decluttering

Transform Your Home: Adopt These 6 Cleaning Habits Today!

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Habits to help support you.

Over my last few blogs, I have been talking about decluttering and another blog on the comparison difference between tidying, cleaning and decluttering, check it here if you have not read it yet.

So today I thought I would talk about the cleaning side. We’ve all visited homes that just scream “immaculate.” Everything shines, is well-organised, and there’s not a speck of dust or dirt in sight. But how do they manage it?

Here are six habits people with consistently clean homes, that you can adopt too. It’s more than just picking up a few quick cleaning tips. It’s about committing to cleaning as you go and stopping messes at the door.

Habits of People with Clean Homes

  1. Have a Strict Cleaning Routine—and stick to it,

Professional cleaners often emphasize the importance of a cleaning routine, and those with spotless homes enforce this as a rule. Alex Cortez, professional cleaner at Denton Maids, says:

“Clean homes have people who clean every day and organise their tasks throughout the week. Spend 20-30 minutes daily, and no room stays messy for long. For example, clean the kitchen on Mondays, bathrooms on Tuesdays, bedrooms on Wednesdays, living room on Thursdays, and anything else on Fridays.”

2. Clean as you go.

Many cleaning tasks are easier when done immediately rather than letting them pile up. In the kitchen. By washing dishes, utensils, and countertops as you prepare meals, you prevent them from piling up, making cleanup faster. This lets you focus on cooking without worrying about a messy kitchen later. I often remind my children to do a nightly tidy-up to save them time over the weekend when they do their cleaning. Little and often the key here.

3. They always have cleaning supplies on hand.

Keeping essential cleaning aids accessible means, you can address spills, stains, and dust as soon as you see them. Maintain a list of your favourite cleaning products and store them where you use them, like bathroom cleaners in the bathroom and kitchen cleaners in the kitchen, to make quick cleaning effortless.

4. Use preventative strategies to stop dirt.

Preventing dirt is easier than constantly cleaning it. What can you do to help prevent dirt e.g. don’t wear shoes indoors, clean, muddy boots straight away. This simple step prevents a lot of dirt, grime, and dust from being tracked inside.

5. Have an opening and closing routine.

Despite cleaning throughout the day, some tasks might still be left for the morning or evening. Some of these habits include making the bed in the morning, which sets a positive tone for the day, and ensures no dishes are left in the sink at night. Starting and ending the day with these routines helps maintain a clean home and a calm mind.

6. Think about some smart home help.

Maintaining a spotless home can be time-consuming, but smart home technology can help. Such as robot vacuums running daily make a huge difference and are now quite affordable. Smart air purifiers and kitchen appliances also help manage tasks, making cleaning more efficient, some washers even come with timers to start alone, as well as cookers have wifi abilities too, I know our oven has this but never really stepped into trying it out.

FAQs

Are cleaner people happier?

Studies suggest that cleaner and more organised people tend to be happier. A clean environment reduces stress by lowering the cortisol response in our brains. While cleaning might seem overwhelming, the resulting in a clean space helps relax and improve mood.

What are the joys of a clean house?

A clean house allows you to relax and reset without the distraction of chores. It gives a sense of accomplishment, boosts mood, reduces anxiety, and improves physical health by eliminating bacteria and germs. Clean and organised spaces can also improve relationships by encouraging teamwork and pride in your home.

Adopting these habits can make a world of difference, transforming your home into a serene and spotless sanctuary. So, what of these top tips could you look at implementing into your home?!

I have a downloadable checklist available to help you get into these habits. Get it here.

Love and light Steph.

5 top tips for starting to declutter

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So, you’re probably here because you’re ready to tackle that clutter, right? Facing a heap of stuff to sort through can feel pretty overwhelming. But trust me, once you’ve got everything neatly organised, you’ll be riding that feel-good wave and loving your rooms or home again.

Decluttering is totally my jam these days. There’s something oddly therapeutic about zoning in and just getting it done. My advice? Set aside a couple of hours, cue up some tunes, and just vibe with it.

