Latest news with #decluttering
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts say you should clean or replace these 6 things in your bedroom ASAP
Most people spend at least eight hours in their bedrooms a day, so shouldn't it feel like an oasis? That might mean decluttering the space or giving your essentials a much-needed update. It's easy to use the same items for years and years in an effort to stretch a buck, but in some cases, that could be doing you more harm than good. No one wants to put on underwear with holes in it. Or breathe in air from a purifier with a filter that hasn't been changed in four years. Much like cosmetics and other bathroom and kitchen supplies, certain bedroom items have a shelf life. Others may just need more regular cleaning, but either way, rest easy: We asked a professional organizer and dermatologist for simple fixes that'll help your space feel cleaner and calmer. Here are six bedroom essentials that experts advise you not to overlook. Nightstand toiletries People don't think about what toiletries are hiding in their bedside tables, says Julianna Strickland, founder of the Los Angeles-based organizing service Space Camp. 'We find nearly empty tubes of lotion or crusty lip balms that have probably been in there for 10 years,' she says. 'It's a really easy thing to just scoop those up and toss them out. Buy yourself a new lip balm and a new lotion, and your space will feel clean and nice.' Dr. Heather D. Rogers, procedural dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology in Seattle, also advises keeping track of how long your skincare products have been open. 'Most are less effective and have a higher risk of being contaminated by six months after opening,' she says. Pillowcases We've got bad news: Odds are, you're not washing your bedding as often as you should, especially when it comes to your pillowcases. Even if you change them once a week, it's probably not enough, says Rogers. "We sweat and drool, and skincare products collect on pillowcases,' she adds. 'They get dirtier than the rest of our bed.' The Mayo Clinic also recommends washing your pillowcase to help keep dust mites at bay. If you suffer from allergies, you should also consider investing in dust-mite-proof protectors. Aim to wash your pillowcases or swap them out twice a week. Pillows As for the pillows themselves, you probably don't think about them too often, unless you have bad ones. When was the last time you treated yourself to a fresh set? It's likely been years — maybe even a decade. If so, it's time for an update. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation recommends replacing your pillows every two years. That may seem like a lot, we know! But consider this: After two years, dead dust mites and their droppings, which are invisible to the naked eye, can account for 10% of your pillow's weight (ick). Pillows also can trap dirt, sweat and oil, and most of us don't machine-wash them often. 'If we're organizing a bedroom and we notice that pillows are old, we definitely bring it up with the client and suggest a refresh,' Strickland says. Air purifier filters These screens usually need to be changed every three to 12 months, depending on the manufacturer. The majority of air purifiers have indicator lights that'll flash on or red when the filter needs changing — and it pays to heed the alert. If you continue to run your air purifier without changing the filter, it'll become clogged, reduce the efficacy and end up just passing dust or pollutants around your room. In some cases, it can damage the air purifier itself. (By the way, if your air purifier doesn't have an indicator light, write the date you inserted the new filter on a piece of painter's tape and stick it to the back so you can keep track). Strickland also recommends taking a look at your fans and humidifiers, which need to be cleaned at least once per season. 'It's something that can easily get overlooked. Most people just don't think about it,' she says. Hangers You might wonder why hangers are on this list, but it's for a great reason, especially if you're someone who has a long losing battle with closet clutter and needs every inch of space that you can get. 'From an organizing perspective, people often have broken hangers, leftover hangers from the dry cleaners and mismatched hangers. Not only do those not lay flat together, they also don't maximize your space,' Strickland says. Uniform, slim-line hangers can go a long way towards making your closet look less chaotic. Undergarments And finally, when's the last time you did an underwear drawer audit? If your mind is drawing a blank, it's probably time for a clean out, especially if the elastic is stretched out or there are holes in the fabric. Strickland finds that undergarments are often in desperate need of replacement in her clients' homes. Sometimes, her clients haven't bought new ones in a decade or more, she says. There is no absolute rule, but if your undies are frayed, take them out of rotation. But that doesn't mean tossing them in the trash, per se. 'Recycling old undergarments is tricky, but possible!' Strickland says. 'Some underwear brands have recycling programs, so you can send in your old pairs when you purchase new ones.' You can also look for companies like Trashie, which will accept most unwanted textiles, including old underwear so long as it's clean. The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
9 Things in Your Home You Need to Get Rid of ASAP This Month
