7 Areas You Might Be Missing When Cleaning Out

So let me start by saying I’m not an organizational or decluttering expert but I have learned a lot over the past few years as I have tried to drastically change my habits around “things,” whether that be buying new things or what I did what the things I already owned. This came from a deep desire to start simplifying my life as much as possible because I realized that it not only created more space in my home but in my head as well. I did not like clutter and I did not like have drawers, closets and my basement filled with things that we weren’t using. The relief I felt when letting things go was indescribable and I wanted to keep that momentum going and hit every square inch of my home. The realization hit me that there were A LOT of places that were easy to disregard or miss altogether. Here are the six that were the easiest for me to miss.

6 Areas You Might Be Missing When Cleaning Out

The Underwear/Sock/Bra Drawer - I have always been really good about cleaning out my regular clothing but not so good with cleaning out my drawers that contain my bras, underwear and socks. So it wasn’t shocking that, when I finally tackled that project, I found things that I had been holding onto since before I was married. Anything in bad condition or that hadn’t been worn in a long time needed to go. I had also accumulated quite a few sentimental and personal items in these drawers and those things needed to find a more appropriate home.

Bedside Table - If your bedside table has a drawer, there’s a good chance there are things in there that can be cleaned out. I know this from personal experience and was kind of shocked by what I found. Pens, old notes and lists for Santa from the kids, jewelry, notebooks, old lip balms, coins and a few other random items. Some things needed tossing and other things just needed to go back where they belong.

End/Coffee Tables and Entertainment Centers - Yes, I’m grouping these together. If any of these items have drawers or shelves in your home, they may also have items that may have accumulated crap and need to be cleaned up. Take a peek and see what you find, you’ll probably be surprised.

Makeup Bag or Drawer - Easily forgotten is the makeup bag or drawer. I’ve found eyeliners and other items that should have been thrown out years before. Do yourself a favor and go through your makeup, clean out and then maybe treat yourself to a new eyeshadow palette or lip gloss!

Toiletries/Travel Bags - I do like to keep my toiletries bags ready to go for traveling so I don’t have to pack them every time I go somewhere. However, that also has led to an accumulation of items that needed to be cleaned out. Check out those travel bags and see if you need to do the same.

The Wallet - If your wallet weighs 10 lbs. and is overflowing with receipts, it may be time to clean it out. A wallet is any easy one to forget especially since it hides away in my purse most of the time but it does need to be cleaned out occasionally. Receipts, loose change, old cards and gift cards can quickly accumulate and make it hard to find what you really need in your wallet so add that to your list when cleaning out!

The Jewelry Box/Storage - Once my jewelry was at the point where I didn’t know what I had anymore and my drawers and boxes were overflowing, I knew I had to do a clean out. It never occurred to me that jewelry was something that should be evaluated and purged on a regular basis as well. While there was a lot of inexpensive jewelry that needed to go, there were also some more expensive jewelry items that I no longer wore. I just donated less expensive jewelry but finer pieces were sold through Poshmark and I continue to use this method to help keep my jewelry collection to only the things I love and wear on a regular basis. Obviously, sentimental and keepsake type items stay in my collection.

My Favorite And Most Effective Tips For A Clutter Free Home

I don’t remember exactly when it was that I realized that my excess “stuff” was dragging me down but I do know that I was absolutely clueless about how to get it out and keep it out for good. I would donate, sell or throw things out but the clutter just kept coming back. I did refer to a couple of simplicity and decluttering experts and their advice helped get me started and reframed how I thought about my things and how I wanted to live my life. I realized I wanted an unfussy and uncomplicated life and I didn’t want the distraction of excess things. I also realized it was okay to let go of things that I may have holding onto for for reasons that didn’t really serve me. It was a good start and certainly better than where I was before but not where I really wanted to be. What I was lacking were strategies that actually worked for me, personally. So, through some trial and error, I learned to develop and tailor techniques for myself that actually stuck. I no longer feel overwhelmed and I finally feel like I am on the other side of what felt like an incredibly insurmountable task. Here’s what I’m doing to live a more simplified and clutter-free life.

