I've moved back home from college for the summer until next semester, and I've had home decor and organization on the brain. So I've done a little search on how to keep my new home clean and organized. I know a lot of my friends are about to move into their first places, and I hope this helps some of you.
1. PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF
It's not that hard. A little bit of time here and there NOW will save you from 30 minutes here and an hour there later. This can mean cleaning your dishes as soon as your done with them or not allowing yourself to throw your clothes on the floor after the third time you've changed. Hang them back up or throw them in the laundry basket. I always ask myself if the house will be clean (and I mean actually clean) when I leave for the day. If the answer is yes, I've done my job. If not, I still have work to do.
2. YOU NEED A LANDING STRIP
Have a specific place that you keep your necessities. This is where you will put those things when you come home. Your keys, wallet and purse all need a safe home so that you A) won't lose them, B) won't waste time tearing up your house looking for them, and C) will leave the rest of your home clutter-free. A hatstand, a wall hook or a dish on a side table may be your go-to place.
3. DON'T LET IT STACK UP
This is true in the home I grew up in and it's true in the sorority house: mail stacks up and it looks messy. Have a place to put your mail. Go through the mail as you get it so it doesn't stack up. If you like to keep magazines that you get, find a storage solution. I'm looking for a bookshelf for my new place where i can keep all of my magazines and books.
4. IF YOU USE IT THERE, KEEP IT THERE
If it works for you, keeps you on-routine and organized, then do it even if it seems silly... this is your house after all. I like to keep my extra set of sheets under the mattress. It eliminates the need for the cabinets, creating more cabinet-storage room.
5. IF YOU DON'T USE IT, GET RID OF IT
Pretty self-explanatory. If you haven't used it in the last six months, you probably don't really need it.
Any tips you'd like to add? Comment here or email deathofchivalry@gmail.com!