This five-step guide breaks down the whole decluttering process, making it easier for you to follow along and get the job done. So, let’s dive in or save this for later—because let’s face it, life gets busy…

HERE’S HOW TO DECLUTTER YOUR HOME IN FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

Let’s give your place that fresh makeover with these easy-to-follow steps.

STEP 1: ENVISION THE END RESULT

I’m big on manifestation. Picture how you want your rooms to look once they’re decluttered and organised. This not only fires up your motivation but also helps you pinpoint what you really want to toss out, making the whole process less stressful.

STEP 2: SORT ITEMS INTO CATEGORIES

Room by room, divide your stuff into three piles: keep, donate and bin. Pro tip: Lay out a blanket or use boxes beforehand to make moving things around easier. When deciding whether to part with something, ask yourself how much you actually use it and if it holds sentimental value. If it’s neither useful nor sentimental, it’s rubbish or donated.

STEP 3: CHECK THE DONATE AND BIN PILES?

Now that you’ve got your bin and donate pile, sift through it. Separate the genuine trash from items that could find a new home. If they’re still in good nick—clean and unbroken—consider passing them on.  It’s way better for the planet than binning. Of course, some things are beyond saving, and that’s okay—bid them goodbye guilt-free.

STEP 4: GET ORGANISED

Stash away loose items neatly. Think cubes for the bedroom, fridge organisers for the kitchen, and racks and containers for the bathroom or get creative in the living room with ottomans and coffee tables that double as secret storage spots.

STEP 5: LABEL THOSE STORAGE CONTAINERS

Labelling your boxes makes finding stuff easier. No more rummaging through cabinets! Plus, it’s handy for keeping things separate. Go for sticker labels or grab a handheld label maker for extra convenience.

These tips will help you get started with your decluttering and organising your home. Need more help check out my Declutter DIY My Products this does inc a section to help you plan how you want things to look. Or reach out for my one-on-one support Declutter with Steph.

Want to learn more about decluttering and its impact on life and more.

Check out my other blogs:

How to know when to declutter

Difference between cleaning, decluttering and organising

Clutter and health

Love and Light, Steph. x

Spring cleaning

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Take a slow spring clean.  

We live in a world obsessed with hustle and bustle. We want everything to be done quickly and efficiently, especially our household chores and spring cleaning. I am so one of them.

This year, however, I am going to make my spring cleaning a slow cleaning – a more mindful approach to preparing our homes for the warmer months that prioritises spring cleaning without getting overwhelmed rather than quick.

There are many benefits for both your home and your mind.

What is slow cleaning?

The practice of slow cleaning is one where you don’t focus on cleaning everything as fast as you can to tick it off your spring cleaning checklist, but rather take your time and enjoy the process while you clean. Removing the pressures off ourselves, however, still creates the desired results.

By doing this slow approach you can make it more mindful or use it as a time for practising gratitude, it can certainly help to make the experience more relaxing and enjoyable – especially when dealing with the most forgotten spring cleaning dirt spots.

Here are four ways to use slow cleaning.

1. Try one task a day

You might have heard of the different day, different room housekeeping tip, but how about the one-task, one-day schedule to tackle your spring-cleaning checklist?

The one cleaning method I use is to perform one small cleaning task a day. This ensures that things don’t build up over time and you’re left with a mess that can cause anxiety and seem far more overwhelming. Break up your cleaning over the week,  so that you focus on one thing per day.

2. Make it a mindful exercise

If you want to create a more mindful home and lifestyle, your spring-cleaning routine is a great place to start, instead of viewing cleaning as a chore, approach it with a sense of intention.

Put on some calming music, light a scented candle, and focus on the satisfaction of creating a clean and organised space. Don’t push yourself too hard. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. A clean space should support your well-being, not hamper it.

3. Focus on mindful decluttering

Decluttering can be stressful, but there is a great benefit to having fewer items cluttering up counters and cabinets.