My Favorite And Most Effective Tips For A Clutter Free Home

Store It At The Store - This is a concept I heard about somewhere in my decluttering journey and it really resonated with me. At some point in my life, I had fallen into the trap of buying things “just in case.” This included gifts, household supplies, gadgets, food and even clothing. What resulted was the accumulation of a lot things that went forgotten and unused. Then came the burden of storing and eventually having to get rid of those things. Waiting to buy something until I actually needed it made so much more sense. Avoiding the urge to stockpile items freed up space in my home and also lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders. So, now whatever it may be hangs out at the store until I actually need it.

Deal With Items In The Moment - The old me would have put things in a “holding pattern” until I decided what to do with them. Now, I put things where they belong as soon as I possibly can even if it’s being thrown out, donated or sold. This is an easy way to avoid build up of clutter and unwanted items and the frustration of having to take the time to deal with it.

Avoid Buying Items On Final Sale - Final sale is final sale and once it’s in your home, it’s your responsibility even if it ends up being a complete dud. I make exceptions if it’s an item I have purchased before and I know I like it and it’s going to work out. Otherwise, I avoid taking that gamble and also avoid ending up with stuff in my home that I don’t want or need.

A Buying Freeze - Other than certain food items and essentials, it’s likely that I already have everything I need. I find this especially helpful after the holidays when we’ve received gifts and when our pantry and fridge are still full of food. A buying freeze pushes me to use things up and go through what we already have. It also eliminates any new items coming into my home that need managing. A temporary buying freeze is also a nice way to learn to appreciate what you already have.

If It Doesn’t Get Me Excited, I Don’t Buy It And If It Doesn’t Get Me Excited, I Get Rid Of It - This is another great tactic for avoiding unwanted items from even making it into my home in the first place. It’s also a good strategy for getting rid of items I already own. Obviously there are things that aren’t exciting and never will be but we need to have them in our home. My washing machine does not excite me but I’m not going to get rid of it. Clothing is typically the first thing that comes to mind but home decor, accessories and other household items certainly qualify. If it doesn’t excite me, it either doesn't come home with me or it doesn’t stay.

I Evaluate Every New Item That Comes Into My Home - While I have become more conscious of my own purchases, it’s almost impossible to avoid random items making their way into my home. I notice this especially during the holidays when gifting is at its peak. Freebies, hostess gifts, and unsolicited hand-me-downs are other ways things make their way into my home. It probably happens to all of us and the old me would have taken these items and stashed them away without any thought at all. Now, I take every item as it comes in and decide if it stays or goes. The key is to have a system in place for things that you decide to keep, donate and throw away and deal with it as soon as possible.

I Have a System for Cleaning Out - Every item I touch when cleaning out has a place to go. A bin for things that I am going to keep, donate/sell and throw out. Then I deal with the stuff in those bins as soon as possible.

5 Simple Household Items and Gadgets I Can't Live Without

We all have those items we love and can’t live without. They are the ones that perhaps we didn’t know we needed, purchased them on whim and then ended up using them so often we’re not sure how we ever functioned properly before they came along. In my effort to simplify, I am wary about buying a ton of items and gadgets that will just end up unused and cluttering up my home. However, a few thoughtfully selected items that are inexpensive and come in handy for a variety of tasks is exactly what I need and want. Here are five of those items that are my favorite and just might becomes yours! Check them out.

