Written by Beth Zeigler for Your Daily Thread
Beth Zeigler of Bneato helps us reclaim our space while staying true to the eco-savvy lifestyle we love.
I fondly remember going into my mother’s jewelry box and organizing like with like when I was a kid. It pleased me to no end to match long lost earrings and make room for incoming trinkets. Now, my interest in helping folks organize has extended beyond mom’s jewelry box.
Educating the general public about how getting (and staying) organized can help reclaim their lives and their space (all while being green) is the cat’s pajamas in my book. So in honor of the fall season, here are 5 tips to get your home in tip-top shape.
Purge
Sorting through a collection of belongings can be a challenge that proves tiring for anyone. But instead of hauling items to the curb, why not take the step to give them a new, recycled life? Goodwill and Freecycle are obvious choices, but what if your stuff could go to folks who really need it? Everything from glasses (One Sight) to formal dresses (Donate My Dress) to books (Books To Africa) can be appropriated to those in need. This way, the items will be put to good use and the giver can feel good about letting each one go.
Reuse
Typically, folks tend to take their first trip to The Container Store the minute they decide to get organized. And while a trip to this organizing Mecca always makes my heart sing, purchasing products (if any) is the last stage of the process. I encourage clients to reuse and repurpose furniture and containers already in their home. Not only does this save money, it saves clients from purchasing additional items that will end up cluttering instead of streamlining. Some examples: shoe boxes can store sewing supplies, food containers work great for corralling travel toiletries in the linen closet and glass jars are a repurposing tool for just about anything.
Rent/Borrow
Just the other day, I was going around the house, lamenting the fact that I don’t own a vacuum cleaner. And while our apartment has hardwood floors, we have a gang of pets that leave the couch in disarray. Soon enough I found myself at the store, checking out the vacuum aisle. I pondered the $100 plus purchase but couldn’t justify it after realizing how little use I would actually get out of one. I immediately texted a friend who graciously let me borrow hers. And while I felt relieved and happy that I hadn’t wasted money, I knew I would feel guilty about becoming a “repeat borrower.” A quick google search turned up companies that rent items you don’t have room to store (and would rarely use). To get started, check out this YDT post listing a handful of sites that have customers sharing the wealth. These big ticket items are often the reason clutter starts, getting shoved to the back of a closet (taking up prime real estate) to never be seen again.
Love It or Leave It
There’s been plenty of talk recently about being a smart consumer. This is such an important thing to heed when it comes to keeping an organized home. Owning things you truly love and are built to last will prevent impromptu purchases. Research what comes into your home, talk to eco-savvy friends and above all, be picky. One way I like to maintain this mindset is by trying to shop only at my favorite flea markets and vintage Etsy sellers. Knowing I’m not the first person to own something makes me feel like I’m carrying on history (even if I don’t exactly know its lineage).
Maintain
Getting organized is one half of the story–but maintaining what you’ve accomplished is just as important. To stay on track, you’ll want to set up systems for the stuff that still makes its way into your life. I like to have recycling stations set up for electronic items that will need a special trip to a S.A.F.E. center. It’s also good to have a process and procedure for new clothes, gifts and finds that can accumulate rapidly (especially during the upcoming holiday season). “One in, one out” is a great rule for clothes and kitchen items (and it works great for clients, as an indicator telling them it’s time to purge—again).
