What to Declutter in June
My kids are out of school for the summer and our schedules have slowed down a bit which makes it the perfect time to refresh and declutter our homes. Summer is a time to cherish the slower pace with our family, but it can also mean a messier home which can lead to overwhelm. Taking time at the beginning of summer to declutter and simplify some spaces can make for a more peaceful summer. Here are five key areas to focus on decluttering this month, along with expert tips to make the process smooth and effective.
1. Medicine Cabinet
Your medicine cabinet is often overlooked but can quickly become cluttered with expired or unused items. Here’s how to tackle it:
Check Expiration Dates: Go through all medications, vitamins, and supplements. Discard anything that has expired or is no longer needed.
Proper Disposal: Follow local guidelines for disposing of medications. Many pharmacies offer take-back programs.
Organize Essentials: Keep only the essentials you use regularly. Consider using clear containers or labeled bins to keep everything tidy.
Expert Tip: Regularly review your medicine cabinet every few months to prevent buildup and ensure you have necessary items on hand.
2. Old School Supplies and Papers
With the school year ending, now is a great time to sort through old school supplies and papers:
Sort and Recycle: Go through notebooks, folders, and papers. Recycle what is no longer needed and save only important documents.
Supplies Check: Gather all school supplies like pens, pencils, and markers. Discard those that are broken or dried out.
Storage Solutions: Use bins or drawers to organize supplies for the upcoming school year, making them easy to access.
Expert Tip: Create a dedicated space for each child’s school materials to keep everything organized and reduce morning chaos.
3. Wardrobe
June is the perfect time to transition your wardrobe to warmer weather items and declutter all the winter clothes that you no longer love:
Seasonal Switch: Store away winter clothes and bring out summer attire. Check for any damage or items that no longer fit and set them aside.
Donate or Sell: Donate gently used clothing to charity or sell them online. Consider a clothing swap with friends for a fun way to refresh your wardrobe.
Organize by Category: Arrange your clothes by type (shirts, pants, dresses) and color for easy access and a tidy look.
Expert Tip: Adopt a “one in, one out” policy for your wardrobe to prevent future clutter.
4. Outdoor Spaces
June is also a perfect time to declutter your outdoor spaces, such as the patio, garden, or garage:
Tools and Equipment: Sort through gardening tools and outdoor equipment. Discard broken items and organize what you need for the season.
Furniture: Check outdoor furniture for damage and clean it. Consider donating or selling pieces you no longer use.
Decor and Accessories: Refresh your outdoor space by decluttering old decor items. Keep only those that enhance your outdoor experience.
Toys: Go through outdoor toys, such as balls, bikes, and play sets. Discard or donate items that are broken, outgrown, or no longer used.
Expert Tip: Create dedicated storage for outdoor items to keep them protected and easily accessible.
5. Your Fridge
If you have little ones at home that are out of school for summer than a fridge cleanup is a must in June:
Check Expiration Dates: Go through all food items and discard anything expired or spoiled.
Clean Shelves and Drawers: Remove all items and clean the interior of your fridge. Use bins or containers to organize items by category.
Prep Easy Meals and Snacks: Plan and prep for easy meals and snacks that your kids can grab during the summer.
Expert Tip: Regularly clean and organize your fridge the day you do your meal planning and grocery shopping to help waste less food.
By focusing on these five key areas, you can make significant progress in creating a more organized and peaceful home this June. Remember, decluttering is a continuous process, and regular maintenance will help keep your home clutter-free. Happy decluttering!
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