5 Simple Household Items and Gadgets I Can't Live Without

OXO Mini Cleaning Brushes - I can’t count how many ways I’ve used these mini cleaning brushes. The bristles are stiff and sturdy and perfect for cleaning tiny spaces like sink drains, the sink rim, grout, all those nooks and crannies in bathtubs and showers and for scrubbing stains on clothing. The best part is that after you’re done, you can throw them in the dishwasher to clean and sanitize them. SHOP HERE

Fiskar Fabric Scissors - For years I used just a regular pair of scissors for cutting fabric, thread, ribbon and string. It wasn’t until I took a sewing class that I started using a good pair of fabric scissors and decided to finally buy a pair for myself. They make such a difference in getting a clean and easy cut through anything made with fabric. I no longer sew and I still think they are one of the more useful items in my home. SHOP HERE

OXO Mini Measuring Cups - I originally bought these as a stocking stuffer for my husband but I have used them more than anyone in the house. They are perfect for measuring small amounts of liquid without the hassle of spilling or overfilling a tiny measuring spoon. They have also come in handy for other tasks other than cooking and baking. I love that they come in a set of four and also multiple measurements including milliliters. SHOP HERE

Weck Jars - These jars are hand down the best thing I have bought for my kitchen in a long time. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be used for everything like canning, smoothies, overnight oats, storage, serving and about a zillion other things. Weck jars are microwave and dishwasher safe and made of glass, not plastic. They come with the canning lids but you can purchase either plastic or wooden lids. SHOP HERE

Conair Rechargeable Fabric Defuzzer and Shaver - This is not exactly a multi-tasking product but it’s absolutely necessary, in my opinion. There’s nothing I hate more than pulling out a piece of clothing and the fabric is all messy and pilled. The key thing I love about this one is that it is rechargeable. No more batteries to replace over and over again and it holds a charge for a while. It’s also really sturdy and the larger size makes it easier to de-fuzz clothing items quickly and efficiently. SHOP HERE

The Ultimate Low and Non Toxic Laundry Products Guide

*Updated from a previous post on 7/2021

Laundry is inevitable. If you have a family, you’re probably doing laundry several times a week or even everyday, so it’s important that your laundry products do the job and do it right. Unfortunately, most conventional laundry products, including detergents, stain removers and fabric softeners, contain heavy amounts of synthetic fragrance, harsh cleaning agents and synthetic dyes. Many people are starting to look for alternatives because they are concerned about the safety of these ingredients and the impact on human health and the environment. Switching can seem overwhelming especially if you’re also concerned that your laundry won’t get properly cleaned or smell as fresh as with your conventional products. The good news is that there are more low and non toxic options now than ever and they do work. They remove stains, dirt and odors, but don’t leave behind a heavy fragrance or any residues that might cause irritation or an allergic reaction.

Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

The Ultimate Low and Non Toxic Laundry Products Guide

Detergents

Defunkify Laundry Detergent - Defunkify uses a combination of non-toxic natural/botanical and synthetic ingredients to remove stains and odors. Their claim to fame is in their name; they aim to safely remove those funky odors and stink that many laundry detergents can leave behind (think all of that synthetic athletic wear). You can buy in both liquid and powder and it comes in free and clear, fresh air, lemongrass and lavender scents. All scented formulas are made using essential oils. Get all the details on the company and their products on their website.

Truly Free - Truly Free is a company out of Michigan dedicated to creating innovative, powerful and safe products for the home. Their laundry detergent comes as a kit with a plastic jug and a refill pouch. When you run out of detergent, all you have to do is purchase the refill pouch, add it to the empty jug, add water and you’re good to go for another 50 loads. The laundry detergent is non-toxic and comes in unscented and their signature scent made from a blend of essential oils. They have a full line of products including stain removers, oxygen boosters and dryer sheet alternatives. Ingredients, reviews, shipping options and pricing are all available on their website.

Branch Basics - Branch Basics is another company dedicated to creating safe and effective cleaning products for the home, including laundry products. If you’re looking for a simple, streamlined, all purpose cleaning solution then Branch Basics may be just what you are looking for. One concentrated cleaning solution and an oxygen booster are all that you need to clean your entire home, including your laundry. Just like Truly Free, you purchase the starter kit(s) and then buy the refills when you run out. Branch Basics products are non toxic and Made Safe® certified. You can learn all about Branch Basics and their products by visiting their website.

