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Streamlining your home in 2022 THE events of the last two years have made many of us consider what’s important to us and streamline our lives – and the same applies to our homes. Lockdown has meant more time spent at home which has underlined how we want to improve our lifstyle and just make life simpler and more comfortable. So, in 2022, there’s the opportunity to carry out plans to make life better and easier - and it begins at home. For a start, take a look at the space around you. It’s a safe bet that most of us have gathered together far too much stuff, a large proportion of which we just don’t need.
As soon as you start making a space, you’ll feel better about individual rooms and want to streamline more. And keeping on top of it as a lifestyle. ensuring that items are put away, surfaces are clear and re-set and your home always looks fairly tidy, will continue to make you feel better. Is the EXTERIOR of your home looking sad and in need of a coat of paint? Does guttering need cleaning? Changing your FRONT DOOR makes a surprising difference to the look of your home. It’s the first thing visitors see so a contemporary, welcoming front door brightens up the whole of the outside.
So now is an excellent time to DE-CLUTTER. Do this a little bit at a time but an easy start is to make a list of 10 things to get rid of from anywhere in your home. Identify a box, basket or area to gather the items you’re getting rid of and gradually add to it. Don’t let the task overwhelm you; de-cluttering can be spread out so you could do a small amount every day. Just identify the main areas that need de-cluttering. Have you got duplicate items in your kitchen, for example? This is a good place to start and you definitely don’t need two of everything, from mixing bowls to kitchen utensils. Keep your favourites and get rid of the rest. Make three separate piles: items you could take to a local charity shop, those for recycling and rubbish for throwing out. Clear off surfaces and make spaces on countertops, tables and other furniture where books and clutter mysteriously gather, cleaning as you go. Decide what is really essential and put away items in drawers and cupboards. Check out paperwork, get it up to date and shred and throw out into the recycling what you don’t need anymore. Go through your clothes and anything you’ve not worn for more than two years either goes on ebay, the charity shop, recycling or the bin. Take a long, hard look at your FURNITURE. Do you have items that are simply cluttering up space unnecessarily? Charities like Emmaus and the British Heart Foundation take furniture to sell on for funds so your de-cluttering can help someone in need. 20
Ensure your HALLWAY continues the warm welcome. If it’s looking gloomy, it could be a combination of lack of light and dark flooring and walls. Invest in good lighting and paint the walls a lighter shade, complemented by flooring that is both practical and attractive. De-cluttering should also happen here. It’s very easy to have boots and coats getting in the way in the hallway. Either find somewhere else handy for them or invest in a cupboard or other storage area to get them out of sight. Re-arrange your FURNITURE as this can make a huge difference to your living area and can simplify the overall look of your living room.You’ll also be surprised at the space you now have which can make relaxing time so much better.
