Are You Wasting Energy? How Decluttering Can Lead to a Greener Home

Most people with organized homes understand that a clean house is a happy house. Often, the best way you can maintain cleanliness is by decluttering first. In addition to always finding what you need and avoiding uncleanliness, decluttering can also save energy and help the planet. 

Numerous Benefits Of Decluttering

Various benefits of home organization can improve your life. For one, you’ll generally be happier when your house is cleaner. Messy environments can make you feel stressed because the worse the clutter gets, the more impossible it seems to remedy. You’ll be happier when everything has its place, and you can focus on other things, including your sustainability goals.

Another perk of home organization is that it makes your home more appealing, which can be important if you plan to sell it in the future. Cleanliness and order can also improve your home's value. To further increase the value, you can add energy-efficient appliances and other sustainable features, so you’ll have a highly desirable property.

Decluttering Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

If your house is cluttered, you probably use more electricity and resources than necessary. There are a couple of potential energy-wasting problems you can consider and remedy. 

Improving Air Flow

If your house is so cluttered that you have piles of boxes and items on top of each other and lining the hallways, then those blockages can decrease airflow, and your heating and cooling systems may be overworking. At the end of the day, you’ll likely find that you’re wasting energy and seeing higher utility bills. 

Once you clean up those messes, you can continue to save energy and money by installing a smart thermostat. You can use it to set personalized temperature control at different parts of the day. As an example, during the summer, you can set it at a higher temperature while you’re out of the house at work and then have the AC run cooler when you arrive home. That way, it's always the optimal temperature, and you’re not wasting energy in an empty house. 

Cut Down On Lighting

It’s possible to have the lights on longer when your house is cluttered and you can’t find what you need. You could spend hours looking for a certain item or working longer in a disorganized room. If the room was organized, you wouldn’t need to be in there as long, so you’d reduce your energy bill as far as your lighting use.

Another issue is that if your house is so cluttered that items are blocking the windows, you will get less natural light into the space. Since it will be darker, you’ll be more prone to turn on the lights and waste energy. In addition to solving your clutter problem, you can continue reducing the effects of energy usage on your utility bill through solar power. 

Many wonder if solar panels are worth the investment, and the answer depends on your particular situation. If you still spend a lot on energy even after you clean the clutter, then going solar can give you the same amount of energy while cutting down drastically on the monthly cost. Plus, you could be eligible for tax incentives. Of course, you also need to live in a property with a roof that can hold the weight of solar panels, but you can consult with an expert for the answer.

Tips For Decluttering Sustainably

Even the act of decluttering can benefit the planet and help yourself and others to cut down on energy usage.

For instance, while you’re organizing your space, you’ll likely find at least a few items you no longer need. When you do, you can donate them to a local organization or thrift store. By allowing other people to buy your used goods, you reduce their desire to buy brand-new items. Factories waste a lot of energy producing products, so you can cut down on those resources simply by decluttering and passing your belongings onto others.

You may also find items in your house that you like, but if they’re broken, you may have the urge to throw them out and repurchase them brand new. Instead of doing that, you can continue your sustainable decluttering by repairing or repurposing those items so you can continue to use them and not waste energy driving to the store or adding to the landfills.

Conclusion

If you know your house is more cluttered than it should be, chances are good that you’re wasting energy at home. Consider these tips and changes, and you’ll help yourself and the planet.

How To Use the Space Under Your Bathroom Sink

With bathrooms often the smallest rooms in our homes, every inch of space is valuable real estate. Yet, more often than not, the area beneath the bathroom sink becomes a neglected space, home to a jumble of cleaning products, mystery cords, and various odds and ends. Reclaiming this space and transforming it into a functional and organized area can dramatically improve the look and feel of your bathroom. We teach you how to use the space under your bathroom sink in this brief read.

Assessing Your Unique Storage Needs

The first step in utilizing the space under your bathroom sink is a thoughtful inventory of your needs. What do you need immediate access to? How can you make the best use of the awkward and cavernous space around plumbing?

