With Halloween approaching, it's the perfect time to talk about something terrifying – the clutter and chaos lurking within our homes. From the dreaded junk drawer to the ominous abyss under the kitchen sink and the haunting depths of the basement, these spaces can send shivers down the spine of even the bravest homeowner. But fear not, for we have the tools and tips to help you transform these frightening areas into well-organized havens.
In this month’s blog post, we will explore the three places that scare many homeowners: the junk drawer, the underbelly of the kitchen sink, and the deep, dark basement. We'll delve into why these spaces are so spooky and provide practical ideas to banish the chaos. So grab your flashlight, prepare for an adventure, and let's tackle these spooky spaces together.
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The Junk Drawer: A Bottomless Pit of Mystery
Why It's Scary
The junk drawer is a place of mysteries, a chaotic repository for the odds and ends of daily life. It's like a portal to another dimension where items magically appear and disappear. You might find anything from old batteries and random keys to expired coupons and a multitude of pens that no longer work. The spooky part? You never quite know what's lurking in there, which can be anxiety-inducing.
Ideas to Tame the Chaos
Empty It Out: The first step to conquering your junk drawer is to empty it completely. This might feel overwhelming at first, but it's a necessary step to see what you're dealing with. Lay everything out on a flat surface and take a good look at the items you've been stashing away.
Get Rid of the Trash: Once you've emptied the drawer, identify what's truly trash. Be ruthless in your assessment. Toss out expired coupons, broken items, and anything you haven't used in ages. Clutter-clearing is essential for reclaiming this space.
Get Rid of What Doesn't Belong: After you've discarded the trash, it's time to find permanent homes for items that don't belong in the junk drawer. Return misplaced items to their rightful places. For items that don't have an obvious home, consider whether they're worth keeping. If not, it's time to say goodbye.
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Under the Kitchen Sink: Where Cleaning Supplies Go to Die
Why It's Scary
The area under the kitchen sink is a dusky, cluttered abyss, where cleaning supplies and household items seem to vanish into the void. The plumbing under the sink makes this space tricky to navigate, and you're often left fumbling around in the dark, desperately searching for that elusive bottle of all-purpose cleaner. The fear of knocking something over or causing a water leak only adds to the trepidation.
Ideas to Tame the Chaos
Pull Everything Out: Just like with the junk drawer, it's time to face your fears head-on. Start by removing all items from under the sink. Lay them out in an organized fashion, so you can see exactly what you have.
Keep Only Kitchen-Specific Cleaning Items: One of the biggest culprits in a cluttered under-sink area is non-kitchen-related items. Relocate these to a different storage space. Only keep cleaning supplies and items you use in the kitchen under the sink.
Place Bins in the Front Part of the Cabinet: To maximize space and make everything accessible, consider installing bins or pull-out trays under the sink. Arrange these containers towards the front, away from the plumbing, and categorize items by type. This will make it easier to find what you need and prevent items from getting lost in the back.
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Under Sink Organizer and/or Lazy Susan
The Basement: A Dungeon of Forgotten Treasures
Why It's Scary
We know, we know: out of sight, out of mind. But basements often become repositories of forgotten items, and the prospect of organizing them can be daunting. The lack of natural light and potential dampness can add to the eerie ambiance. In addition, the basement often houses sentimental items, which can be emotionally overwhelming to sort through.
Ideas to Tame the Chaos
Hire an Organizer: If the idea of tackling your basement's chaos feels too overwhelming, consider enlisting the help of professional organizers. We recommend us! Easy Life Organizing can provide you with a structured plan and the expertise needed to transform your basement into a functional space.
Leave Sentimental Items for Last: Sorting sentimental items can be emotionally draining. To make the process more manageable, leave these items for the end of your basement organizing project. Focus on the less emotional items first to build your confidence and create a sense of accomplishment.
Use Shelves and Waterproof Totes: When organizing your basement, invest in sturdy shelves to maximize vertical storage space. Instead of cardboard boxes, opt for plastic waterproof totes. These are more durable and will protect your belongings from moisture and pests.
BONUS: Label Totes with Thick, Readable Labels: Don't forget to label your totes clearly and legibly. Use thick, waterproof labels that are easy to read in low-light conditions. This will save you from rummaging through totes when you're searching for something specific.
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