Realistic Tips to Create a Clutter-Free Home with a Growing Family

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The clutter problem has always been a thing in the US, with homeowners struggling to accommodate their stuff in limited spaces. Whether you own a one-room apartment or a huge mansion, you may deal with “too much” stuff. That’s probably because we find it hard to let go of things as a human tendency.

However, statistics are daunting because the problem seems to be worsening. According to the New York Post, half of Americans feel that they have an unsalvageable room in their homes. Nearly 34% of them feel cramped in their living spaces, most of them being apartment dwellers. A fifth of them aren’t happy with the space they have.

The concern can be even more daunting if you have a growing family. Imagine a cramped home with kids and pets scampering around. It can be total chaos, right? Thankfully, a few realistic strategies and consistent effort can help you address the clutter problem effectively.

Here are a few effective tips to maintain a space that’s clean and healthy for your growing clan. 

Establish Daily Cleaning Routines

A recent poll showed that the average American invested in home cleaning only once a week. Decluttering happens just thrice a year. People in Maine and Idaho spent 59 minutes per cleaning session, while New York residents completed a cleaning spree only in 45 minutes. That does not seem enough to achieve a neat space for a growing family. 

Consistency is the only way to combat clutter, so you must establish daily cleaning routines. You can make it doable by encouraging all family members to participate. For example, consider allocating age-specific duties and tidying up at specific times each day. Set aside 10-15 minutes each evening for everyone to put away their belongings. 

Also, make a rule for the kids to put away their toys and games in designated areas before bedtime. You can use a basket to collect stray items throughout the day to ease the clean-up process.

Create Designated Spaces for Everything

Another tip to keep your home clutter-free is to create a designated space for all items. CNBC notes that the size of a newly built home in the US has been shrinking. Data from the Census Bureau shows that a newly constructed single-family home had 2,140 square feet of floor space in the first quarter of 2024. The median size in the first quarter of 2023 was 2,256 square feet.

Organized storage solutions are great for making the most of the available space. Use bins, baskets, and shelves to categorize clothes, toys, and books. Label these items so that your children can understand where their things belong.

While designating spaces, ask your family members about where they would like their belongings stored. When everyone is on the same page about the organization system, they are more likely to take ownership. 

Regularly Purge Unused Items

Besides creating a space problem in your home, clutter can affect your health and well-being. According to WebMD, women with cluttered homes have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Those with less mess around tend to be relaxed due to controlled levels of the same hormone. 

Experts recommend committing to regular decluttering sessions to keep your space tidy and mind stress-free. Ask your family members to go through clothes, toys, and other items. Teach kids about the importance of avoiding hoarding. Also, encourage them to donate items they no longer use or need.

Besides regular purging, set limits to new items. When receiving gifts or purchasing new items, talk about what can be donated or discarded in exchange for the new item. This practice prevents the accumulation of items in the first place.

Consider Relocating

As your family grows, you may fall short of space in your existing home. Consider it a sign that you need to find a bigger place to accommodate your evolving needs. However, selling a house is not easy, even in hot markets like San Francisco. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, selling a home in the city took a median of 35 days in 2024, an increase from 24 days in 2019. 

Expect your house to take even longer to sell if it is cluttered and crowded. Even if people drop in for showings, they might not see it as a potential living space. You can avert the struggle by opting for a cash sale, where the buyer pays quick cash and takes the place as-is. Click here to learn how to sell your house in San Francisco as-is.

Doctor Homes notes that selling homes for cash has numerous benefits. You sell your place without repairs and upgrades, which makes sense even if your selling price may be a tad lower. You also save on realtor fees and commissions as these buyers buy directly from sellers. That means moving into a bigger home quickly and starting afresh.

Foster a Mindset of Minimalism

Fostering a minimalist mindset is the best solution, whether you declutter your existing home or move to a bigger space. If you continue accumulating stuff, you may end up in the same place again. Learn to value experiences over material possessions and teach the same to your children. 