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." You might spend the most time getting organized around the new year and in the spring, but pros organizers say there's another period that's just as important: July. Between yard work, road trips, barbecues, water sports and kids' activities, your house has likely seen better days during this summer month. That's why we tapped professional organizers to find out the top things you should get rid of in your home this July. "I think July is the best month for a mid-year check-in and decluttering session," says Shaniece Jones, professional organizer and Founder of Closet Therapy. "It's the perfect time to restock summer essentials and let go of what's just taking up space. If it hasn't been used by now, it might be time to let it go." From ill-fitting swimwear and expired sunscreen to old school supplies and unwanted bikes taking up much-needed space in the garage, see suggestions from Jones and other professional organizers to keep your home in tip-top shape. Remember, anything that can be, should be donated. Old Outdoor Gear With all the outdoor activities on your schedule, from biking to swimming, chances are you have some unnecessary gear in your space. It's important to stay on top of it, especially if you have kids. "Get rid of bikes they've outgrown, pool toys collecting dust or swimwear that no longer fits," says Jones. Don't forget to get rid of defective beach umbrellas, too. And good news: Some things like camping gear and outdoor clothes can be donated. Just do a quick Google search first!Unwanted Kids' Supplies Back-to-school season in August isn't the best time to tackle your kids' supplies, Jones says, as it's "highly intense and chaotic." This month, get a head start and declutter your kids' schoolwork from the past year. "Toss the old worksheets, reports and notebooks while things are a bit slow," she says. Tackle the mudroom as well, says Marissa Hagmeyer, NEAT Method co-founder and COO and author of the recently published book, The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book. "Set aside backpacks, lunchboxes and water bottles that are stained, broken or missing parts to be tossed or donated. The same goes for any other school supplies or gear that may need replacing before the school year." RELATED: Pro Organizers Want You to Throw Out Your Children's ArtworkUnnecessary Travel-Size Toiletries With vacation season underway, make packing a breeze by editing travel essentials. Take stock of everything from mini face moisturizers and toothpaste to makeup and body products. "Keep what you love and use," says Janelle Lam of Straighten Up by Janelle. But you can recycle what has expired, or donate what hasn't been used. RELATED: Thought You Had to Toss Your Empty Beauty Containers? There May Be Another WayExpired Sunscreen "If you're using expired bug spray or sunscreen, they're not doing their job," says Hagmeyer. It's important to check dates on packaging, especially citronella stickers or bracelets. "Finish the summer off strong — sans sunburns — and clear space for products that actually work," she Summer Clothes Don't overlook your closet when you're decluttering. Are there pieces you didn't wear last summer? Is there an item you just don't love anymore? "If it didn't make it out of your closet last summer, there is a high chance it probably doesn't reflect your current style," Jones says. She recommends creating a Pinterest board just for your summer style. That way, you have a clear vision of what doesn't fit so you can easily declutter. Violetta Elezovic, founder of VS Organized Interiors, also suggests evaluating your summer wardrobe every year: "Go through your summer clothes and shoes that are worn out or no longer useful. In general, you can create more space in your wardrobe and keep a better eye on what you already have when things aren't so cluttered." And remember, many organizations will take gently worn summer clothing, including dresses and shorts. RELATED: Declutter Your Closet in Just a Day With These Hacks From Pro OrganizersMismatched Food Storage Containers With outdoor entertaining, comes lots of food storage containers. You're bound to have some in your cabinet that you never reach for. "Summer leftovers, BBQs and picnics mean you're using food containers constantly," Lam says. "Take five minutes to match up lids, and toss any warped pieces." If you have too many, or they are just mismatched, check with local schools or senior center to see if they can be donated there. You can also try to find clever new uses for them, like storing crayons and pencils!Worn Beach Towels Examine your beach towels to make sure they're in good shape. "If they are too thin or are ripped and frayed, it's time to let them go," says Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized! "Many donation centers will accept most textiles because they can sell the unusable items by the pound." You can also check with your local pet shelter, which can use them for clean up or keeping pets Reusable Water Bottles Water bottles always seem to accumulate out of nowhere, so it's worth taking stock of your collection in any cabinets and coolers. "Toss the ones that are moldy, smelly or rarely get used for whatever reason – broken zipper, item doesn't insulate well or water bottles that leak easily," says Gabai. RELATED: Not All Reusable Water Bottles Are Recyclable. Here's How to Tell If Yours Instruction Manuals It's pretty easy to access instruction manuals for appliances on reputable websites these days, whether you're trying to figure out a maintenance issue or learning how a specific feature works. Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life suggests making note of your appliances' model numbers before recycling paper manuals, though. "Most are unnecessary now that setup guides and troubleshooting tips are just a company website or YouTube search away," Hines says. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
