Time to get Tidy!

Pig(g)s can be tidy too!! In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to let clutter build up, both physically and mentally. However, embracing tidiness can bring about a world of benefits that go beyond mere aesthetics. No matter what season of life you’re in, you should have the ability to access the spaces in your home without an overwhelming amount of frustration and defeat. Here’s why being tidy is essential for a balanced and productive life:

1. Boosts Productivity

A tidy environment minimizes distractions, allowing you to focus better on your tasks. When your workspace is organized, you spend less time searching for items and more time being productive. This can lead to enhanced creativity and efficiency in both personal and professional pursuits. Who doesn't love channeling their inner-self again?

2. Reduces Stress

Clutter can create a sense of chaos, which often translates to stress. Having piles of laundry, shoes, toys (and somehow food wrappers?? everywhere) does not make for a ‘welcome home’ feeling. A clean space fosters a calm atmosphere, making it easier to relax and unwind. By keeping your surroundings tidy, you create a sanctuary that promotes mental well-being.

4. Promotes Healthy Habits

Healthy habits should not last the first few weeks of January, people! We are creatures of habit, so why do we not allow ourselves to enjoy the good habits and routines that benefit our healthy AND spaces? Being tidy encourages you to maintain healthy habits. For instance, a clean kitchen makes you more likely to prepare nutritious meals, while an organized workout space can motivate you to stay active. Tidiness can not only be the first step toward a healthier lifestyle, but a fun one.

5. Fosters Responsibility and Discipline

Maintaining a tidy environment requires commitment and discipline. Regularly tidying up instills a sense of responsibility, helping you develop habits that extend beyond your physical space. This discipline can translate into other areas of your life, such as time management and goal setting. When we start believing in our ability to stay on track with goals and managing time, we know we are capable of staying consistent. You can do it!

Lost in Laundry?

Laundry is one of those household chores that can easily spiral into chaos. Piles of clothes, mismatched socks, and the never-ending cycle of washing, drying, and folding (or no folding??) can overwhelm even the most organized individuals. Staying on top of laundry with an organizational system can help create a routine that will benefit you and your family for the long run. It may feel impossible or you may even say “no one else follows the system, it’s just me!”, but fear not! Here are some tips to help you avoid getting lost in the laundry chaos and maintain a sense of order between you and the family.

1. Create a Laundry Schedule

Set specific days and times for doing laundry. Whether it’s once a week or twice a week, having a schedule helps you stay consistent and prevents laundry from piling up. This also saves your sanity if you ever feel like you “should” be doing laundry, you know this schedule is the only thing that you need to listen to. If you run into days where you suddenly need a baseball uniform or fresh work shirt, it’s ok to go off schedule! Giving yourself grace, especially during a new routine, is a must. Mark it on your calendar or set reminders on your phone to keep yourself accountable.

2. Designate a Laundry Area

Having a dedicated space for laundry can make a big difference. Any bare floor space your house is NOT the laundry area. If possible, choose a room or corner that’s solely for laundry tasks. This could be solely your laundry room, or even one large single bin in the parents room since we know everyone is in there anyway! Keep all your supplies—detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets—organized in this area. A tidy laundry space makes the process feel less chaotic. Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it.

3. Incorporate a Family System

If you share laundry duties with family members, create a system that works for everyone. From the youngest to the oldest, each person in the house can have an assigned task if that’s what you’re wanting. Assign specific laundry tasks, such as washing, folding, or putting away clothes. A task for the little ones could be as simple as separating the colors from whites and taking one less job away before they even make it to the wash. Make it a fun family activity by playing music or setting a timer for a folding challenge. Incorporating a sticker chart during tasks like these for small children is so easy, and fun for them!

4. If You Can, Embrace Minimalism

Consider simplifying your wardrobe. The fewer clothes you have, the less laundry you’ll need to do. Focus on versatile pieces that mix and match easily, making it simpler to maintain your wardrobe and keep your laundry load manageable. For parents, having a donation box in your closet for monthly or quarterly purges will surprisingly end up being easier than you thought. Before you know it, you will be only sticking with the staples and not feeling suffocated from the clutter. Getting your children on board with downsizing their amount of clothes might seem super simple - just don’t tell them. If you are in a situation like that, perfect! Make time to go through their clothes seasonally to make sure you are not holding onto pieces they no longer fit into. If your children like to be involved in the decluttering process of clothes, pick a time together to go through seasonal clothes that might not be worth keeping. This is a great time to teach them about giving their items to people in-need, or other friends or family members that are expecting kids of their own.

To Fold, or Not to Fold? Is there a right or wrong??

When it comes to managing your wardrobe, the way you store your clothes can make a significant difference in their longevity, appearance, and your overall organization. The quick answer is no, there is no “right” or “wrong”, but there is a reason behind why we preference certain items! While it might seem trivial, the decision to fold or hang your clothes comes with a host of benefits that can enhance your daily life. Let’s dive into why adopting these practices can transform your wardrobe experience! In the end… the choice is yours. ;)

If you’re in a space that allows hanging clothes - hanging delicate items, like blouses and dresses, prevents creases and keeps them looking fresh. Folding or hanging clothes properly helps preserve their shape and fabric. Meanwhile, folding heavier garments, such as sweaters, avoids stretching and distortion. By taking care of your clothes, you extend their lifespan, saving money in the long run. If you are following a folding or hanging system, you’re more likely to notice wear and tear on your clothes. Regularly assessing your wardrobe as you fold or hang allows you to identify items that may need repairs or cleaning. This proactive approach helps maintain your garments and promotes mindful consumption.

Maximizing your given space is the fastest way to help you learn your routine, and value the items you have. Organizing your closet by folding or hanging items can efficiently help maximize the space. Hanging clothes vertically frees up shelf space for other items, while folding can allow you to stack multiple garments neatly in drawers. Utilizing every inch of your closet ensures you can store more without feeling cluttered. If you begin stacking your items from floor to ceiling, you will quickly get the feeling of over-stimulation and cluttered-ness.

Intentionality behind your clothing layout, whether it is folding or hanging clothes encourages a mindful approach to your wardrobe. It’s an opportunity to appreciate what you own and consider your style choices. This intentionality can lead to better purchasing decisions and a more curated wardrobe. So, next time you do laundry, take a moment to consider how you’re storing your clothes. A little care goes a long way!