This mindset can reduce their desire for new toys and promote contentment with what they already have. Model minimalism for your kids by being mindful of your own possessions and regularly assessing what you truly need.

FAQs

How can I get my children involved in a decluttering spree?

The best way to involve your kids in a decluttering spree is by making it enjoyable. Turn it into a game instead of a task. Give them points or rewards for every item they donate or organize. Also, explain the benefits of purging stuff, such as making space for new toys or creating a tidier play area.

What should I do with items having sentimental value when purging?

You may want to keep sentimental items because they have fond memories attached to them. However, consider setting limits on how many you keep before you start with the cleaning project. Create a memory box for each child where they can store their most cherished items like books and toys. 

How often should I declutter my living space?

Experts suggest decluttering at least every few months or seasonally. You should also create a regular cleaning and organization schedule to prevent stuff from building up in your home again. Additionally, consider doing quick weekly assessments of high-traffic areas such as playrooms or entryways.

Clutter can affect your life and health in the most unexpected ways. A home with too much stuff is not an ideal place to raise a family. Purging extra things is not as hard as you imagine. You can implement these realistic tips to create a clutter-free home that accommodates the needs of your growing family. 

How To Stay Positive During a Stressful Move

Moving to a new home can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, it doesn't have to be a source of stress. In this post, we'll explore practical and straightforward strategies to help streamline your relocation experience. By considering options like hiring professional movers, utilizing storage solutions, and staying organized with packing, you can focus on the excitement of new beginnings. Throughout this post, we'll touch on various resources and tips to help maintain a positive mindset, ensuring your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Embracing Professional Help

One effective way to reduce stress during a move is to enlist the services of professional movers. Often, experts, like Central Van Lines, will often bring years of experience and know-how to handle packing, transporting, and unpacking belongings efficiently. By delegating these tasks, homeowners can focus on more pressing matters, such as finalizing paperwork or preparing for the transition to their new home. Additionally, professional movers typically offer insurance options, providing peace of mind against potential damage or loss of items during the move. Engaging their services also helps in managing time better, as professionals can often complete moving tasks faster and more efficiently than novices.

Renting Moving Equipment

Renting moving equipment like box trucks can significantly alleviate the stress associated with house moves. These trucks provide ample space to transport large quantities of belongings in fewer trips, making the moving process faster. Drivers often have flexibility regarding loading timelines, which can ease concerns about rushing. Additionally, rental services often include tools such as furniture dollies and blankets, aiding in the safe handling and transport of items. This option is particularly beneficial for those choosing a do-it-yourself approach, enabling better control over the moving schedule and logistics.

The Value of Organized Packing

Organized packing is another aspect worth considering to maintain sanity during a stressful move. This involves categorizing items into specific boxes, ensuring each is clearly labeled, which simplifies unpacking later. The organization helps in quickly identifying and locating essential items required immediately after the move. Furthermore, having a structured packing approach minimizes the risk of overlooked belongings, which can otherwise lead to unnecessary frustration and anxiety. Developing a system that suits individual preferences can also foster a sense of accomplishment and control throughout the moving process.

Utilizing Storage Solutions

Temporary storage solutions can provide substantial relief when navigating a house move. Renting a storage unit will allow you to declutter your current space while preparing for the move. This can be particularly useful if there's a gap between move-out and move-in dates, providing a safe place for belongings. Storage companies usually offer varying sizes and climate-controlled options, accommodating different needs and ensuring sensitive items remain in optimal condition. Taking advantage of these solutions allows for more organized and manageable living spaces during a usually chaotic period.

Maintaining a Positive Mindset

Lastly, maintaining a positive mindset throughout the moving process can significantly impact overall stress levels. Viewing the move as a new beginning rather than just a series of tasks helps cultivate optimism. Regular breaks and moments of relaxation can also prevent burnout and mental exhaustion. Integrating personal care routines, such as exercise or meditation, can further aid in sustaining energy and mental clarity. Remember, maintaining a balanced perspective and prioritizing mental well-being can make even the most stressful moves feel more manageable and fulfilling.

