Clear Cluttered Drawers

We've all been there; cramming an item back in a drawer and slamming it shut before everything falls out. Typically, we only use the things on the top of our clutter because that's what we can see and that's what we have access to. We've all bought an item knowing we have one at home, we just can't find it. It's at the bottom of that cluttered drawer. We frustratingly paw through saying “I know I have one here”. Luckily for you, there is another way! It won't take nearly as long as you think it will and everyone can do it.

Dump the drawer on the floor. Yes, that's right. Dump the drawer upside down and get everything out on the floor. Now, remain calm. Spread everything out. Refrain from grabbing the item you've been looking for and throwing everything back in. Take everything that you know if trash and go put it in the trash. Next, check expiration dates and toss expired items. Now, take everything you want to keep in that drawer and place it on the counter. This is your opportunity to give it a good cleaning! Of your remaining items, decide if they should go somewhere else or if you'd like to sell, donate, or toss them. If you have a product you know doesn't work for you, don't hang on to it out of guilt for how much you paid, pass it along to a friend!

If the items you've decided to keep are scattered across categories, see if you can group them or maybe remove a category and put it in a different place. For example, if you have hair products, hair tools like blow-dryers and straighteners, skincare products, and makeup all together this can be too jumbled. See if you can relocate one or two of these categories so your drawer is more clearly defined. If youre able to further separate items into bins or boxes, great, and if not, that's fine too! Now when you get ready you'll be able to notice how much more relaxed you are and maybe even more punctual. Digging through drawers takes more time and energy than you think it does. Enjoy your clean and organized drawer!

How To Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need

Have you ever gone to a store, gotten excited about everything you’re purchasing, only to get home and ask yourself “why did I buy this?” This is something most people can relate to. The solution starts with understanding what you have. When you go through the items you own, you will be able to start appreciating what you have and being more mindful about what you bring in to your home. Gather similar items and understand whether or not you want more of that item, if the items you have gathered aren’t working for you try to understand why, also, do the items you have make you happy and serve their function. If you buy lots of jars but have nothing to do with them so they end up in a closet, this item is not serving you. Maybe, you would prefer to display the jars. Find your favorites and only display those and decide if you would like to part with the others. Now, when you see jars in a store, you will understand that you like them but they do not have a function and you will be able to compare the jars in the store to the ones you know you have at home so you avoid buying jars that are not your favorite.

When you familiarize yourself with clothing items you own, try to notice if there is any color or type of clothing that you are drifting away from. You deserve to wear clothes that represent you and the person you want to be. If you are looking at a grey sweater in a store, picture the sweaters you have at home. You can only wear one sweater at a time. Ask yourself if there a time that you would want to wear the one in the store more than the ones you have at home. Additionally, Try to avoid going to stores unless you know what you are looking for. Establish a need for something before you purchase it. When you familiarize yourself with the items in your home and you see the need for something, then you will be able to purchase something appropriate for what you need rather than getting home and realizing you have nothing to do with the item you purchased.

Be mindful of your reason for shopping. Sometimes it’s not about needing anything, it’s about filling time, escaping, or the thrill of finding something new. Perhaps in the time you spend familiarizing yourself with your items you will find that you have enough and decide to spend time honoring the items you have by rearranging, cleaning, or displaying them. If you are looking for an escape, perhaps you may discover that you are just desiring to be around people and you may be able to invest effort in looking for a social event. If you simply love finding something new, now that you have familiarized yourself with the items in your home, you will be able to accurately judge whether the item in the store is “better than” your item at home.