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Decluttering Your Home This July: A Seasonal Necessity
As the warm days of July draw us outdoors for activities and adventures, it’s easy to overlook the clutter creeping into our homes. Professional organizers emphasize that this mid-year mark is an excellent time to declutter—not just for aesthetic reasons but also to rejuvenate our living spaces for the rest of summer. Shaniece Jones, a professional organizer and founder of Closet Therapy, notes, 'July is the perfect month for a mid-year check-in and decluttering session. If it hasn’t been used by now, it might be time to let it go.'
Key Items to Purge This Month
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but Jones suggests focusing on specific areas where extra items tend to accumulate. Here are nine categories to consider eliminating this July for a cleaner, more organized home.
Old Outdoor Gear
The summer months typically bring a surge in outdoor activity. As you gear up for biking, swimming, and camping, examine your existing outdoor equipment. 'Get rid of bikes they’ve outgrown, pool toys collecting dust, or swimwear that no longer fits,' Jones advises. And remember, defective beach gear, like torn umbrellas or broken floaties, deserves a trip to the trash or a donation if it’s still serviceable.
Unwanted Kids' Supplies
With kids' schoolwork piling up and supplies might already becoming outdated, July is a strategic time to tackle this category. Sorting through past year's schoolwork and letting go of old worksheets, notebooks, and used gear can make a world of difference. Marissa Hagmeyer, NEAT Method co-founder, suggests checking backpacks and lunchboxes for damage. 'The goal is to set aside any stained or broken items for tossing or donating,' she explains.
Travel-Size Toiletries
As vacation season ramps up, take inventory of your travel-sized toiletries. Familiar items should be fresh and functional, so this is a great time to recycle expired products or donate unopened items. Janelle Lam of Straighten Up notes, 'Keep what you love and use—and ditch the rest.' This practice not only declutters your space but also streamlines packing for your summer trips.
Importance of Getting Rid of Expired Products
Expired Sunscreen and Bug Spray
As tempting as it may be to hold onto those leftover summer essentials, expired products can be more harmful than helpful. Using expired sunscreen can leave your skin unprotected, and outdated bug sprays may attract rather than repel pests. Thus, ensure that any products meant to protect you from the sun's rays or bugs are still effective. 'Always check the label on these items before heading out into summer activities,' Jones emphasizes.
The Psychological Benefits of Decluttering
Decluttering does not just create a tidier space; it can also enhance your overall well-being. A clean, organized environment can reduce stress and promote a sense of accomplishment. Research by organizational experts suggests that individuals who maintain a clutter-free home often experience higher levels of happiness and improved focus. This is particularly valuable during the busy summer months when external activities can easily contribute to chaos.
Future Predictions: Summer's Impact on Your Home
The more you declutter in July, the better you position yourself to enjoy the rest of summer. As activities like barbecues and family outings fill the calendar, a streamlined environment enhances your ability to host or unwind. Moreover, as evidenced by behavioral trends observed by home organization professionals, those who engage in seasonal decluttering often carry this momentum into their future organizational habits.
Making It Actionable: Steps to Declutter
- Set a Time Limit: Allocate a specific amount of time for each decluttering session to maintain focus.
- Start Small: Tackle one section or category at a time—little successes can motivate larger ones.
- Establish Donation Rules: Make a commitment to donate items that are still usable, which helps reduce landfill impact.
- Inventory Seasonal Gear: Keep only what you know will be used for the rest of the summer.
By following these actionable insights, you can maintain a sense of control over your living space, leaving you ready to embrace everything summer has to offer.
Conclusion: Take Action Now
As you reflect on the items cluttering your home this July, remember that each small removal can significantly enhance your living experience. Embrace this opportunity to declutter, keep what enriches your life, and don’t hesitate to donate items that can still serve others. Taking these steps today sets the stage for a more relaxed and enjoyable summer ahead.
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