Home Edit: Quarantine Edition
Updated: Apr 18, 2021
There is always talk of "spring cleaning" every year, but I think it's pretty safe to say that there has never been a better time to reorganize your house than one year into a quarantine. You may have started off strong last year with the best intentions, but if you're anything like me you've lost all hope since then and your house looks fresh out of Hoarders. Give yourself the gift of organization this year - guys, we’re still gonna be here a while.
Even why? Cookies? How long has that empty TP roll been there? Halp.
Because ILY I am going to document my shame and also give you some tips to get you started on your organized dream house.
Me too, girl, but because I’m lazy and wanna watch Netflix instead of clean.
If you’re anything like me, your vanity area is cray. I have to drag half a drawer of headbands, nail polish, and face masks out to find what I’m looking for only to flop it’s contents back in the drawer again. It’s a process. And not a cute one.
So how do you start? Organize with me!
Choose an area
I’m gonna give all Kondo fans an eye twitch, but it needs to be said. When it comes to organization, I do better choosing an area instead of doing all like things at once. It does not “spark joy” or even really motivate me to pull all similar contents out from all over the house. In my opinion, visualizing one space at a time is more realistic. Your step one: choose an area. For this blog, mine is the vanity. I like to start in small spaces with defined purposes because it’s less overwhelming.
Waving iron: to keep or not to keep? Focus, MA!
Remove all contents
Even if you have a cute little “system” in place, do yourself a favor and take it all out. Who knows? You may revamp your entire setup and that toothpaste drawer will become your self-care drawer (true story).
Take all of the items out of the space so that it’s a total blank slate. Now you are really ready to make some magic, buddy.
FYI I had previously just cleaned out my makeup drawers, so no I’m not going against my own advice, Karen. 💁♀️
Consider your routine
Take a moment to appreciate the empty space for a moment. This is your opportunity to start fresh here! What makes sense as far as organization goes considering your current routine and what you organically use the space for? (I only eat frosted animal cookies in the AM sometimes, so I guess those have to go. 😢)
What do you do the most in this space? For example, hair and makeup are my primary activities in the vanity area. It only makes sense for those items to be within easiest reach. Cookies belong in the pantry, MA. In the freaking pantry.
Get rid of items
Really take stock of what you have and have not used since purchasing. Are you holding onto a bottle of shampoo because you *swear* you’ll use it one day while still buying new bottles all the while? Girl, get rid of it. If you haven’t used it by now, you probably won’t.
Also take the time to get rid of any trash that has accumulated including receipts(?), old makeup, photos of your ex, and empty containers. These things are only taking up your space. Let them go.
I don’t really subscribe to the “spark joy” method (though some do and more power to them). Let’s call my method something equally magical like “don’t bullsh*t yourself,” huh? Really ask yourself, “Do I need/want this? Will I use it?” And I swear Julie if you are not honest with yourself now you will live in hoarder clutter for the rest of your days. Don’t be afraid to let things go. This only makes space for what’s new and relevant in your life.
Order some help
Honey, do you need containers? I have realized in my thirties that my happy place is stored in little freaking containers. I love them.
So. Booking.
Much.
Take inventory here. If a pair of two-drawer stackable sets makes sense for you to add to the space, who am I to stop you? Girl, go on a basket frenzy. It’s adorable and not at all weird. Pinky promise.
Ahh. 🧘♀️
MAGIC
This is the moment when everything comes together.
You have removed everything from the space.
You have gotten rid of anything that does not serve you.
You have thoughtfully considered your time in the space.
You have gotten way too many containers.
Now is the time to incorporate all of the above and put your space back together.
Start with the containers. What was your intention when purchasing? Use those intentions to start putting the space back together. Make sure that everything is organized in a way that makes sense to you and for your system.
Step back and admire your work, you cleaning goddess you.
What is your experience with spring cleaning and organizing? Share below!
cute little heart,
MA <3