The area under your sink might just be the best-kept secret of your home, with hidden storage solutions perfect for a clutter-free bathroom. Stackable bins maximize vertical space, while pull-out trays and baskets provide easy access to daily essentials. It’s important to keep the solutions adaptable; your storage needs might evolve.

Getting Creative With DIY Solutions

For those with a touch of craftiness, this is an opportunity to create custom solutions tailored to your specific space. DIY shelves and cubbies to fit around odd pipes to maximize every nook and cranny.

Think outside the box—or, in this case, the cabinet—and repurpose items like tension rods for a clever hanging storage solution. Not only does this add an extra level of organization, but it also reinforces the room’s decorative theme.

Stylish and Functional Design Tips

You shouldn’t sacrifice the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom for the sake of organization. By opting for transparent containers, you maintain a sleek look and the ability to easily find what you need.

Coordination is key; ensure that your storage solutions complement your existing bathroom decor. For that extra touch of order, incorporate labels or color-coding, transforming a chaotic jumble into an appealing and efficient space.

Long-Term Organization

Creating a storage system that works for you is just the first step. Regular decluttering and dusting off the back of the cabinet door keeps your bathroom looking its best. More importantly, it avoids the accumulation of unused or expired products. A sanitary routine for your bathroom as a whole and the storage specifically is essential—think of it as an act of self-care for your home’s heart.

Rethinking the space under your bathroom sink opens a world of organizational possibilities. That space can contribute to your morning routine in a way you might not have thought possible, providing an extra dose of tranquility and a sense of order that beautifully complements your other self-care rituals.

Storing Your Gear for an Adventurous and Full Life Outdoors

Any outdoor enthusiast new to the community goes through a series of canon events. You may remember (or still experience) going to the outdoor equipment store, wandering through the aisles completely lost. And even once you get that equipment, you may feel lost on not only how to use this equipment properly, but where to store it. After all that, you want to turn to someone with an empathetic ear, but unless they’ve gone through these circumstances, they may not understand. There’s a common theme in all these events: a desire for community and a feeling of hopelessness when it comes to your gear.

This is the plight of life in the outdoors — even when you’re not outdoors. However, all of these experiences are a rite of passage and can be easily assuaged with the following tips.

Forming Friendships With Outdoor Enthusiasts

Whether you’re just getting into the outdoor scene or you’ve been a nature lover for years, one of the best ways to learn more about the kind of gear you need and to take part in new, unique adventures is to become part of a community of like-minded people. Think about the kind of experience you want. If you look at your outdoor life as a hobby, you’re going to want to be around people who are just as relaxed. 

If you’re ready for more fun-filled adventures and you’re looking for people to share them with, your best bet might be to start your search online. Or, join a local meetup or attend a community event. You might even form friendships by taking a rock climbing class or receiving training for other types of outdoor sports. 

When you build an adventure friend group, you’ll do more than just meet fellow enthusiasts. You’ll likely end up learning a lot, too. Everyone has a unique perspective on outdoor living, and even if you’ve been at it for a while, it’s never too late to pick up some new tricks from others. 

Storage Solutions

There’s no denying that outdoor gear is an investment. Storing it properly is essential for ensuring it lasts for years to come. How you store your gear depends on what you have and how long you’ll need to put it away. For example, if you’re packing up your camping equipment at the end of the season, make sure you clean everything, wash your textiles, and repair what’s necessary now so you don’t have to worry about it next year. 

Gear should be sorted in an organized fashion. Not only will it make it easier to navigate the things you have, but it will also make it easier to see what you can get rid of and what you need. No matter what you’re storing, everything should be clean, dry, and in a place where it can “breathe” so it doesn’t acquire mold. 

There’s no right or wrong location when it comes to storing your gear as long as it’s safe and dry. A closet, shed, storage unit, or even an indoor cabinet can all come in handy. If you’re worried about not having enough space, get creative with shelving, hooks, or other vertical solutions. 

Storing More Than Just Gear

Don’t be afraid to let your love of nature become something you passionately pursue as a career. Maybe you have helpful tips you can share with the world. Maybe you have interesting stories to tell. Or, maybe your travels around the world are something people would like to see. While diving into the digital world might seem contradictory to an outdoorsy lifestyle, it’s a great way to get more people interested in spending more time adventuring. 

