Christmas Clean-up

This is the week most folks pack away their Christmas decorations and find a place for the Christmas gifts. In with the new crockpot; out with the old.

Here are a few suggestions to help you start the New Year with a little less clutter.

Throw away damaged ornaments, burned out bulbs and wreaths that looked bad this Christmas and will look worse next year. You will waste energy packing them and take up space you could use for other things. Don’t listen to that little voice that lists all the crafty things you will be able to do with the rejects unless you ACTUALLY do those crafty things and do not have other boxes of damaged goods waiting for your creative talents to flourish.

If you received a gift that doesn’t fit your body or your style, decide what to do with it now. Don’t stick in the closet or stuff it in a drawer just to get it out of the way. Return it, sell it, donate it or start a re-gifting box, if you are so inclined. Make the decision and act on it.

If you receive something new to replace older or outgrown possessions, find a home for the older items. Charitable organizations are grateful for winter apparel, used pots and pans, and even crockpots. Mine will be going to a local church that runs a soup kitchen.

If you discover that your closet is getting too full or your jewelry box can't hold one more pair of earrings, consider getting rid of your least favorite thing. A crowded closet or drawer is much harder to maintain than one where everything fits comfortably.

The key is to do it now. Make a decision while you are dealing with the item and carry out your decision. It is a very effective way to stem the accumulation of clutter and to maintain an organized space. What a great way to end the year!

Beverly & Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net

Organize Your Cleaning Products

A client recently confessed that she put off cleaning because it took her so much time to round up her supplies that she was tired before she got started. She needs to consider organizing her cleaning supplies. Supplies should be kept close to the point of use. If supplies have to travel around the house, give them a storage spot that you can move around with you. A sturdy bucket or utility cart serves this purpose well.

There are three kinds of cleaning:
Emergency cleaning (spilled drinks, dropped food, broken vases)
Regular cleaning (dusting, vacuuming, mopping)
Deep cleaning (washing windows, cleaning the hearth, scrubbing the carpet)

Store deep cleaning supplies together in a safe spot out of the reach of children and pets. Group like products together and make sure the dates on the products have not expired. You can also label the boxes or shelves for easy reference. When you are ready for the bi-annual deep cleaning, you will know where you can get the products you need

Utilize a tote or cart to hold your regular cleaning supplies. Use multi-purpose products when you can. Include products for cleaning wood, glass, and floor surfaces. In the cart or in a near-by rack, store brooms, dust pans, mops and scrub brushes with work surfaces off the floor to preserve the bristles and rubber or cloth work surfaces. In the cart or tote, place a smaller container that has a super-absorbent rag, spot cleaner and disinfectant wipes for cleaning up spills and stains.

Keep bathroom cleaning supplies in a separate place in the bathroom. Again, make sure the products are not accessible to children and pets.

When you are ready to clean, the products are together and ready for use.

Beverly & Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net