Getting the most from your home means occasionally reshaping it according to your needs. You might stash away the items that you aren’t going to need during summer, like that wardrobe filled with bulky jumpers, or you might change your decor to make the interior more welcoming as winter draws in.
Having a good routine when it comes to those transition points between seasons will allow you to get through those transitions effectively. So, what’s the best way to get ready for a new season?
Start With a Gentle Declutter
The idea of decluttering might seem exhausting. But remember that this exercise needn’t be about the pursuit of perfection. Break the home down into small chunks so that you can get through it over the course of a given week. That way, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and burnout. Store what you need, donate what other people might be able to get use out of, and bin the rest.
Tackle High-Traffic Areas First
Certain parts of your home will tend to accrue clutter faster than others. Here, we’re typically talking about the parts of the home in which people spend time. Hallways, kitchens, and living areas are notorious, especially if members of the household are accustomed to walking through the front door and dumping their belongings as they please.
Installing the right furniture can help you and your family form the right habits. This might mean adding a coat rack in the hallway, or perhaps a fitted storage solution in the bedroom.
Switch and Store Seasonal Items
When certain items are out of season, they can take up huge amounts of space without actually providing any utility. Here, we’re talking about bedding, out-of-season clothing, and accessories. To save on space, try vacuum-sealing things where possible. This will help keep everything safe and in good condition, as well as out of your way. If you don’t have room to store things neatly, and the loft is already full, consider renting a storage facility elsewhere.
Build Simple Habits That Keep Things Ticking Over
If you cultivate the right habits, then you’ll find it easier to stay on top of the clutter and avoid having to conduct a major cleaning operation later on. You might, for example, invest in a portable, handheld vacuum cleaner that will allow you to easily deal with the staircase and avoid putting the task off until it becomes unmanageable.
Encouraging other members of the household to adopt the right habits can also be useful. Set out your expectations, and try to hold one another to account without resorting to nagging. A system of forfeits, or a leaderboard in the kitchen, might help, and it introduces some friendly competition.