Clearing The Clutter – Projects To Do While Social Distancing

Hey friends! I am sending you virtual hugs and high fives cause, well you know — there will be no touching! Not for now at least. Yes, I am trying to lighten the mood here cause shit feels H E A V Y. I find that bad jokes make everything better. I am a big fan of the funny stuff. Anywho, I know people (myself included) are getting tired of hearing about “The Corona Virus” or it’s more medical term, “Covid-19”. I know I am.

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However, it’s here and it’s happening so what are our options in this phase of ‘social isolation’? Do we keep calm and find things to do to fill our time or do we freak out? Obviously one of these options is much more productive and emotionally healthy. Let’s work on clearing the clutter with some projects to do while social distancing, shall we?

For those of you who are acutely aware that the world has run out of toilet paper, socks without a mate are a great option. Just saying. Unfortunately, I just recently had a sock funeral so this is not an option around here unless I start breaking up happy sock couples. See, I’m funny.

Truth? When I feel like I have lost control, I get to cleaning or organizing. It is a way for me to feel like I am in control AND I get things done. Who doesn’t love getting stuff done? Who doesn’t feel awesome when they complete a project?

Let’s Clear The Clutter

I thought I’d share some ways that you can stay busy and get organized! We can tackle some spring cleaning while clearing the clutter. When you think of organizing, does it bring you stress or joy? Do you get overwhelmed with the concept of getting rid of things? While I don’t claim to be a professional organizer, I do feel that organizing is something that I am pretty good at. Personally, I have no problem getting rid of things and my emotional attachment to most things is non-existent. I have a few exceptions but mostly things are just things.

Let’s start with that last part. I want you to take a deep breath and remind yourself of the task at hand. Your goal is to likely get more organized by having less stuff. Simplify. Some people swear by the Marie Kondo method of holding an item and seeing if it sparks joy. This works well for some people but as I said, my own emotional attachment to things is low so I don’t require that much thought when I am in purge mode.

Ready, Set, Declutter!

First things first. Pick an area that you’d like to devote time too. This can be a big or small project. If you decide to tackle an entire room, be sure to work on one area at a time so that you don’t become overwhelmed. You can also set a timer when working to allow yourself breaks. Another idea is to make a list of all the areas in your home that need a little TLC. You can then tackle things one by one. Always cross off or put a check next to your completed tasks. Why? Because doing this gives us a great feeling of accomplishment and that is great for our self-esteem. Trust me!

If you feel intimidated by this whole organizing process (and if you do, believe me when I say that you are not alone), start small. Pick a drawer and tackle just that. Step back and look at what you have accomplished. Have others look at your pretty drawer. High five yourself for this amazing and now completed task. Now, on to the next drawer. You’ve totally got this!

Also, if you are like me and geek out on organizing things, you might love the idea of labeling things. I love this label maker which makes projects feel more like a grown-up version of arts + crafts. I know, I’m weird.

Suggestions Of What To Organize

• closets – coat, linen, bedrooms
• bookcases
• kids spaces – playrooms, lofts, and bedrooms
• kitchen – cabinets + drawers
• bathrooms – cabinets + drawers
• garage
• office
• family room
• dining room

Where Can I Donate Things I No Longer Use Or Want?

• Goodwill
• Snowline Hospice
• Local thrift stores (every area has something different)
• Homeless shelters always have a need for clothes and shoes in good condition. They can also use blankets and unused toiletries.
• Old books might find a new home in daycare centers, preschools or even your local library. The same goes for gently used toys.
• Old electronics are considered e-waste. They often times require a different way of being disposed of. You can do a simple search for a particular item that you no longer need such as an old computer or printer.
• Old batteries – Home Depot can take these off of your hand.

Questions To Ask Yourself

• Do I need this?
• Does it serve a purpose?
• Will I miss it?
• Do I have enough?

Other Things To Purge

• Expired medication + toiletries: I found this website for California with how to dispose of meds. This applies to over the counter and prescription. Even cosmetic things have an expiration. Check your lotions, toothpaste, and sunscreen too!
• Old paperwork: You don’t need to save every receipt. Most stores can do a credit card look up if you need to do a return. It’s also a great time to go paperless for things like monthly statements. Life Hacker put together a great list of what you should always hold on to and the things that you only need for a set amount of years.
• Expired food and spices: Most things have an expiration. Here is a list of a few things that will last for a really long time if stored properly.
• Unused household cleaners: If you do pour cleaners down the drain, be sure to dump them one at a time using plenty of hot water in-between. Some chemicals have a negative reaction with each other. If things are toxic, check your local hazardous waste center for options.

My Methods To Clear The Clutter

• Pick an area and remove everything from that space. Wipe down or vacuum the space (spring cleaning – done)
• Grab a trash can and toss anything that isn’t worth saving or donating.
• Make a pile for donating.
• Rehome things that don’t belong in this current space.
• Neatly place the things that you are keeping back in their ‘home’.

My Favorite Organizational Projects

• Baskets + bins

My Next Project

Are you wondering what projects I am going to tackle during this social isolation? Well, am planning to dig into my closet and see if I can live with a more minimal wardrobe. I love the capsule wardrobe idea. If you are interested in knowing more about that, you can check out this awesome link with more details. I am also intrigued by this book called Project 333. The idea is to only use 33 items in your closet for 3 months. It’s basically the same concept as a capsule wardrobe. You can also check out the details for Project 333 at Be More With Less.

I should also preface that setting aside your donation pile until this phase passes is ok. Maybe set things in a corner or in the garage BUT promise me that you WILL donate when you can. Let’s not start this process over with the donation piles that never leave the house or car. Pinky swear?

Let’s Chat

So tell me, what are you doing with all of your extra time at home? Also, I swear we will get through this. One day at a time. We are all doing our best right now. Just love on each other, if even from afar.