This area of home life is different from others in that it involves all the senses and to that degree it is successful, engendering varying emotions. Decorating isn't really a hobby, nor is it merely an activity; it's a driving force of many people to live in comfortable and pleasing surroundings while they regenerate from a stressful world.
Yet, decorating by itself is not nearly as completely satisfying as having an organized home that is rich in beautiful detail. Decorating and organizing go hand-in-hand, like a one-two punch of home completion.
In an effort to motivate you to action, use these suggestions to help you on your way to an organized home this spring and summer.
Paper Clutter
1. If you're like my dear Mother and you still have newspapers from 1978 because you haven't read them all: Don't walk, RUN to the sanitation department and rent an industrial sized dumpster to leave in your driveway for a week.
2. I'm giving you permission to touch your incoming mail and papers more than once ? only if the second "touching" is on the way to the dumpster.
3. You know that pile of "things to file" that keeps growing? Guess what ? dump that too. You can always print off another copy or send away for the info. over the Internet. (This, coming from the daughter of a paper monster?)
Clothing
Twice a year, my mom would make me try on clothes for the upcoming season. She would invariably choose cold mornings to try on summer things and the hottest day on record to slip into woolens and flannels? (If your kids give you flack for trying on clothes in the comfort of air conditioning, you may use this as your own example.) If you haven't worn something in the time it took you to have your second child, it's probably not worth hanging on to (unless, of course, the dumpster is full).
Use a great tip I just discovered: Pick three nights a week to try on 5 items in your closet, then go to your dressers and do the same thing. At this rate, the average American woman should be able to go through all her clothes in about 3 years, 9 months and 14 days. No need to worry, it'll be a different season then!
Kids' Toys
1. You could try to "limit" the number of toys they play with each month and cycle them to and from the garage so your little ones get variety.
2. That takes too much effort. I just threatened my boys if they left toys out on their floor at bedtime, they would be in the dumpster the next day (the toys, silly!). Do this twice, and you'll have this hot spot under control.
I hope these points have given you some new ways to look at the problem of clutter and refreshing methods to deal with them. Given the fun you'll have with that dumpster, you might want to consider renting a second one for the hubby's stuff.
I'll tell you what. If you really do rent a dumpster (okay, it can be the smaller version) I'll have a reward for your diligence. Ladies ? Email me that you filled your dumpster to the very tippy top and something funny that happened during the process. I'll send you a coupon for a discount on a Fragrance Lamp that will fill your home with lovely aromas. Gentlemen ? Email me the same (that is, that you actually rented the thing and filled it, and an amusing related story) and I will send you a Gift Certificate for your wife. Such a deal!
Publishing Guidelines:
You may publish this article with the article and resource box intact and unchanged provided any links are hyperlinked. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. (The challenge paragraph may be omitted for space.)
Lisa DeClue is a WAHM and really does love her Mother. She owns Decorating with HGPgal, a website incorporating interior and garden/patio decorating resources, articles, tips and a monthly newsletter in addition to a unique business opportunity. Subscribe to the newsletter at http://HGPgal.com/newsletter.html and be entered into the monthly prize drawing.
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
My 5-year-old grandson is getting his own room. He's very... Read More
The air filter in an air conditioning system keeps the... Read More
Got a room that's crying out for a bright accent... Read More
Wicker picnic baskets are a lovely, traditional way to pack... Read More
Bunk bed mattresses are perhaps the most important kind of... Read More
Are you tired of the way your bathroom looks? Don't... Read More
One of the easiest ways to accent and decorate your... Read More
In some places, one might be able to find old... Read More
? Wall Decorations:Never place a wall hanging, picture, poster, or... Read More
Chairs crafted by Thomas Chippendale were dazzling examples of quality... Read More
Down, feathers, goose down, duck down, these can all be... Read More
Probably the single most important component responsible for making the... Read More
Are you looking for that special something to turn your... Read More
As cuckoo clocks have been around since 1730 and have... Read More
Window shutters can serve many purposes. In areas of the... Read More
Adjustable beds are no doubt very expensive. But the benefits... Read More
In this time period, people are as busy as ever.... Read More
This article provides a detailed review of popular adjustable beds... Read More
What is a digital picture frame? Think of a digital... Read More
Country decorating ideas can help you create a home that... Read More
Bamboo flooring is a relatively new alternative to standard hardwood... Read More
Having a nice house is everyone dreams. In fact, everybody... Read More
I love to surround myself with things from the past.... Read More
Roman shades are a simple and classic way to adorn... Read More
It may seem that all you need to be a... Read More
Pressed glass, Depression glass and crystal - this month we'll... Read More
Using accessories is a fun way to accent your bedroom... Read More
The art and craftsmanship of the original designs are evident... Read More
Over the past several months I have been actively working... Read More
When it comes to decorating your home, forget about the... Read More
It's fun taking something apart and putting it back together... Read More
If you have children in your home, what sort of... Read More
Among the varied accomplishments of it's inventor, the lamp was... Read More
Budget decorating. You see this phrase a lot but what... Read More
A latex mattress is not exactly the same thing as... Read More
Home remodelers and builders have experienced a boom in the... Read More
You're finally going to do it! No I don't mean... Read More
You can add some splash to your kitchen without spending... Read More
Enamelware is a trip down memory lane. White jugs with... Read More
The quality of the wear layer determines frequency of refinishing... Read More
Back in the day, fireplaces were an integral part of... Read More
Interior decorating is that medium which can make your closed... Read More
Roman shades are inexpensive and elegant window treatment to block... Read More
Part 1The first thing a cat owner should know about... Read More
Pressed glass, Depression glass and crystal - this month we'll... Read More
Colors have many different meanings. Have you ever been in... Read More
Summer decorating is a wonderful time to lighten up the... Read More
Solid hardwood floors should neither be installed over a concrete... Read More
Looking for the most impact from a small decorating budget?... Read More
Candle making can be a fun creative hobby. It can... Read More
Hanging wine racks help to neatly store wine in tight... Read More
Futon slip covers do two things. Number one and most... Read More
A Japanese Sword is a wonderful decoration to add to... Read More
In researching what makes people happy, I discovered that "Planning"... Read More
Room dividers can be both decorative and practical. They can... Read More
When I think of decorating a room with posters, I... Read More
Bakers racks are a perfect enhancement to any kitchen, whether... Read More
Upholstered armchairs and sofas are comfortable and attractive additions to... Read More
Home decorating, ever wanted to try it, but hesitated because... Read More
The term "shiatsu" refers to a form of Asian massage.... Read More
The name "grandfather clock" instantly conjures up images of a... Read More
When it comes to decorating a child's room, your approach... Read More
Several materials are used to make waterbed sheets. Waterbed owners... Read More
Creating a comfortable area for your baby is important to... Read More
If you are looking for an easy, inexpensive way to... Read More
Retro, checks, black and white...looks like MOD is back. A... Read More
Interior Design & Decorating |