In conclusion, managing stress during a move is all about planning ahead and making the most of available resources. By embracing professional assistance, renting moving equipment, organizing your packing, and utilizing storage solutions, you can significantly ease the moving process. These strategies don’t just tackle the logistical challenges but also help preserve peace of mind. Remember, a positive outlook and some thoughtful preparation can turn moving from a daunting task into an exciting new adventure. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, these tips will help you navigate the transition smoothly and enjoy the journey to your new home.

Expert Tips for Staging Small Spaces

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Home staging can sound intimidating. People tend to associate it with big, modern homes and properties, forgetting that it is indeed applicable to all kinds of spaces.

Maximizing spaces is actually one of the key goals of staging. However, it does seem challenging when you’re dealing with small spaces. So today, we’re here to give you expert advice in all kinds of room-specific staging.

How to Stage Small Homes

Home staging concepts are primarily the same for small, medium, and large spaces. The only differences would be specific things that are applicable to each kind of staging. Examples are the tips we'll give you for home staging living rooms. Let’s dive into small and medium apartment staging tips:

1. Avoid Clutter

Regardless of space, avoiding clutter is the top priority in staging. It’s critical to be mindful that spaces should look open and inviting. Cluttered surfaces often give a cracked and disorganized impression to prospective buyers. It poses a challenge to staging because they detract from the decor you put in.

If you’re stuck deciding what decor to use, remember the rule: less is more. Also, remember to keep your personal items away.

2. Have an Open Layout

If you’re small staging, remember to keep an open layout. Keeping hallways clear and not using any blocking patterns can help rooms appear to look more spacious. Another useful tip in staging your home is not to overcrowd your existing shelves.

3. One Room, One Purpose

When you have a small room to work with, you might think it’s best to make it a multipurpose area. Unfortunately, to break the news, it isn’t. Give each room its own purpose, each room with its own feel.

Having a room with more than one purpose can look cluttered. For example, home staging living room ideas. If the living room you’re staging also serves as the kids’ play area, you may keep toys inside a chest in their bedroom. It works better than cluttering the existing living room layout.

4. Choose the Right Furniture

Streamline the furniture you want to use instead of picking bulky ones. Shorter furniture against walls gives the illusion of more wall space. For professional staging, many experts recommend luxury furniture rental Los Angeles services to achieve that perfect look without the commitment. Choosing multipurpose furniture is also a wise decision. Use ottomans that have storage instead of plain accent chairs or space-saving desks with built-in shelves. You can instantly turn a small apartment into a mini model for practical home staging.

5. Pick the Right Colors

Light colors make spaces feel open and airy. A monochromatic color scheme usually works best with staged rooms that have limited space. Dark colors can make rooms appear smaller. You can still use dark colors in an accent wall; just be sure to keep everything else light.

Room-Specific Staging Tips

Different rooms mean different layouts. This can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to home staging. So, to help you out, let’s explore some more house staging ideas in deeper detail.

Living Room and Reception

The biggest home staging tips for living rooms are the use of mirrors and reflective surfaces, which trick a person’s eye to make rooms appear bigger. We also recommend that you pare down the furniture lineup.

Bedroom and Home Office

You probably noticed this already, but letting more light in means a bigger space illusion. By opening up your curtains, you’re getting more daylight. Use lightweight curtains instead of heavy ones to compliment your bedroom or home office.

Outdoor and Indoor Spaces

Potted plants and fresh flowers can make your home seem fresh and inviting. You don’t need too much; just a few strategically placed pots can do wonders for your staged living room or patio.

For All Spaces Inside Your Home

I’m sure you agree that nobody wants to live in a home with filthy carpets. Your flooring matters more than you think. Hardwood, although it can be expensive upfront, is low maintenance and adds an instant layer of elegance to your home. Adding it to common areas would be essential.

For kitchens and bathrooms, go for ceramic tiles. If you find them too expensive, some high-quality vinyl options with similar interior designs can work just as well.

