Stuck at home? It may be time to go all in on reorganizing your space

Not that we have to remind you, but life as we know it is on hold. Which also means it's getting increasingly harder to put off that pile of laundry, the messy pantry or the bathroom scrubdown.

News 12 Staff

Mar 19, 2020, 5:47 PM

Updated 1,495 days ago

Share:

By: Kattey Ortiz
Not that we have to remind you, but life as we know it is on hold. No more dates, shopping, working out at the gym, or anything in a public setting. Which also means it's getting increasingly harder to put off that pile of laundry, the messy pantry or the bathroom scrubdown.
If there's a lot to do, don't be overwhelmed. The goal is to make the space a less stressful one. In fact, cleaning in and of itself helps reduce your anxiety and manage your stress (and it's safe to say, we're all stressed).
Here are some tips from The Container Store to tackle the to-do list:
  1. Start in one place. Where you start is up to you, but don't be intimidated by the entirety of the job. Knock a room, cabinet, or closet off your list, then move onto the next place.
  2. Give yourself time. As nice as it would be to finish the bathroom in one day, it may not be possible. Dedicate a few hours a day to organize the one area.

  3. Take control of your inventory. Go through the contents of the area you chose to start with and determine what you want to donate, toss, or keep. The Container Store goes by the two-year rule: if you haven't worn it in two years, say goodbye to it and hello to some more space.

  4. Now look at what you have left over. Is it where it belongs? Should it be in another room for easier access? Move what you can to another place in your home that may make more sense, and worry about it later when you tackle that area.

  5. There's never enough storage, is there? Look for storage opportunities now that you've cleared some things. Also look for wasted space. The Container Store advises to go "up," taking shelves all the way up to the ceiling to maximize the vertical space.

  6. Divide the space. Use containers, separators, trays, anything that can help eliminating the possibility of stacking clothes, papers, etc.
Now that you're on a roll, it's all about the little things and finishing touches that maximize your storage, accessibility, and organization. Good Housekeeping suggests things like towel racks in linen closets, drawer organizers, and hanging your pots and pans.
HGTV also has tips, like organizing your closet by occasion and using doors for added space. Small boxes to sort your shelf items can make it less daunting to look for what you need (like in medicine cabinets or bathroom closets). Also, get the kids involved in the cleaning! Make it a race to see who can pick up the most items.
Happy cleaning, and make sure to take adequate breaks and go outside if the weather permits. You'll feel amazing coming back to a tidy space.
Click here to show us what you're doing at home.
undefined
 




More from News 12
0:31
President Joe Biden to visit Village of Irvington for celebrity fundraiser

President Joe Biden to visit Village of Irvington for celebrity fundraiser

2:39
Mary J. Blige’s Road to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame started in Yonkers public housing

Mary J. Blige’s Road to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame started in Yonkers public housing

2:06
Frost and freeze concerns overnight, glorious Tuesday with temps in the 60s

Frost and freeze concerns overnight, glorious Tuesday with temps in the 60s

2:04
‘She wore her uniform proudly.’ Westchester COBA mourns late officer Eleanor Birrittella

‘She wore her uniform proudly.’ Westchester COBA mourns late officer Eleanor Birrittella

2:19
Turn to Tara team looks at new domestic violence laws implemented across tri-state following NJ murder-suicide

Turn to Tara team looks at new domestic violence laws implemented across tri-state following NJ murder-suicide

1:45
West Point’s Keller Army Hospital, Hudson Valley VA form partnership to expand access

West Point’s Keller Army Hospital, Hudson Valley VA form partnership to expand access

1:56
Armonk twins showcase baking skills for Passover

Armonk twins showcase baking skills for Passover

0:21
Orange County man killed in Sullivan County motorcycle crash

Orange County man killed in Sullivan County motorcycle crash

0:36
Yonkers native Mary J. Blige, Queens hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest selected for Rock Hall of Fame

Yonkers native Mary J. Blige, Queens hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest selected for Rock Hall of Fame

0:38
Better Than Ezra to headline Pleasantville Music Festival this summer

Better Than Ezra to headline Pleasantville Music Festival this summer

0:39
Slithering success: NY Metro Reptile Expo draws crowds to Westchester County Center

Slithering success: NY Metro Reptile Expo draws crowds to Westchester County Center

0:58
Headlines: Shooting in Poughkeepsie, New Rochelle assault, shooting threat in Beacon

Headlines: Shooting in Poughkeepsie, New Rochelle assault, shooting threat in Beacon

0:19
Traffic Alert: Gilchrest Road closed for construction upgrades in Valley Cottage

Traffic Alert: Gilchrest Road closed for construction upgrades in Valley Cottage

1:29
$3 million road construction project could impact drivers in Nanuet

$3 million road construction project could impact drivers in Nanuet

0:29
Fishkill police rescue quartet of ducklings from storm drain drama

Fishkill police rescue quartet of ducklings from storm drain drama

0:28
Yonkers volunteers clean up Old Croton Aqueduct trail in honor of Earth Week

Yonkers volunteers clean up Old Croton Aqueduct trail in honor of Earth Week

0:34
Hundreds rally in Newburgh to support Habitat for Humanity

Hundreds rally in Newburgh to support Habitat for Humanity

0:39
Local musicians compete for spots at Pleasantville Music Festival

Local musicians compete for spots at Pleasantville Music Festival

0:21
Fire crews contain transformer fire at Jackie Jones Tower

Fire crews contain transformer fire at Jackie Jones Tower

0:20
Port Jervis welcomes Azure Candle & Co with grand opening event

Port Jervis welcomes Azure Candle & Co with grand opening event