Fall is here! And that means we’ll all head indoors more as the weather begins to change and the daylight hours shorten. Now is a great time to take a quick inventory of your living space, since you’ll be spending more time there as the season changes. How does it feel? Is it cluttered? Inviting? Sometimes small changes and a little effort can make a big difference. This month’s blog offers some straightforward ways to make your home feel ready for you this fall.
1) Start With Paper
Paper clutter can be mentally and emotionally draining. That’s because papers often mean unfinished business. And that can be stressful, whether we realize it or not. If you have unattended papers lying around, start easy. Sorting paper can quickly make a space feel more inviting and surfaces more open and functional.
Begin by sorting all the no-brainer things. Recycle old newspapers, junk mail, fliers, and anything that doesn’t have your name or personal information on it. As you sort, create a pile for important items like bills and other documents that need your immediate attention. Designate an easy-to-access area for these, like a small countertop letter tray or even a magazine holder.
Finally, file important documents that you need to keep in a filing cabinet or file box. And shred any personal documents that you don’t need anymore. Telling paper where to go, even once a week, can make a big difference in how you feel in your most-used spaces. Taking action with paper can reduce stress because you’re ultimately taking care of business.
2) Take a Fresh Look
Stop and take in your spaces with a new eye. Often, we can get used to how things are arranged and not really notice them anymore. But that doesn’t mean they don’t affect us. Too much furniture or clutter can be draining and make a room feel less enjoyable and less accessible.
A great way to see your space anew is to invite a friend over. Ask them how the room feels to them. Together, consider the space and what’s in it. Is there too much furniture in the living room? Not enough light? Artwork you’d like to see go? Sometimes simply removing items from a room can make it feel bigger and more inviting.
3) Move Some Things Around
Items that you remove from one space might find a happy home in another. That extra side table in the living room might make a nice night stand in a bedroom. Or it could be a great “drop zone” in an entryway. The same goes for lamps, bookshelves, and chairs. Other times, it’s right to say goodbye. A friend or family member can help you donate or sell any furniture you decide you can do without.
While you have the help, try moving some furniture around. Rearranging large pieces like sofas and tables can make a room feel more open or cozy and conversation-ready—whatever you prefer! Just be sure to let your helpers do the heavy lifting.
4) Store the Things You Keep
Some things are meant to give away. But it’s okay to keep what you like! Maybe you especially enjoy keeping favorite books, movies, or games. Then by all means, give them a good home. Stacks of clutter can creep up on the best of us. Use that fresh eye and start to notice it. What needs your attention? Which items need a home?
Making a small investment in extra storage can help prevent clutter before it starts. Maybe you need a new (or used) bookshelf for those favorite books. Or a corner cabinet for the games or magazines. Even an ottoman can store movies near the T.V. You may already have these pieces. If so, great! Put them to good use. And if you need one more storage item, it’ll be well worth getting. Giving items a home creates more space for you in your home! And that’s really what it’s all about.
The Cedars Retirement Community
The Cedars Retirement Community is a beautiful lakeside retirement residence located just outside of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Cedars believes in providing the highest quality of life and opportunity for seniors. We continue to operate with great care during this pandemic and are following all guidelines issued by the CDC and ISDH. Please contact us with any questions you may have.
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