9 Things in Your Home You Need to Get Rid of ASAP This Month
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." You might spend the most time getting organized around the new year and in the spring, but pros organizers say there's another period that's just as important: July. Between yard work, road trips, barbecues, water sports and kids' activities, your house has likely seen better days during this summer month. That's why we tapped professional organizers to find out the top things you should get rid of in your home this July. "I think July is the best month for a mid-year check-in and decluttering session," says Shaniece Jones, professional organizer and Founder of Closet Therapy. "It's the perfect time to restock summer essentials and let go of what's just taking up space. If it hasn't been used by now, it might be time to let it go." From ill-fitting swimwear and expired sunscreen to old school supplies and unwanted bikes taking up much-needed space in the garage, see suggestions from Jones and other professional organizers to keep your home in tip-top shape. Remember, anything that can be, should be donated. Old Outdoor Gear With all the outdoor activities on your schedule, from biking to swimming, chances are you have some unnecessary gear in your space. It's important to stay on top of it, especially if you have kids. "Get rid of bikes they've outgrown, pool toys collecting dust or swimwear that no longer fits," says Jones. Don't forget to get rid of defective beach umbrellas, too. And good news: Some things like camping gear and outdoor clothes can be donated. Just do a quick Google search first!Unwanted Kids' Supplies Back-to-school season in August isn't the best time to tackle your kids' supplies, Jones says, as it's "highly intense and chaotic." This month, get a head start and declutter your kids' schoolwork from the past year. "Toss the old worksheets, reports and notebooks while things are a bit slow," she says. Tackle the mudroom as well, says Marissa Hagmeyer, NEAT Method co-founder and COO and author of the recently published book, The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book. "Set aside backpacks, lunchboxes and water bottles that are stained, broken or missing parts to be tossed or donated. The same goes for any other school supplies or gear that may need replacing before the school year." RELATED: Pro Organizers Want You to Throw Out Your Children's ArtworkUnnecessary Travel-Size Toiletries With vacation season underway, make packing a breeze by editing travel essentials. Take stock of everything from mini face moisturizers and toothpaste to makeup and body products. "Keep what you love and use," says Janelle Lam of Straighten Up by Janelle. But you can recycle what has expired, or donate what hasn't been used. RELATED: Thought You Had to Toss Your Empty Beauty Containers? There May Be Another WayExpired Sunscreen "If you're using expired bug spray or sunscreen, they're not doing their job," says Hagmeyer. It's important to check dates on packaging, especially citronella stickers or bracelets. "Finish the summer off strong — sans sunburns — and clear space for products that actually work," she Summer Clothes Don't overlook your closet when you're decluttering. Are there pieces you didn't wear last summer? Is there an item you just don't love anymore? "If it didn't make it out of your closet last summer, there is a high chance it probably doesn't reflect your current style," Jones says. She recommends creating a Pinterest board just for your summer style. That way, you have a clear vision of what doesn't fit so you can easily declutter. Violetta Elezovic, founder of VS Organized Interiors, also suggests evaluating your summer wardrobe every year: "Go through your summer clothes and shoes that are worn out or no longer useful. In general, you can create more space in your wardrobe and keep a better eye on what you already have when things aren't so cluttered." And remember, many organizations will take gently worn summer clothing, including dresses and shorts. RELATED: Declutter Your Closet in Just a Day With These Hacks From Pro OrganizersMismatched Food Storage Containers With outdoor entertaining, comes lots of food storage containers. You're bound to have some in your cabinet that you never reach for. "Summer leftovers, BBQs and picnics mean you're using food containers constantly," Lam says. "Take five minutes to match up lids, and toss any warped pieces." If you have too many, or they are just mismatched, check with local schools or senior center to see if they can be donated there. You can also try to find clever new uses for them, like storing crayons and pencils!Worn Beach Towels Examine your beach towels to make sure they're in good shape. "If they are too thin or are ripped and frayed, it's time to let them go," says Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized! "Many donation centers will accept most textiles because they can sell the unusable items by the pound." You can also check with your local pet shelter, which can use them for clean up or keeping pets Reusable Water Bottles Water bottles always seem to accumulate out of nowhere, so it's worth taking stock of your collection in any cabinets and coolers. "Toss the ones that are moldy, smelly or rarely get used for whatever reason – broken zipper, item doesn't insulate well or water bottles that leak easily," says Gabai. RELATED: Not All Reusable Water Bottles Are Recyclable. Here's How to Tell If Yours Instruction Manuals It's pretty easy to access instruction manuals for appliances on reputable websites these days, whether you're trying to figure out a maintenance issue or learning how a specific feature works. Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life suggests making note of your appliances' model numbers before recycling paper manuals, though. "Most are unnecessary now that setup guides and troubleshooting tips are just a company website or YouTube search away," Hines says. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
9 Things in Your Home You Need to Get Rid of ASAP This Month
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." You might spend the most time getting organized around the new year and in the spring, but pros organizers say there's another period that's just as important: July. Between yard work, road trips, barbecues, water sports and kids' activities, your house has likely seen better days during this summer month. That's why we tapped professional organizers to find out the top things you should get rid of in your home this July. "I think July is the best month for a mid-year check-in and decluttering session," says Shaniece Jones, professional organizer and Founder of Closet Therapy. "It's the perfect time to restock summer essentials and let go of what's just taking up space. If it hasn't been used by now, it might be time to let it go." From ill-fitting swimwear and expired sunscreen to old school supplies and unwanted bikes taking up much-needed space in the garage, see suggestions from Jones and other professional organizers to keep your home in tip-top shape. Remember, anything that can be, should be donated. With all the outdoor activities on your schedule, from biking to swimming, chances are you have some unnecessary gear in your space. It's important to stay on top of it, especially if you have kids. "Get rid of bikes they've outgrown, pool toys collecting dust or swimwear that no longer fits," says Jones. Don't forget to get rid of defective beach umbrellas, too. And good news: Some things like camping gear and outdoor clothes can be donated. Just do a quick Google search first!Back-to-school season in August isn't the best time to tackle your kids' supplies, Jones says, as it's "highly intense and chaotic." This month, get a head start and declutter your kids' schoolwork from the past year. "Toss the old worksheets, reports and notebooks while things are a bit slow," she says. Tackle the mudroom as well, says Marissa Hagmeyer, NEAT Method co-founder and COO and author of the recently published book, The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book. "Set aside backpacks, lunchboxes and water bottles that are stained, broken or missing parts to be tossed or donated. The same goes for any other school supplies or gear that may need replacing before the school year." RELATED: Pro Organizers Want You to Throw Out Your Children's ArtworkWith vacation season underway, make packing a breeze by editing travel essentials. Take stock of everything from mini face moisturizers and toothpaste to makeup and body products. "Keep what you love and use," says Janelle Lam of Straighten Up by Janelle. But you can recycle what has expired, or donate what hasn't been used. RELATED: Thought You Had to Toss Your Empty Beauty Containers? There May Be Another Way"If you're using expired bug spray or sunscreen, they're not doing their job," says Hagmeyer. It's important to check dates on packaging, especially citronella stickers or bracelets. "Finish the summer off strong — sans sunburns — and clear space for products that actually work," she overlook your closet when you're decluttering. Are there pieces you didn't wear last summer? Is there an item you just don't love anymore? "If it didn't make it out of your closet last summer, there is a high chance it probably doesn't reflect your current style," Jones says. She recommends creating a Pinterest board just for your summer style. That way, you have a clear vision of what doesn't fit so you can easily declutter. Violetta Elezovic, founder of VS Organized Interiors, also suggests evaluating your summer wardrobe every year: "Go through your summer clothes and shoes that are worn out or no longer useful. In general, you can create more space in your wardrobe and keep a better eye on what you already have when things aren't so cluttered." And remember, many organizations will take gently worn summer clothing, including dresses and shorts. RELATED: Declutter Your Closet in Just a Day With These Hacks From Pro OrganizersWith outdoor entertaining, comes lots of food storage containers. You're bound to have some in your cabinet that you never reach for. "Summer leftovers, BBQs and picnics mean you're using food containers constantly," Lam says. "Take five minutes to match up lids, and toss any warped pieces." If you have too many, or they are just mismatched, check with local schools or senior center to see if they can be donated there. You can also try to find clever new uses for them, like storing crayons and