Nellie’s - Nellie’s detergent is a powdered laundry soda that is formulated without water and other fillers so that a little goes a long way. If you’re looking for a simple, fragrance free detergent, this is good choice. There are only four non-toxic ingredients and every product is made with the health of humans and the planet in mind. They offer the powdered soda as well as travel-friendly laundry nuggets in addition to other planet and human-friendly cleaning products. Learn more about Nellie’s company and products here.

Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder - A great basic laundry detergent option and Molly’s Suds keeps coming out with new scents like lotus and peony, rosé and citrus grove, along with their traditional scents peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus and unscented. This is a great formula for lightly to moderately soiled laundry but you might need their Super Powder Laundry Detergent for heavily soiled laundry. Again, this formula is not going to leave a heavy scent behind because they do not use heavy-duty synthetic fragrances. Due to the nature of this powder, it does need to be used with only warm or hot water washes or dissolved in hot water before adding it to a cold water wash (super powder can be used in cool, warm or hot water).

Aspen Clean - Aspen Clean is available in either liquid or pods and checks every box you can possibly imagine. EcoCert® certified, EWG verified, biodegradable, Leaping Bunny certified, safe for babies and pets, septic safe, container is recyclable and made from 100% post-consumer resin, vegan and made from all natural sustainable ingredients. They offer several scents including unscented as well as an oxygen booster.

Delicates and Baby

Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Powder - An extra gentle version of Molly’s powdered detergent formulated to remove all of those typical baby stains. Non toxic Sweet Baby Shea scent.

Nellie’s Baby Laundry Soda - The baby version of the Nellie’s laundry soda. Safe for infants and sensitive skin. Unscented.

Honest Hypoallergenic Baby Detergent - A gentle, fragrance-free formula with four stain-flighting enzymes.

Molly’s Suds Delicate Wash - Formulated to remove dirt, debris, oil and stains but gentle enough for silk, spandex, rayon, wool, cashmere, merino, mohair, and other delicate fabrics. Available in unscented and lavender.

Activewear

Defunkify - Defunkify’s odor fighting odor eliminating formula is effective at removing odors from regular laundry as well as activewear.

Molly’s Suds All Sport Activewear Detergent - Eliminates athletic wear stink from odor-causing bacteria and tough stains while preserving fabric integrity, including SPF. Can be used for machine and hand washing. Comes in their original citrus scent and unscented as well as a powdered version.

Stain Removers and Whiteners

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash

Molly’s Suds Oxygen Whitener - Removes stains, whitens and brightens. Chlorine free. Four ingredients including fragrance from essential oils. Available in original lemon, basil, eucalyptus and lavender scents.

Molly’s Suds Stain Remover - Enzyme-powered to break down and eliminate tough stains. Unscented, dye free and safe for all washable fabrics. Effective on pet and baby stains.

Nellie’s Oxygen Whitener - Brightens colors and whitens whites without chlorine bleach. Hypoallergenic, color-safe and septic-safe. Fragrance free.

Nellie’s Wow Stick Stain Remover - A powerful multi-stain remover in stick form. Dye free, but does contain sweet orange and lemongrass essential oils to combat stain odors.

Truly Free Oxy Boost - The perfect bleach alternative. Whitens whites and brightens most colors. Can also be used in other areas of the home like the bathroom.

Truly Free Stain Stick - A non-toxic option for stain removal for clothing and other textiles.

Laundry Drying and Softening

Molly’s Suds Wool Dryer Balls

Molly’s Suds Wool Dryer Balls - By far the most non-toxic, eco-friendly, cost saving alternative to dryer sheets. Many companies offer wool dryer balls, but I’m linking to Molly’s Suds. Wool dryer balls can be used for up to 3 years, they shorten drying time and fluff and soften fabrics.

Molly’s Suds Dryer Sheets - If you just can’t live without dryer sheets, Molly Suds offers a non-toxic, biodegradable dryer sheet that is scented using essential oils. They offer unscented, lavender and peppermint scent options.

Nellie’s Wool Free (Rubber) Dryer Balls - Works the same as wool dryer balls but they are made of rubber.

Photo by PlanetCare on Unsplash

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