Things to Avoid When Staging Small Spaces

You already have the do’s for small house staging ideas. Now, let me discuss the don’ts or the things you should avoid for small spaces.

●     Bold Prints. These are heavy on the eyes and will make rooms appear small. If you’re after a multidimensional visual interest, use different textures instead – it's important to consider a room's focal points.

●     Poor Lighting. This is a definite no-no in all homes. Adequate lighting is needed to brighten up dark corners and work areas. Natural lighting improves the mood and ambiance of a room, so make sure you have enough light throughout the home. Light fixtures are used to help in this area.

●     Awkward Furniture Placement – A few big pieces of furniture can be enough for small spaces instead of having many small ones. Create a furniture placement layout for each room before selecting which goes in or not.

Who Can Help You with Staging

Professional home stagers are available whenever you need them for all kinds of spaces. Holme Stage, a recommended expert in the home staging industry, helps transform ordinary properties into alluring spaces.

Your Complete Guide to Organising Your Bathroom

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A well-organised bathroom will undoubtedly transform your daily routine, adding a sense of calm and efficiency. Whether your bathroom is a tiny powder room or a spacious retreat, thoughtful organisation can make a huge difference. Here's a comprehensive guide to get you started, including tips on how to organise your shower cabin for optimal function and style.

1. Declutter First

Begin by removing everything from your bathroom cabinets, drawers, and counters. Sort items into three categories: keep, toss, and donate. Old toiletries, expired products, or those half-used items you no longer need can be discarded. Try to keep only the essentials you use daily or weekly, as a clutter-free bathroom is the foundation of an organised space.

2. Maximise Vertical Storage

Bathrooms often lack floor space, making vertical storage a game-changer. Install shelves or cabinets above the toilet, beside the mirror, or even above the door for storing items like towels and toiletries. Wall-mounted shelves or cabinets free up counter space, while stylish baskets or bins can conceal bathroom necessities and maintain a clean look. Think about floating shelves, which give a modern aesthetic and can hold smaller, decorative items like scented candles, plants, or attractive glass jars containing cotton balls and swabs.

3. Organise Your Shower Cabin

Your shower cabin can easily become cluttered with an array of shampoos, conditioners, and body washes. The following steps will help keep it tidy and ensure a smooth shower experience:

• Install Corner Caddies or Wall-Mounted Shelves: Opt for rust-resistant corner caddies that can hold bottles and sponges within easy reach. Alternatively, wall-mounted shelves work well for storing shower essentials without taking up too much space. Both options prevent your products from piling up on the shower floor, reducing slip risks and clutter.

• Limit Bottles and Products: Try to keep only your most-used products in the shower cabin. Having just one of each type of product (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) can make your shower experience feel more streamlined and visually appealing. Consider investing in refillable, matching dispensers for a cohesive look if you have a favourite product line.

• Don’t Forget Maintenance: Regularly check your shower cabin for excess moisture buildup and mould, especially if you have multiple products. Quick, daily clean-ups help prevent soap scum and keep your cabin looking fresh.

1. Use Drawer Organisers and Dividers

Bathroom drawers can become chaotic quickly, with daily essentials scattered about. Invest in drawer organisers or dividers to keep everything in place. Separate sections can hold makeup, skincare products, and hair accessories, helping you easily locate items and avoid countertop clutter. For items that are best stored upright, such as hair styling tools, choose small storage bins that fit neatly inside your drawers.

4. Label Everything

Labels are a fantastic tool for keeping things organised long-term. Use labels on bins, baskets, and even inside drawers to remind yourself where everything belongs. This step is especially helpful in shared bathrooms where multiple people are using the space. Clear, labelled containers also allow for easy restocking and ensure that items don't stray from their designated spots.

5. Keep the Floor Clear

A clutter-free floor not only looks better but also makes cleaning easier. To maintain clear floors, use wall-mounted holders for toilet brushes, a slim cart for storing spare toilet rolls, or stackable containers for under-sink items. Baskets can be handy for storing towels, but place them on shelves or within cabinets to keep everything off the ground.