February is the month of love, and while we often associate it with relationships, it's also a great time to show some love to our homes! A clutter-free and organized home can create a more harmonious and loving environment for the whole family and your guests. Whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or an empty nester, we have some tips and tricks you can uselove your space and organize for a clutter-free home!

Shared Spaces 

Shared spaces such as living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms can get cluttered quickly, especially if you have a family with children or for those who work from home.

• For work-from-home professionals, creating a workspace within a shared space is a great way to stay focused and on task without distractions. This could be a small desk or a designated area at the dining table. Use a desk organizer or drawer dividers to keep things tidy and within reach. 

• For parents, creating a play area within the living or family room can help keep toys and other items contained. Use bins or baskets to store toys and games, and create a designated area for arts and crafts projects. It is also helpful to create designated areas for each person's belongings. Use baskets, shelves, or cubbies to keep daily-use items like backpacks, work or athletic bags, and shoes organized and easy to find. 

• For empty nesters, shared spaces can be used for entertaining guests or pursuing hobbies. Creating a designated area for hobbies such as reading, painting, or knitting can help keep these items organized and within reach.

Bedrooms

Your bedroom should feel like a retreat haven after a long day! But bedrooms can quickly become chaotic with clothes, shoes, and other items. Creating a calming bedroom space is one of the simplest ways to promote rest and relaxation.

• One of the easiest ways to keep bedrooms organized is to declutter regularly and clear off surfaces like nightstands and tops of dressers. Remember that visible physical clutter creates mental clutter! 
• Additionally, clean out clothes that no longer fit or are not worn from your dressers. Then, organize the remaining clothes by category (shirts, pants, etc.) and color. Use drawer dividers to keep things neat and easy to find. An easy way to see what you have in your dresser drawers is by folding clothes vertically in the drawer instead of stacking them on each other. 
• If you have children, the same concept applies! Creating a designated area for children's clothes and toys can help keep bedrooms tidy, which makes for happier kids! (Yes, kids get stressed out by clutter too!)  Use closet organizers or hanging shelves to store items, and build a designated area for bedtime stories and snuggles. 

Kitchens

Keeping the kitchen decluttered and functional can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be complicated!

• Drawer organizers can help you keep your utensils, cutlery, and other kitchen tools neatly organized and easy to find. 
• Get rid of expired food items (check the pantry too not just in the fridge), donate unused kitchen gadgets, and toss out chipped or broken dishes. 
• Keep frequently used items like plates, glasses, and cookware at eye level and within easy reach. Store items that are used less often in higher or lower cabinets. 
• Make use of vertical space by installing shelves or a pegboard to store pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials. 
• Transparent containers can help keep your pantry and fridge organized by allowing you to see what's inside at a glance. 
• Keep countertops as straightforward as possible to create more cooking and food prep workspace. Only keep out items that you use daily. 

Remember, keeping your kitchen organized is an ongoing process, so take a few minutes every day to put things back in their proper places.

Closets

Closets can be frustrating but can be organized and functional with a few simple tips.

• First, start by taking everything out of the closet and sorting them into categories. 
• Then, only keep the necessary things and bring joy. Use hangers of the same color and style to create a cohesive look. Add shelves or hanging organizers to keep things tidy. 
• For busy professionals, creating a capsule wardrobe can help simplify the closet. Invest in a few high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched, and donate or sell no-longer-needed items. 
• For parents, creating a designated area for children's clothes and toys can help keep closets organized. Use hanging organizers or shelves to store items, and develop a designated area for storing out-of-season clothes. 
• Shelving in coat or storage closets is an excellent way to store games, crafting supplies, and other hobby items.

Even amidst the chaos of daily life – the laundry, scattered shoes, paperwork, and toys – there's beauty in the mess.

 Remembering how each of these things represents moments of joy, laughter, and family can help us shift into a gratitude mindset! And when it comes to decluttering and organizing, the most important thing to remember when giving your home a little love is that your family's lifestyle will determine your personal approach!

At Lasting Order, we understand that every home and every person is different, so we offer personalized guidance and solutions tailored to your unique needs. Our team of professionals will work with you to create a plan that suits your lifestyle and helps you achieve your goals. Whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or an empty nester, simple solutions can make a big difference! By taking a little time to declutter and organize to fit your needs, you can create a more peaceful environment you LOVE coming home to.