Collaborative Post
Life is hectic. There is a lot of running around, getting things done, making appointments, and taking care of the house. There are kids making messes, needing things, and having rooms filled with their stuff. For many of us, taking care of the house is where we tend to lose steam. It’s not easy doing the deep cleaning, the organizing, and the throwing away of all the excess that builds up. As hard as it is, it’s not impossible, and there are plenty of ways to ensure everything stays neat and clean. Here are a few things you can do to make sure your home stays in good shape.
Landscaping
Let’s start on the outside. Good landscaping makes your home’s curb appeal skyrocket. When you pull up to your house and see that everything looks neat and orderly, you are more likely to keep the inside of your house looking the same. The brain likes when it can look at something and nothing is out of place. That vision helps the brain to want more of that wherever it looks. If you don’t have the green thumb yourself, hire a landscaper to make your lawn and home look precise. It’s pleasing to the eye to have orderly lines of flowers or well trimmed shrubbery. Awnings over windows make for a uniformed look, and decor in its proper place is also compelling. Swings or chairs on porches or a neat walkway to a nicely painted front door does wonders for looking neat and organized.
Storage Spaces
No one wants to see garbage cans and recycling bins and lawn mowers crowding up open yard space. Everything should have its place, and the best way to do that is with residential sheds. A neatly kept shed is the perfect place to store all of your bins and yard equipment so they are out of the way when people look into your yard or come to visit. Having the shed means that these items have a place to live, and you know that when you are done with them you can put them back where they belong and out of sight. That will keep you in the habit of putting things away wherever you are in your home and keeping all of your spaces clear.
Fencing
Fencing is a great way to clearly and beautifully mark off your property as you add some beauty to your home. Fences come in so many different varieties and styles that you can choose what suits your landscaping and decor best. Most towns have laws that if you have an in-ground swimming pool you need a fence for safety reasons. Depending on how you have your yard designed can be a great indicator of what kind of fence you may need. The right fence will make your yard look even more pleasing and appealing.
Throw It Away
Let’s go inside. Many people have heard of and use the process of throwing things away that don’t spark joy. This method is effective in making sure clutter and useless items don’t add up and clutter your home. Make it a habit of knowing exactly what needs to get thrown away immediately so that it doesn’t take up room in your space. Daily newspapers, monthly magazines, certain junk mail, and delivery boxes are all things that can be tossed right away as soon as they have been used. In your kitchen, have a recycling area established where these items can go immediately so that you won’t have old periodicals stacking up and making your home look unkempt and messy. The same goes for any other item you know you don’t want to hold on to. These items can be tossed out of your life for good.
Establish a Cleaning Schedule
Brave are the ones who clean an entire house in one day. But is it smart? Establish a cleaning schedule for yourself where certain areas of your home get cleaned on certain days. This way not only is your home constantly being straightened up and sanitized, but also, you can keep up with the various cleaning duties that need to be done so nothing falls into filth. Establish a day where the kitchen is always cleaned and the bathroom as these two rooms typically require the same cleaning supplies. Keep a day for vacuuming and dusting as these tasks go hand in hand. If your children don’t clean their rooms, pick a family day where everyone pitches in and cleans their own spaces. In less than a few days, your home can be fully cleaned and looking great.
Organization Spaces
Keep things organized. If you can, build shelving and drawers where things can be stored especially if you have a large family. Shelves are a great place for pictures, books, knickknacks, and bowls for car keys, house keys, and cell phones. Finding an area to put up some hooks is great for hanging coats, bags, and umbrellas. A large basket or bin is great for putting in shoes and boots. The less space something takes up the better. Our eyes perceive clutter at a higher level when things are spread out and taking up space. It’s the lack of space that makes things look messy. If you can consolidate while you store things, it will look neater and more put together.
Minimize Wall Art
A crowded wall makes for a crowded room. The walls are where your eyes will go first and if your wall is bombarded with a lot of stuff, your room will look smaller and more crowded. If you have a lot of photos, rotate them throughout the year to keep the room looking fresh. The same goes for your artwork or other artifacts. Keep your walls as spacious as possible in order to open up the room and make it airy and free. The less the eye sees the more organized you will look and you and your guests will feel quite at ease in your home.
