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25.02.2024 - 10:31 / thespruce.com / Ashley Chalmers
When it comes to my workspace, I am a firm believer that a tidy desk equals a tidy mind. Unfortunately, the spare room meant to be my home office has become, without a doubt, the most chaotic room in any home I’ve ever lived in.
I was ready to regain control of my desk/office corner—even if you’d never know it at first glance. Enter: the Core 4 cleaning method, currently trending on TikTok.
According to user @kayleenkellyorganize, the creator of the Core 4 method, this system is her company’s number one way to clear out a room, plus create a system to keep it that way.
Officially at my wit's end, I had to try it.
Ashley Chalmers / The Spruce
As Kelly says in her video, the method is called Core 4 because it relies on four core steps.
Based on my recent experience using the SIMPLE method to organize my fridge, I already know I love anything with clear, step-by-step instructions. I was instantly on board with the concept of the Core 4 Method, and here’s how it worked for me.
Kelly says the first step is to clear out the space in question. Remove trash and big, bulky items first, and create an open area where you can put everything ahead of step two.
For step one, I took this super literally—I emptied everything and put it in a big heap on the floor. I won’t alarm you with this photo, as it was a visual nightmare, but it showed me that my biggest issue is that I’m cramming a lot of stuff into a fairly small space.
Ashley Chalmers / The Spruce
For step two, Kelly advises users of the Core 4 method to categorize everything. The video suggests using broad categories, so it was tempting to say everything falls under the umbrella of «desk stuff,» but I figured I should get more specific than that.
First, I broke
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When I first heard of the Scandinavian Sleep Method, I initially thought it was a pretty nifty idea—and I could use any upgrade to my sleep routine—so my partner and I decided to give it a try.
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Sowing a seed directly into the ground, nurturing it, and reaping the rewards is one of the easiest gardening activities you can do—yet many gardeners don’t. There are many reasons to direct sow. Often, you’ll have earlier harvests because the seeds will germinate when it’s the perfect time to grow, and stronger seedlings because transplant shock isn’t an issue. Planting seeds in general (instead of buying transplants) gives you more varietal options, and you can also save a lot of money (1 packet of 30 to 150 seeds often costs less than a 6-pack of plants). And then there is the personal satisfaction factor. Ask any child who has planted a sunflower seed how they feel when that flower towers over their head, and you’ll understand what I mean.
For some, spring cleaning is a satisfying ritual that freshens up a home, making it feel lighter and more organized. But for others, it can be intimidating and time-consuming.
While we always welcome the chance to deep clean and declutter our homes each spring, we also could use a refresher on how best to approach a huge, home overhaul.
Now that we’re firmly planted in March, it feels safe to say it out loud: spring is practically here. Along with bluer skies and brighter days, it also brings the perfect time of year for cleaning and organizing.
1. The Promoter is Immediate Media Company London Limited (company number 06189487), Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT (“Immediate”). The competition is sponsored by Weetabix Limited (company number 00267687) (t/a “Alpen”).
Starbucks | Design: Better Homes & Gardens
Common juniper (Juniperus communis) is one of only three conifers native to the UK. It’s a member of the cypress family and grows on chalk or limestone in lowland areas, and moors, woodland and cliffs in northern Britain. Juniper is in decline in wild populations and has been designated a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. This special tree has disappeared from several areas in the south of England. Many remaining colonies are so small that they’re considered functionally extinct. Scotland is now the stronghold for 80 per cent of the UK’s juniper trees.
A clean and fresh home is an essential aspect of a healthy and happy lifestyle. However, over time, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces can accumulate dirt, grime, and stains. Painting is a great way to give your home a fresh look, but it’s important to start with a clean slate. A clean start and a flawless finish is the key to upgrading your home with cleaning and painting.
When and How to Water Bromeliads