Nothing makes me feel more refreshed and productive than a clean living space. Your personal environment can impact your well-being in more ways than one. It has the ability to influence your mood, cause or reduce stress, and encourage or discourage social interaction. Here are some tips to get organized and freshen up your home.
Know When to Say Goodbye
Is there a term for being the opposite of a hoarder? Getting rid of things is my natural high, but if letting go is hard for you, try setting rules for yourself and follow them. If I haven’t worn something in the past year, it has to go. If I’ve never worn something after a month of purchasing, it has to go. If there’s a book on my shelf that I’ve already read and it serves no academic purpose, it has to go.
Donate, Toss, or Sell?
Sometimes I feel guilty getting rid of anything that was expensive and is still in great condition. Letting go of things doesn’t have to mean throwing items in the dumpster or leaving them on the doorstep of a local Goodwill. Donating is a great idea, but seek out places that specifically need the things you’re getting rid of. Local women’s shelters, book charities, friends and family, or places that can recycle your broken electronics are great places to start.
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, make accounts on apps like Depop or Poshmark to sell your clothes and accessories for a few extra bucks. If you’re no longer using a textbook or electronics that still work, give letgo or OfferUp a try.
Subtle Changes
Out with the old, in with the new? Spending big bucks on redecoration isn’t necessarily the right move for making your space feel like new. Try rearranging your furniture, swapping out accent pillows with those of another room in the house, or even exchanging your bedspread with a friend or sibling for a subtle change. It’s easy to go overboard when you’re eager for a new environment. You might accidentally buy too many room accents that end up looking cluttered and disjointed. Instead of getting sucked into the home section of Target and T.J.Maxx with their succulent plants and ceramic dishes, look for things like new curtains or storage shelves to tidy up whatever always finds its way to the floor.
Follow Through
Make a plan for yourself and allow the time you need before tearing your current living environment to shreds. God only knows how many times I’ve started to clean out my closet or desk drawers and instead found myself with a bigger mess. Dedicate a full day to getting rid of things, one section of your home at a time. Dedicate another weekend to rearranging and cleaning, and let redecoration be an ongoing process. You spend a lot of time in your home, and it’s worth it to make your environment a place that makes you feel good.