One of the best ways to do that is to become a content creator. There are so many unique niches you can dive into if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. You could provide camping tips. You could shoot documentary-style content about traveling. Or, you could become a social media influencer sharing your love of certain outdoor products. Having a niche is one of the most important things you can do if you want to start a blog or video channel. From there, you’re likely to find success if you: 

• Stick to a schedule

• Promote yourself

• Run ads

• Partner with brands

Sharing your outdoor content online gives you the unique opportunity to become an even bigger part of a community. Blogs often open up social opportunities. You can connect them to your social media platforms, accept and respond to comments, and invite other outdoor enthusiasts to become regular guest writers for you. Even if you never end up meeting these people in person, establishing an online community can help you feel supported and can encourage those who might just be getting started with outdoor adventures.

If you’re able to turn it into a career, it also allows you to purchase more professional gear for content creation and travel to unique and interesting places. 

If you do start building up an arsenal of content creation equipment, including cameras, tripods, and sound equipment, it might be worth it to rent a storage unit that stays safe, dry, and is monitored by security systems throughout the year so you never have to worry about your expensive gear being compromised. 

When Your Wardrobe Gets Out Of Hand: Exploring Clothing Storage Options

This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Organizing your wardrobe is no small task. Between changing out collections for the season and impulse purchasing, things can get out of hand. Even people with small wardrobes may benefit from the right kind of closet.

People with large collections, fashion lovers, and even people who may shop a bit too much may find the most relief from a new closet. The more items we have, the more important the organization becomes.

How can you approach your growing clothing collection? When is it time to consider a new closet versus editing your shopping habits?

Learn how to assess your needs and when to choose a professional for your closet remodel. It's not a job you should do yourself.

Why Care About Home Organization?

There are scientific studies on how clutter negatively affects well-being. So you aren't being dramatic when you feel your stress rising at the apartment door.

Having a tidy, calming home can make a big difference in how we feel and that just makes sense. Being organized can also bring a sense of satisfaction. Most people feel good when a job is well done.

When things have a place, it's much easier to pick up around the house. That leaves more time to enjoy the surroundings or to go do something fun.

Our wardrobe is a particularly important thing to keep organized. When we see clearly what we have, we may buy fewer duplicates. It saves time when getting ready if things are close at hand. We may also get more enjoyment from our things if we can find and use them.

If your home feels a little disorganized you might be someone who could use some help. This means you might be looking into a closet remodel and a professional organizer. 

Imagine someone popping by and establishing a stress free system for you to follow.

Maximizing Closet Space

Before someone can organize your closet, however, you need a sufficient sized space. In many homes, that could mean a closet remodel.

Custom Closet Systems

You might consider investing in a custom closet system. A custom system is luxurious and functional. It's tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Your contractor will help you explore different configurations. You may be amazed at the modern options. There are many styles of shelving units, drawers, shoe racks, and accessories to create a functional and visually appealing storage space.

You might fall in love with your closet.

Closet Remodeling

Whether you go custom or choose a prefab option, you'll need to schedule a remodel.

A closet remodel will transform your closet into a luxurious retreat. Or, at least a more functional space. Forget stressing out before work or your next date. Everything will have a place and even the right lighting to help you see it.

Explore design ideas and layout options with your team. They'll walk you through options like built-in lighting and mirrors. You may be surprised to learn that it's possible to expand the size of your closet to accommodate your wardrobe.

Organization Techniques

Once your closet is structurally sorted, you'll probably need an organization technique.

Discover practical tips and tricks for organizing your closet space efficiently, from decluttering and categorizing items to utilizing storage solutions like shelves, bins, and hanging organizers.

If it feels a little overwhelming, that's ok! There are plenty of professional organizers, many who specialize in closets.

Embracing Minimalism in Your Wardrobe

While you're investigating what to do about your growing pile of clothes, you might be asking yourself some tough questions about your shopping habits.