The best way to stay on top of things is to have less clutter. By getting rid of things around the house that you don’t use, you’ll have more space and less cleaning to do. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have more time to focus on the important things around your house and ensure that they are always clean and that your rooms are clutter-free.

4. Try the Pomodoro method

Whether you are looking to spring clean your house in one day or are spreading a series of tasks over a few weeks, using something like the Pomodoro timer can ensure that you take frequent breaks to avoid wearing yourself out.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It uses a kitchen timer to break work into intervals, typically 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.

For example, set an intention to clear the kitchen set a timer for 25mintues, when it rings stop and rest for 5 minutes then reset repeating this maybe in blocks of 4. Which end up taken 100 minutes of active cleaning time. If you do this once a week, in about a month you’ll see an incredible transformation of your home.

When preparing for spring cleaning, considering a slow cleaning approach from the beginning will help you plan your tasks to ensure you do not miss anything. Even noting down all the areas to do however best work for you room by room or more detailed.

Spring cleaning is a man-made concept and do what is right for you, your times scale and abilities. Get others to help too, let’s make it more fun and enjoyable.   

Want to learn more about decluttering, tidying and organising read this blog too read it here.

If you want more help and support on organising, decluttering, please reach out Contact me

7 Insights into The Psychology of Stuff

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Let’s take a look through the psychology of stuff with seven quirky insights! Get ready for a lighthearted exploration of why we buy and how to resist the urge to splurge.

  1. The Scarcity Loop:

Ever felt like you just had to have something because it felt scarce? Blame it on the “Scarcity Brain” theory. It’s like a whirlwind of impulses, from binge-buying to compulsive snacking, all because we think there’s not enough to go around. But hey, maybe that extra unicorn-shaped mug wasn’t such a necessity after all.

  • Social Comparison Syndrome:

Have you ever scrolled through life and suddenly felt like your life was lacking? Yep, that’s social comparison syndrome at work. Whether it’s fancy cars or exotic vacations, seeing others flaunt their stuff can make us feel like we’re missing out. Remember to be you, live your life your way.

  • Advertising Magic:

Ever been swayed by a catchy jingle or a flashy billboard? Welcome to the world of advertising, where marketers work their magic to make us believe we need things we never knew we wanted. But before you succumb to the hype, ask yourself, do I really need another gadget that does the same thing as my old one?

  • The Quest for Fulfillment:

We’ve all fallen into the trap of thinking that stuff will make us happy. But the truth is, materialism is like a sugar rush – it gives us a quick high but leaves us crashing later. So instead of chasing after possessions, why not focus on experiences that feed the soul? After all, memories last longer than gadgets.

  • FOMO Frenzy:

The fear of missing out can turn even the most sensible person into a compulsive shopper. Thanks to social media, we’re bombarded with images of other people living their best lives, making us feel like we’re missing out on something. But here’s a secret – the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Sometimes, it’s just artificial turf.

  • Retail Therapy:

 We’ve all indulged in a little retail therapy now and then. But before you go on a spree, ask yourself, will this really make me feel better? Sometimes, a walk in the park or a chat with a friend can lift our spirits more than any purchase ever could.

  • The Hedonic Adaptation:

This is the phenomenon where we quickly get used to the things we once thought would make us happy. But here’s the thing – happiness isn’t about constantly chasing after the next big thing. It’s about appreciating what we have and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. So let’s kick off our shoes, take a deep breath, and savour the moment.

When we look at our stuff, go shopping think about the above as well as these 3 questions I ask all my declutter clients.

  1. Do I really need it?
  2. Does it give me joy?
  3. Is this item functional in my life?

Check out my download to help you declutter subscribepage.io/getting_started_decluttering

How to know when you need to Declutter?!

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Have you observed a recent increase in clutter around your space and wondered about the telltale signs indicating it’s time for a decluttering session?

Often, clutter accumulates gradually, going unnoticed until it begins affecting mood and daily functioning. Recognizing signs like difficulty in using functional spaces due to clutter can prompt the need for decluttering.

