Welcome to 2022! It’s a brand-new year with new thoughts, new dreams and new behaviors. Did you know that having a tidy, well-organized home is good for your mental health? Being tidy can reduce stress and create clarity and peace of mind.
Clutter, on the other hand, can overwhelm our minds as much as our homes and pile on stress. This can negatively affect other areas of life, so let’s talk about some simple ways to start the new year off right, with a plan to keep our environment neat and organized.
Most of us would love to come home from work each day to a clean and well-kept home, but there are specific habits we must follow to make this happen.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THESE SIMPLE GUIDELINES:
- First and foremost, you must designate a home for all your belongings. This is a key factor in being organized. When this is done, all you must focus on is forming the habit of putting things back in their proper place.
- One of the best habits you can establish is making your bed in the morning. This takes discipline but will foster a feeling of peace and success and make the overall appearance of your room more tidy, even if other things are out of place.
- In the kitchen, there are two rules you must follow:
1. Always have a clean sink
This is a very important rule and must become a daily habit. If you have a large family, each person should be responsible for immediately cleaning his or her own dish or placing it in the dishwasher. Dishes should never be left to sit in the sink. If you have a dishwasher, ensure it is emptied daily.
2. Do not pile things on the counters
Counters should only be used for their purpose, which is to prepare food and drinks. They are not a place for bookbags, purses, mail, etc. They should be kept free of everything except kitchen items, and those should be kept neat and visually appealing.
- For the rest of the house, follow the golden rule: If you take it out, put it back.
If you begin your new year with these healthy habits, you are sure to enjoy your home more and be more relaxed in it! Happy New Year, and welcome to 2022!
Melanie Jones is owner and interior designer with 123 Organize and Design. Reach her at (228) 596-7178 or at 123organizeanddesign@gmail.com.