Shopping is the kind of habit or behavior that may become compulsive. In that case, you might consider exploring professional therapy. 

Online therapy providers like BetterHelp have resources to help you understand your shopping habits.

If you want a little extra support after reading up on the subject, they have people ready to help.

If you don't feel out of control about your shopping and just want to learn how to be more efficient, minimalism might be the answer.

Understanding Minimalism

Minimalism is more than just a design aesthetic. It's a lifestyle choice centered around simplicity, intentionality, and mindfulness.

When applied to your wardrobe, minimalism encourages you to focus on quality over quantity. It suggests prioritizing items that bring you joy and serve a purpose.

By editing this way, you may clear your space from unnecessary clutter.

Embracing minimalism in your wardrobe can offer numerous benefits, including:

• Reduced decision fatigue: With fewer clothing options, you'll spend less time agonizing over what to wear each day.

• Streamlined shopping experience: By adopting a minimalist mindset, you'll be more discerning in your purchasing decisions. This can help you opt for items that align with your personal style and values.

• Environmental impact: By consuming less and investing in higher-quality, ethically-made garments, you can reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable fashion practices.

• Financial savings: By curating a capsule wardrobe of versatile pieces, you'll spend less money on impulse purchases and trendy items that quickly go out of style.

Building a Minimalist Wardrobe

To create a minimalist wardrobe, follow steps like these:

1. Assess your current wardrobe: Take inventory of your clothing and accessories, identifying items that you love and wear frequently, as well as those that no longer serve you.

2. Define your personal style: Consider the aesthetic and silhouettes that resonate with you, and prioritize pieces that reflect your unique preferences.

3. Invest in quality basics: Build your wardrobe around timeless essentials, such as a classic white shirt, tailored blazer, versatile denim, and comfortable knitwear. Think about what can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.

4. Choose versatile pieces: Opt for clothing items that can be easily layered and styled in multiple ways. This can maximize their wearability and versatility.

5. Curate intentionally: Be selective in your purchases. By prioritizing quality over quantity, you may find it easier to choose pieces that add value to your wardrobe and lifestyle.

6. Embrace slow fashion: Support ethical and sustainable fashion brands. These are brands that prioritize transparency, fair labor practices, and environmentally friendly production methods.

7. Practice mindful shopping: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item fills a gap in your wardrobe. Does it align with your values? Could it bring enjoyment? Avoid impulse buys and trendy pieces that may not stand the test of time.

Minimalism isn't about restricting or denying yourself. It's about being deliberate and getting true value from your wardrobe.

Signs of Compulsive Shopping

It's possible that you're facing challenges that rise above disorganization. In order to assess correctly, you may benefit from learning about compulsive shopping.

Understanding Compulsive Behavior

Compulsive shopping, also known as compulsive buying disorder, differs from typical shopping behavior. You may be able to tell just by how you feel. However, there are a few considerations that may bring clarity.

Potential Red Flags

Potential alerts that you may be shopping compulsively might include excessive spending. If your shopping puts you in a compromised financial position, it may warrant a closer look.

Do you feel you engage in a lot of impulse shopping? If you don't feel in control or feel disproportionately excited when shopping, this could also be something to pay attention to.

Feelings of guilt or shame or the inability to control your shopping behavior are also things you do not have to live with. With a little guidance, you and a professional therapist may be able to develop coping tactics to reduce any negative effects you're experiencing.

Seeking Support

If you suspect that your shopping habits may be impacting your well-being or financial stability, consider seeking support from a mental health professional before you reorganize your closet.

Therapy can provide valuable insights and strategies for managing compulsive behaviors and addressing underlying emotional triggers.

This might help your closet stay organized. But, more importantly, it may bring more relief and peace to your life.

Finding Balance

Ultimately, the key to improving the situation in your closet is all about balance. Find a process that promotes your well-being and financial stability.

Maybe that looks like a brand new closet, some organizational help, and a curated collection. However, your strategy might involve a different kind of professional support like therapy.

No matter which option you choose or a combination of the two, there are resources available to help you on your journey.

Enjoy that closet clarity!