pencils!Examine your beach towels to make sure they're in good shape. "If they are too thin or are ripped and frayed, it's time to let them go," says Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized! "Many donation centers will accept most textiles because they can sell the unusable items by the pound." You can also check with your local pet shelter, which can use them for clean up or keeping pets bottles always seem to accumulate out of nowhere, so it's worth taking stock of your collection in any cabinets and coolers. "Toss the ones that are moldy, smelly or rarely get used for whatever reason – broken zipper, item doesn't insulate well or water bottles that leak easily," says Gabai. RELATED: Not All Reusable Water Bottles Are Recyclable. Here's How to Tell If Yours pretty easy to access instruction manuals for appliances on reputable websites these days, whether you're trying to figure out a maintenance issue or learning how a specific feature works. Ashley Hines of Thee Tailored Life suggests making note of your appliances' model numbers before recycling paper manuals, though. "Most are unnecessary now that setup guides and troubleshooting tips are just a company website or YouTube search away," Hines says. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The best time to teach kids how to declutter is when they're young — here's how I did it with mine
Kids are less nostalgic than adults, which makes it easier to instill good decluttering habits. I taught my kids how to declutter at a young age by making it a regular part of life. We followed the one-in-one-out rule and sometimes regifted toys and games they'd outgrown. As a professional decluttering consultant who works with both kids and adults, I've noticed that children aren't nearly as attached to their toys, games, trinkets, and keepsakes as their parents. In fact, it's often the mom saying, "Oh honey! Are you sure you want to get rid of that scooter? You used to love it so much!" Never mind that they've been too big to ride it for years. Children lack this sense of nostalgia that keeps us oldsters hanging on to useless stuff because of an emotional attachment. That's why the perfect time to get kids used to letting go is when it's easy — when they're young and before they've come to the conclusion that discarding their things is tantamount to ditching every beautiful moment of their lives. Here's how I taught my kids to let go of stuff — not stuff that was dear to them, but the things they'd outgrown or ceased to love. On the weekends, I'd make a list of chores for my kids that might look like this: Take the sheets off your bed, empty the dishwasher, clean out your backpack, and find five things you don't need anymore. By age 6, my youngest found decluttering kind of fun, and in the process often discovered things she'd misplaced that she was thrilled to rediscover. She'd run into the dining room with her five things — maybe a plastic party favor, an old drawing, a broken crayon, and two tangled bunches of yarn— and then run back to her room to play with her newly found old favorites. I'd tell them they could put any trash or recycling — like leftover school papers or dried-up pens — that were in their rooms in the bag as well as true clutter. The idea was to make it easy to just get stuff out of the room. There was usually a lot of paper in there, as well as old toys or broken knickknacks. The point was to make the case that a toy you no longer play with is as useless as one that's broken, so you might as well clear them all out at once. I wasn't super strict about this, but if we came home with new clothes or toys or, most often, pets, I'd ask them to find a few things to get rid of to make room for the new things. This logic makes so much sense to my kids. There's no judgment here, no "You have too much stuff," or "You can't take care of your things." It's just a statement of fact: we only have room for a limited number of items in this house. We gave a lot of our favorite games and toys to younger kids. My children loved showing my friend's daughter how to play "Don't Break the Ice" and then boxing it up for her. They didn't want to keep it just because they'd enjoyed it when they were five. In every house I've ever decluttered, if there was a cache of children's toys, it was there because the parents couldn't stand to get rid of them. The kids weren't interested. What I discovered from doing this with my kids is that they actually liked living in a less cluttered space; they just didn't really know how to achieve it on their own. Figuring out why we hold on to stuff can be hard, and we may not realize the emotional bond we have to something until it catches us off guard. Like when I couldn't bring myself to let go of a little wooden egg and spoon game that my sisters and I had never used in childhood. It was my mother's, and knowing that she'd been lonely as a child made this old toy feel special, as though I was holding some of her precious memories in my hand. I wanted to teach my kids to really look at their possessions and determine whether they were loved and used or merely things they were used to. Moving from childhood into adulthood is already fraught; cluttering the journey up with a bunch of extraneous possessions just makes it harder. My advice: give decluttering with your kids a try. Ask your kid to find four things they don't need to own anymore. Then, resist the temptation to keep those things yourself. Read the original article on Business Insider
