stuff or even the people you travel with, using these Apple Air Tags like a tracker will help you to locate them through an app within your phone. I have experienced losing my mom believe it or not when travelling, at the airport, and also in a foreign destination where english is not widely spoken. It was scary when it was happening and I had to act fast, I was lucky to meet someone who spoke english and she gave me the police phone number who could respond to text messaging in english. Thankfully I never had to contact the police and my mom suddenly appeared after an hour and a bit. Always have a meeting spot and don't assume someone will be where you think! If I had this it would have been easier at that time, I highly recommend! 9. Air Tag Watch Holder or RingsThe Apple Air Tags need a home and having it live in an Apple Air Tag watch is probably the easiest way to have them live on a person. If you travel with kids or elders who definitely need this in case, this is the best way to have them use it. If you already wear a watch and don't want another accessory to be worn on the wrist, using an Apple Air Tag ring is another option where you can have it on your bag, belt or your keys as well. 10. Travel BackpackIf you want to travel even lighter and with less, a travel backpack like this one above is amazing! Great for the backpacker who likes to travel on many adventures, the perfect backpack - convertible from everyday use to travel mode in seconds. Engineered with an award-winning closet system, durable Shore-Tex™ fabric, and drop-proof 16" laptop storage, the Endeavor will keep you organized wherever you explore next. These items will make your travel experiences more easier and packing for travel is definitely the one thing you can control to avoid stresses that can come with your travels. I hope my tips have helped you, happy travelling everyone!
The season of summer is here! Parents will now have to figure out how their kids will be spending their free time. It can be challenging to keep kids stimulated and avoid too much screen time, but also schedules. It’s best to get activities organized for them to continue to learn and play, so that they have a summer filled with creative and fun experiences. Here are some DIY hacks for kids summer organization: DIY Summer Outdoor Fun Station Kids need to be outside and enjoy the sun, even if it means being in their backyard, porch or balcony. Creating a summer outdoor fun station will get kids playing on their own and will keep everything organized and easy to put away. ● You can repurpose a shelving unit you have or you can get some wooden crates and stack them on top of eachother. ● Inside the shelving/crates you will store larger plant pots or buckets and fill them with a variety of things from water guns, chalk, balls and frisbees, sand and water toys (if you have a sand table or box), and bubble makers, and bug catchers ● You can have a large basket to gather any dirty or wet items to gather for cleaning and drying after water play. ● If you don’t have a water or sand play space, you can also use two large empty plastic storage containers and fill one with water and the other with sand and place on a sturdy table or you can also make your own DIY table to place them in. DIY Summer Car Kit/Road Trip Survival This is a way to make car rides more peaceful and ready for any trips to the beach, parks or road trips. ● Use a shower caddy to store markers, pencils, paper, colouring/activity books and card games. ● Place another shower caddy for when eating food and drinks in the car to avoid mess. ● You can also store stuff in the back trunk area with a shoe holder and store extra supplies like diapers, wipes, swimming goggles, bug spray, sunglasses, toilet paper and anything small. ● Get a small storage container for the trunk and pack it with a change of clothes, towels, sand toys, water toys, and a picnic blanket. DIY Craft Station Create a DIY crafting station at home so that it’s easy for kids to bring out and start creating art.
Family Command Centre Having a central place for the family to keep track of the summer schedule helps everyone stay organized with plans. From summer camp, sleep overs, play dates, vacation away or staycation you can do this to stay organized. ● Use a wall near the kitchen or mud room, or any spot where the whole family gathers. ● Place an acrylic or dry erase board for a calendar as the focal point. Use chalk markers or pens that you can erase with. ● You can have a Summer Daily Routine and Activity checklist for the kids living here, and get them to learn how to take care of the home and have some responsibilities, which can help them earn some screen time. This will allow them to be more independent and teach accountability while being active. ● Create another spot for a board for any to-do lists you need for grocery or essential shopping, or what to pack and even meal plans for the week. ● You can also include an in-box/mail box so you can also drop things off here, it’s easier to remember what needs to be dealt with. ● Add a clock and hooks for keys and greenery for some decor. Your child’s artwork can also live here too! I hope these tips help you have a fun filled and stress-free summer with your kids! I shared these tips on CTV Your Morning earlier this year that you can check out below. Have a great summer and thanks for reading! |
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