Despite the common belief that clutter only becomes a problem when it’s visibly bad throughout your home, specific indicators suggest that it’s time to regain control over your living space.

Difficulty Finding Items: The gradual accumulation of clutter often sneaks up on you, making it challenging to locate everyday essentials like keys or documents. Establishing a focused approach, such as following a schedule or a decluttering challenge, can prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Prolonged Cleaning and Tidying: If routine cleaning tasks seem to take forever, it’s likely due to an excess of possessions. Even after tidying up, maintaining a clean environment becomes a constant struggle. Excessive clutter complicates cleaning efforts, leading to neglected areas accumulating dust and grime.

Anxiety About Hosting Guests: Feeling embarrassed or stressed about visitors seeing your cluttered home can be draining. Even if they only go into one or two rooms.

Negative Emotional Impact: If being at home evokes feelings of stress or anxiety, it may be due to the cluttered environment. These negative emotions signal a pressing need for decluttering.

Storage Space Overload: When storage areas overflow with items, drawers become jammed, and shelves are overcrowded, it’s a clear indication of having too much stuff.

Cluttered Surfaces: Constant clutter accumulation on surfaces like countertops and desks indicates a need for decluttering to create more functional spaces.

Decluttering Strategies: Instead of attempting to tackle clutter all at once, start with small, manageable tasks to avoid overwhelm. Creating a checklist and addressing one area at a time can streamline the decluttering process.

Acknowledging warning signs of clutter and taking proactive steps to declutter can result in a more organized and tranquil living environment. Once the clutter is addressed, incorporating organising techniques can help maintain a tidy and harmonious space.

What is the difference between decluttering, tidying, and organising? And which does your home need most?

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These words are often used interchangeably however, decluttering, tidying, and organising are three distinct processes, and understanding the differences is key to maintaining an orderly home.

What is the difference between decluttering, tidying, and organising?

It may seem straightforward to distinguish between these three processes, but the surge in home organising on social media has led to their frequent interchangeability, causing confusion about the complete process necessary for keeping a home tidy.

While jumbling up these terms is not inherently wrong, it can make it more challenging to prevent a house from becoming messy when the steps are mixed up or one is overlooked entirely.

Decluttering

Declutter (verb) – to remove things you do not need from a place, in order to make it more pleasant and more useful.

Decluttering is a process most of us are familiar with, involving the removal of belongings when our homes have accumulated items with no designated places.

Though decluttering is often confused with tidying, some people interpret it as eliminating visible clutter. While decluttering accomplishes this, the focus is on eliminating cluttered items, such as decluttering a closet and donating old clothes to a charity, rather than merely ‘decluttering’ (tidying) a coffee table and returning items like remotes and books to their proper places.

I suggest people declutter and focus on only one space at a time or the process is overwhelming. When you declutter a family room, for instance, you might remove and recycle magazines or catalogues that have been read or are no longer wanted. You declutter a closet or a chest of drawers when it’s difficult to put clothes away or can not easily find items you want.

Organising

Organize verb (MAKE A SYSTEM) – To do or arrange something according to a particular system:

Organising is one of the most satisfying steps and is crucial if you want your house to remain functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Organising goes a bit further. It’s about arranging your belongings logically and efficiently, creating systems that help you find things easily. This is what you do when you want to make your space more functional, like setting up labelled storage bins or arranging your closet.

This step is best performed after you have decluttered and cleared out old belongings that you no longer use. After all, it makes very little sense to try and organise kitchen appliances in a cabinet, so they are easy to use if you haven’t decluttered a kitchen first to make space and clear out appliances you no longer use.

Tidying

Tidy- tidy adjective (ORDERED)- having everything ordered and arranged in the right place, or liking to keep things like this:

Tidying is the final step in keeping a house neat and is often confused with organising. You should avoid tidying before you have a good home organising system in place; otherwise, you will be trying to stash away belongings that don’t have a proper home – essentially just moving messes around.

