I haven’t done a My Easy Three post in a long time, but it’s time to get back to sharing three simple things you can try each month to feel like you’ve accomplished something. By breaking it down into “just three”things it’s doable and achievable – not overwhelming.
One: Emails – Clear the Clutter. Do you have a stockpile of unread emails like from stores you don’t really shop or did one time to get the discount? Do you want to start the new year sticking to a budget and don’t want the temptation to buy something? Introducing — UNSUBSCRIBE! Don’t just delete, because it will be back again tomorrow and you will just feel like you are on a hamster wheel.
I took about 30 minutes one day going through this process. It might take a few times to unsubscribe until they get the message, but be persistent. This activity can easily be done while you are waiting for an appointment, in the carpool line, or drinking your morning coffee. If you don’t already have inbox folders designated for family members, coupons, photos, important correspondence, for example, set those up. Then move all the emails from your current inbox into folders. You should probably have no more than ten emails at one time in your inbox. If it needs action leave it there, otherwise, it needs to be deleted or put into a folder. You defeat the point with having 50,100 or 300 emails at one time. How can you easily find something amidst that clutter? Think of it has pieces of paper on your desk. Once you’ve cleared the clutter, try to spend time each day purging, moving and minimizing your inbox clutter.
Two: Clear out the linen closet, cabinet and drawer. January is a great time to take advantage of what has been traditionally called a “white sale” Fun fact: In 1878, John Wanamaker of Philadelphia department store fame decreed January to be the time for a “White sale.” Bed linens, which were available in white only, were sold at a discount. This was done to increase sales for these items at a time of the year when sales were normally slow.
For this activity, go through all your towels (bath and kitchen), sheets, blankets, comforters and quilts. Are they stained, torn or worn? You know who could use them — animal shelters! Have you stopped using a comforter or quilt because it’s out of style or the wrong color, then give it to a homeless shelter. Give to someone else what once gave you joy, then it doesn’t feel like such a waste. Go through your inventory of bath and hand towels and washcloths — do you have too many of one thing, are they random colors and you’d rather just narrow it down to two, then donate the standouts. Sort everything in its proper place either in stacks or in baskets and if it’s not clear, then label them. Want inspiration? Click here for 20 Beautifully Organized Linen Closets like this one!
Three: Clear out the medicine cabinet and prepare for flu and cold season! Our home wasn’t built with medicine cabinets, so we use storage bins with snap off lids I bought at Dollar General. They easily stack and I label them to distinguish between prescription, over the counter, and first aid medicines. Physically touch each bottle or tube. Check the expiration date. Most medicine loses it’s potentcy and can actually be toxic past its expiration date, so be sure to error on the side of caution. Wipe out the shelves so they are clean and free from goop. Most drug stores are running good sales right now to prepare people for the cough and cold season. Here’s a list from Real Simple on Medicine Cabinet Essentials. I keep a small first aid kit in my powder room. If guests need a bandaid or headache medicine they can help themselves to supplies on their own.
Bonus Thing: Please watch Marie Kondo’s Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Her mission is to clear the clutter and spark joy — my kinda gal! Her show is really inspiring. There are a few rituals she strongly believes in to help ground her clients and steer them toward appreciating the process. There’s always tears, frustration, yelling and then boom the realization. You will leave each episode with at least one great idea to apply in your own home (like the proper way to fold a fitted sheet!). You can watch the trailer here.
Go forth, organize, declutter and #seekjoy!
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
