By Allison Flinn

Summer is here! Make the most of the warm weather by decluttering and getting organized. Here are five tips to help you get there:

1. Take a good look at the entryway to your home (this is the place where everyone leaves stuff as they leave and enter). It may be by the front door, the garage or laundry room. Are the things currently in this spot going to be used this summer? If it’s full of winter boots, coats and last year’s homework, then it’s time to do a good sort and purge. Remove anything that won’t be used this summer and replace with items you’ll need, such as sunblock, sunglasses and insect repellent.

2. When is the last time you cleaned out the car? Be prepared for your next road trip so you’re not scrambling to make room in the car by throwing things out at the last minute. Remove everything in your car that doesn’t have a purpose. Also, make sure you have everything you’ll need in case of a roadside emergency.

3. Are you planning on hitting the mall soon for some new summer clothes? Be sure to have a list, so you don’t overbuy. Don’t forget to implement the one-in-one-out rule: for each new piece of clothing you buy, one should go. Not sure where to donate those items you no longer need? Visit Donation Town. Just enter your zip code to find charities near you that are in need of your donations.

4. When is the last time you were able to park your car in the garage? Is it full of boxes that have never been unpacked or stuff you just don’t know what to do with? Don’t let clutter take up precious room in your garage during the hot summer months. Even if it’s just a box a day, take the time to go through these items. Chances are if you don’t even know what is in the boxes, you don’t need it. For the stuff that you can use, make sure it has a home.

5. Are you storing precious photos and other keepsakes in the attic? Heat can damage these items. Find a cool and clean space to store these items. For other items you are storing in the attic, use durable plastic bins. Also, it’s a good idea to keep bins up off of the ground. Check out the AtticMaxx organizing system.

 

About the Author

Allison Flinn is a professional organizer and founder of Reclaim. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Allison works with clients throughout the Southeast.

Allison uses a personalized approach with her clients, helping them clear the clutter that is holding them back and creating personalized organizing solutions.

Allison is a contributor to the parenting website Parent eSource and is frequently featured in the media. Past media placements include Woman’s Day, Everyday Health, How Stuff Works and Mint.com.

For more information please visit http://www.reclaimnc.com. Allison can be reached at 919.520.2642 and allison@reclaimnc.com.

 

About Manifest Excellence, LLC

Health promotion and empowerment company Manifest Excellence®, LLC  supports people with optimizing personal wellness by addressing the five key areas that impact health. They combine over 20 years traditional medical experience with a comprehensive & holistic wellness philosophy to provide innovative and effective wellness strategies. They enthusiastically teach a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that addresses mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical well-being.

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Flinn
http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Organized-This-Summer&id=7129086

 

 

Donna Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP
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