Simply Enough

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Why a Disorganized Garage Costs Time and Money

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I love a neat and organized garage. But in the US, 82% of homes have two-car garages or larger, but only 15% park the car inside. We use our garage as intended, to house and protect cars. Vehicles are typically worth more than anything stored in messy garages. Let's consider for a moment that our last car purchase, a used SUV, was valued at approximately $25K. This alone motivates me to keep our garage clutter-free but there are other benefits too. 3 Reasons to Clean and Organize Your Garage Curb Appeal - Spring is home buying and selling season.  Extra cars and trash cans visible from the street ruin curb appeal and decrease property values.  Do you have a neighbor selling their house? Help their sale and your property value by moving trash cans inside. And a late-night trip to the trash can in your pajamas is easier too! Protection from the Elements - In the mid-Atlantic, winters can be cold, rainy, and snowy. Cars parked inside are …

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How to Organize Your Pantry

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I often hear that the pantry is the most disorganized spaces in your home. Am I right? Well, you can tackle it one shelf at a time! Since we simplified, I can empty and reset my pantry in 2 hours or less, including cleaning the shelves and updating labels.  My pantry is a cabinet, not a walk-in space. I think that is a blessing. It might take you longer and you may need to tackle one shelf at a time. My Step-by-Step Approach for how to organize the pantry can be used over and over again until you've taken care of all the pantry food and contents. Give it a try this week! Remove everything from the cabinet or shelf Clean canisters, shelves, and containers Declutter expired items and poor quality ingredients Group items by category Vinegar/Oil Flour/Sugar Canned goods Snacks Pasta and Rice Repurpose extra food storage containers for organization Remove items from multi-pack plastic or trim boxes for easy access Granola bars …

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How to Declutter and Recycle Old Electronics

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Our electronics become obsolete quickly as technology is constantly changing. And yet, we have a tendency to hang on to old phones, printers, and cords. When I declutter homes, I often find unidentified cords neatly coiled and unopened. Just in case we need them, right? If a cord is unknown and unused, it is highly unlikely you will use it.  Simple Steps to Declutter and Organize Electronics Inventory Write a Household Electronics Inventory of devices you use at least once a month. Here's a sample list to get you started. iPhone iPad MacBook Laptop Desktop Computer Printer Scanner Kindle Wireless Headphones Bluetooth Speaker Gaming System DVD player (I doubt it) Collect the Cords Aggregate all the cords and chargers that go with these devices Choose a central location for the family to access. Label each cord with a Sharpie or label maker. Keep charging cords in a basket. Use rubber bands to wrap cords neatly. …

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5 Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Sentimental Stuff

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One of the most common questions I answer is sentimental items. "What should I do with sentimental stuff?" Like baby clothes or grandma's china. I suggest a “some not none” approach.  In my home, I display my grandma's decorative plate. I pass it several times a day and smile as I think of her. Some is also her silver locket, a timeless piece, inspiring questions when I wear it and an opportunity to share her story and influence.  My grandmother and I were a lot alike.  So, it was difficult to part with her Christmas sweatshirt. It wasn't the sweatshirt I loved, but rather the picture of her wearing it. I embrace life with less, but sentimental stuff is hard. Tips for Handling Sentimental Stuff Do This Last- Save the memory-laced items for last. Declutter other areas of your home first. Gain momentum and the ability to let go with other categories.  Start with spaces you encounter daily to realize immediate benefits. Some Not None - If everything …

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How to Organize Family Board Games

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Board Games and Playing Cards We routinely hold a family game night. Our favorite board games come in the smallest boxes or no box at all. We travel with three decks of cards (Monopoly Deal, standard playing cards, and a Pinochle deck.) While the Fish Bowl Game requires only a pen and paper. And after many years, these games remain our favorites. To keep it organized, I designated a small cabinet for our collection. Games cycle in and out. The key to organizing board games is setting boundaries and being realistic about which games are played.  How to Organize Board Games Collect all the games and cards Designate a cabinet or shelf to store them Check each box for missing pieces and instructions Fix or reinforce boxes with tape. Secure with rubber bands Donate games your family has outgrown Throw away damaged or incomplete games Confirm playing cards are complete decks Keep 1-2 high-quality decks of cards Limit your collection to what you use …

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Not Enough Hangers Or Too Many Clothes

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You have enough hangers. However, I'm guessing they do not match and this alone can make a closet look disorganized. But by now you know I am not an organizer who encourages you to buy stuff.  I will always suggest that you declutter first to figure out what you really need. It's always less than you think.  But when it’s time to replace broken hangers, I like these. In the meantime, try these decluttering and organizing tips for your closet. How to Reduce Hangers and Clothing Remove Empty Hangers - Return metal ones to the dry cleaner. Recycle plastic store hangers. Sort Clothes by Season - If possible, move current season clothing to the front. Or utilize a spare closet to store offseason clothing while you downsize. Sort Clothes by Color - Create a visually appealing space by grouping colors. Shoes - Use the 1-In/1-Out Rule. Or 1-In/5-Out Rule. :) Turn Hangers - To face the back of the closet. When you re-hang clean clothes, turn them in the …

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