As we all know, decluttering is an integral part of cleaning, so much so that it’s usually the first step. While there are plenty of ways you can tackle this job (and there are a few rules to follow), the basics are the same: get rid of anything you don’t need, use, or want.
This is usually simple enough, but it ignores one key factor. Sometimes, the things we don’t need anymore are such a mainstay in our homes that we don’t even notice them anymore.
With this in mind, we turned to two organizing experts to find out the most common culprits, and here’s what they had to say.
@situateyourspace / Instagram
Buying more of what you love sounds great in theory, but as Jan Serafan of The Ordered Home points out, it often leads to an excess of things you don’t end up wearing.
One of the most common categories? Work-out clothing, she says. Fortunately, this is also a great item you can pass along or donate rather than trash.
“I have a particular sensitivity to how ‘things’ are moved on and try my absolute best to upcycle or recycle where possible,” she says. “I wouldn’t advise people to throw away duplicate clothing—donate, upcycle, or share with family, friends, or neighbors.”
@nycneat_louisa / Instagram
Chances are, your fridge gets a regular clear-out and scan for expired items, but as Brian and Jen Boyle, Thumbtack pros and owners of MaidThis Cleaning, point out, expired goods in your pantry are much easier to slip by unnoticed.
Depending on how far past due the items are, they might either still be good to use quickly—or possibly okay to donate.
“Most food banks will still accept food items up to two years past the ‘best if used by’ date for non-perishable items,” they say. “But when in doubt, contact your food
The website greengrove.cc is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Instead of filling your medicine cabinet to the brim, think about the types of bathroom items that you can house under the sink instead to save some space. While not everything belongs under the sink, there are many products that you can safely store there, experts say.
For every first time plant parent out there, if you need a little help on how to go ahead and take the right care of the green friends you have in your collection, well, you are at the right place!
This year our daffodils only had one or two blooms. In other years it was a blaze of yellow. This has never happened before. What is going on? – AC, Co Galway
Even if your vacuum cleaner has served you well for many years, all appliances have an expiration date and aren't meant to last forever. So how do you know for sure that yours is on its last leg?
Once you’ve planted your grass and watched it grow into a beautiful lawn (such a proud moment) the next step is figuring out the best way to maintain your lawn. Watering is a key component of this, which means lawn watering mistakes are also one of the most common headaches.
There are certain points of contention in interior design: maximalist or minimalist, vintage or new, carpet or hardwood floors? Another question that seems to garner polarizing opinions: if headboards are really needed in the bedroom.
Up until this year, my backyard was all about function. But as summer approaches and our garden comes to life, the need to decorate outdoors and make our patio a more welcoming place to spend every sunny day has begun to blossom.
Not everyone has the fortune of living in their ultimate dream home the first time around, and even if they do, their tastes and needs may change over time. So, it’s more likely that homeowners will find elements and spaces in and around the house that they feel can be improved and updated.
Let's face it: even if you're totally on top of your regular laundry schedule, you may not be taking the time to wash items that go beyond the basic essentials, which generally include sheets, clothing, dish towels, and the like.
Towels are a household item that certainly get plenty of use each and every day, and with that, you may be wondering if it's time to replace your set of go-tos.
Small bathrooms don’t have to pose a design dilemma. Although they may be short on space, a small bathroom can encourage you to get extra creative, flexing style and function in interesting new ways.