Parenting Pointers: Tips to Keep Your Space Organized While you Shelter-at-home

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has left many of us quarantined in our homes, waiting for better days ahead. Due to the abundance of time on hand in your confined space, it is easy to become disorganized and cluttered. Potentially, this could have negative effects on not only production but mental health as well. Various studies conducted by mental health professionals show that clutter can negatively impact personal relationships, while also leading to anxiety and depression. However—fear not because there are essential steps you can take to maintain a clutter-free environment.
Create A Donation PileCOVID-19 has forced many businesses to close, leading to many losing their financial stability. Now is a better time than ever to donate those used items that you or your family has not worn in years. These types of acts not only help those in need, but the act of helping others has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. One of the best tips for reducing clutter is to get rid of an old item whenever you buy a new one. This makes it so that your “junk” doesn’t start to pile up to begin with.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
For weekly chores like washing clothes or dishes, create a designated cleaning day to do some of these chores. You can either distribute chores across the week, or save them all for a specific day. Some industry experts suggest doing most big chores on Sunday to start the week on a positive, clean note. You should still maintain smaller chores, like picking up clutter on a daily basis.
Keep Only the Essentials
Often, clutter happens because we buy something and think we are going to need it, only to severely overestimate its value. Reduce clutter by only keeping items that you use on a regular basis. Let’s face it: If you have not worn that purple cardigan you bought from Target seven years ago, you most likely will never wear it. Consider donating it to those who need it. It may be worthwhile to have someone else give you perspective on what you truly need and don’t, if this exercise is difficult.
Do Not Shop for More Items
It is common for some people to combat mental health issues (or boredom) with retail therapy. Of course, going to the stores for nonessential items is not recommended for your physical health—but it also would be wise to not shop online either. The items you purchase are only going to create more clutter.
Use Labels
Making labels for various items such as a clothing drawer will help to make things feel organized throughout your home. This technique is also highly effective when used with young kids, who often misplace items. Using labels provides incentive and structure to ensure the kids put their items back into an organized place.
Staying organized is essential to being productive, as well as healthy. If followed, these guidelines will help you control your clutter.

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