Tidying becomes necessary when things are not put back correctly, leading to a disorganised environment. Regular tidying sessions prevent the need for extensive decluttering and organising efforts by maintaining order on an ongoing basis, e.g. you have tidied the coffee table or the children’s bedroom.

Why it’s important to use the right process.

Using the appropriate term for the specific task you’re undertaking is essential for achieving your desired results and avoiding unnecessary pitfalls. Applying excessive decluttering without considering the value and usefulness of items can lead to regrets later.

Items might be put away, but if they lack designated spaces, you’ll find yourself back in disarray soon. Ensure your tidying efforts are supported by proper organisation techniques, and it will even help you to clean a house fast, too.

Think of the process like this.

Once you have decluttered, then organised, and set up systems to best suit you, remember to do the regular tidying. If things start to build up again another declutter will be needed. However, I do recommend all my clients to regularly declutter even if it is just in line with summer and winter.

So, ultimately your home needs all of these three but you must start with the decluttering to make the whole process much easier.

Transformative Journey: How Decluttering Revolutionised My Life and Freed My Mind

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Over a decade ago, my decluttering journey began as a response to a life-changing event—my divorce. Little did I know that embarking on this path of organisation would lead me to profound realisations about the freedom and mental well-being that come with simplifying not just physical possessions but also finances.

The Initial Hesitations:

Initiating the decluttering process stirred a mix of excitement and nervousness. Fears and questions loomed, such as the worry of regretting letting go, the uncertainty of future needs, and the emotional attachment to belongings. Perhaps you can relate to these common concerns that often accompany the decision to declutter.

Facing Fears and Embracing Change:

Contrary to my initial apprehensions, the fears weren’t justified. Letting go of possessions didn’t result in regret, and the “just in case” scenarios never materialised. Instead, I discovered that owning less brought unexpected happiness, leading to newfound freedom in various aspects of my life.

The Liberating Benefits:

Decluttering became a catalyst for freedom, allowing me to spend quality time with loved ones, delve into hobbies, savour simple pleasures, and align my life with core values. The journey taught me that less truly equates to more in terms of fulfilment.

Top Tips for Regret-Free Decluttering:

Start Small, Take Your Time:

Begin with manageable tasks like decluttering a bookshelf or a section of your closet. Starting small builds momentum, boosts confidence, and helps overcome initial fears. Need help starting check out how to get started decluttering

Capture Memories, Release Possessions:

Photographing items can ease the emotional attachment, providing a visual reminder of the joy they once brought. It also serves as documentation of your decluttering progress.

Experiment with a Time-Limited Approach:

If immediate letting go is challenging, consider a 30-60 day experiment. Box up items you’re unsure about, and if they go unnoticed, it becomes easier to part with them.

Donate or Sell with Purpose:

Selling or donating books and possessions ensures they find new homes where they can continue to bring joy. Explore platforms like Ziffit to sell items and use the proceeds for meaningful purposes.

Swedish Death Cleaning Wisdom:

Embrace the concept of Swedish Death Cleaning, a method focused on decluttering to ease the burden on loved ones after one’s passing. This mindful approach encourages intentional living and letting go of unnecessary possessions. Learn more here. Link here: https://www.thespruce.com/swedish-death-cleaning-4801461   

Book: https://amzn.to/3NVs9qS

Balance Usefulness and Sentimentality:

Before parting with an item, assess its usefulness and emotional significance. Give away items not used regularly, and for sentimental items, consider a waiting period before making a decision.

Expressing Gratitude:

Gratitude serves as a powerful mindset during the decluttering process. Focusing on the benefits of a minimalist home fosters a sense of contentment and eliminates regrets.

Remember, decluttering is a personal journey, not a race.

Take your time, set your own pace, and embrace the transformative power of living with intention. If you need assistance on your decluttering journey, feel free to Reach out here.

Your path to a clutter-free, fulfilling life awaits!

Love and light Steph x

Decluttering and thoughts.

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Decluttering is not an easy task to do and will not happen fast, I love to remind all my clients it is a journey and a journey you can love too.

Here are five ideas to think about when it comes to decluttering.

1.           Treasure Your Belongings:

Focus on retaining only your most cherished possessions. Instead of fixating on what to discard, concentrate on the joy your favourite items bring. Embrace using and enjoying them regularly and consider the legacy of love and experiences you want to leave behind. Prioritize creating memories and connections over accumulating material possessions and ponder whether your family or children would value the items you’re holding onto.

2.           Homes are sanctuaries of Love, not just things:

Acknowledge that homes are more than storage spaces; they are sanctuaries for love and connection. Decluttering opens the path to a life centred around meaningful relationships, personal well-being, fulfilling work, and exploration. Shift your mindset: less clutter means more room for love and connection.

3.           The Trap of Accumulation:

Resist the temptation to accumulate more belongings. Often, decluttering isn’t about acquiring more items but having fewer possessions. Excessive storage solutions and organization systems can lead to increased demands on your time and attention. Embrace the notion that less is more for a balanced life, recognizing the costs associated with acquiring, maintaining, and managing possessions.

4.           Define True Desires and Happiness – Empower Yourself:

When decluttering becomes daunting, reflect on your genuine desires for your heart, family, and life. Consider whether you want more items to manage or if you crave additional space, time, and peace. Find joy in needing less to be happy, as an abundance of possessions often leads to dissatisfaction. Simplify your life by owning fewer things, and fostering lightness, gratitude, and happiness. True contentment doesn’t come from accumulating possessions; free up resources by releasing what no longer serves you.

5.           Create Space for Life, Not Clutter:

Resist filling every empty space with belongings or acquiring more storage solutions. Appreciate the beauty of unoccupied spaces and allow time for alignment with your desires before making decisions. Clear space for what truly matters, enabling you to be present for yourself and loved ones. Create room to love, create, heal, and appreciate the magnificence of life.

If you need help with decluttering drop me a message, or consider my declutter services below.

https://stephaniejanehomealignments.co.uk/products-services
Declutter with my help.
https://stephaniejanehomealignments.co.uk/my-products
My Do it Yourself Declutter workbooks

love and light, Steph

New Year incoming

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Let’s embark on this journey together, embracing the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui to create a positive and uplifting environment. Soon the New Chinese New Year will be here and welcoming in Spring, Feb 10th 2024 will see this energy shift.

So, here are some of my top tips to help call in this new energy.

1. Clearing the Clutter:

Start the year with a clean slate by decluttering your living space. Remove any unnecessary items that may hinder the flow of positive energy. A clutter-free environment allows the chi (life force energy) to circulate freely, bringing balance and vitality into your home.

2. Enhance Wealth and Prosperity:

Activate the wealth corner of your home or office by placing symbols of abundance, such as a money plant or wealth bowl. This is within the Southeast area of your home. Working with magnetic north compass directions. A great time to clear out that old money energy esp within your purse/ wallet.

3. Harmonize Relationships:

Create a harmonious atmosphere in your relationships by paying attention to the relationship corner of your home the Southwest. Add elements in pairs, such as candles, artwork, or decorative items, to promote love and unity. A balanced and harmonious space can strengthen connections with your loved ones.

4. Boost Career Success:

To enhance your career prospects, focus on the north area of your home or office. Introduce a vision board, plants for growth and décor at inspires you in your work. Keep this area well-lit and clutter-free to encourage a positive work environment.

5. Set Positive Intentions:

Harness the power of intention by setting clear and positive goals for the year ahead. Write down your aspirations, dreams, and wishes on a piece of paper and place it in the north or southeast area of your home to amplify the energy of your intentions. Then start to take actions over the goals.

Upcoming Events:

Join us for an exclusive Feng Shui workshop on the New year energy the Wood Dragon.

As we navigate the energy shifts of the new year, let’s cultivate positivity and embrace the potential for growth and transformation. Wishing you a joyous and prosperous 2024 filled with positive Feng Shui energy!

Love and light,

Steph