Let’s get Nutty & Declutter

By JANINE FRANK CEO & Co-Founder of 2 Health Nuts

Not only is this a great time of year to “get nutty and declutter” but
it really is a best practice for all year round! There is nothing better
on a cold, snowy day than to tackle a good organizational project.
Actually, any day, during any time of the year, would be a good one.
This is coming from someone who channels her inner Monica Geller

if you know the tv show “Friends,” you just know. Seriously, it may
be one of my favorite hobbies! 🙂 It just makes me feel good, and
more in-line and in-tune with life. Honestly, I would like to petition for
“Organization” and “Declutter” to be one of the major wellness pillars,
right up there with physical, financial, and emotional wellness. A girl
can dream, right?

Here are just a handful of the many benefits decluttering &
organizing can do for you:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Brings a sense of calmness
• Brings a sense of accomplishment
• Boosts productivity and focus
• Saves money
• Better functionality
  
  

Today I am sharing some of my top areas of organization that I strive
to always keep in check, as well as some strategies on how to do
so. There is no right or wrong – do what works for you. And by no
means is this an end all, be all; it just skims the surface. There are so
many people – especially via social media – that do this really, really
well, and they have some amazing tips, tricks, and tools to help you
stay on top of your decluttering efforts. It’s definitely become a big
business.
One question I do get asked is “how often should you be
decluttering/organizing?” While a great question, it, ultimately, goes
back to what I shared before – do what works for you! Generally
speaking, I keep my household pretty neat and organized most
days of the year. I use January, April, July, and October as my time
frame for more of a deep declutter. It definitely helps to put a friendly
reminder in your calendar to help stay on top of things. In addition
to using the calendar via my phone and computer, I love the “Day
Designer Strategic Planner and Daily Agenda” for additional notes
and reminders. It will be another game changer in keeping you
organized.

1. CLOTHING

I love organizing pretty much everything in my home – trust me, my
husband will even tell you – but going through my closet may be at
the top of the list. Doing this every few months will keep your fashion
and style current, keep it seasonal, gauge what fits well, and see
what you want to donate or sell. It also gives you a chance to see
what pieces you would like to add to your wardrobe.
I will be the first to tell you that I do spend money on my clothes.
Fashion is one of the things I absolutely love, and I do embrace a
really good designer piece (or two or three…but who is counting).
With that being said, I consign my clothes quite frequently. Whether
it be online via Poshmark or ThredUp, or the local Fashion Exchange
Consignment store in McLean, I am a huge fan. A great incentive to
put some money back into your pocket or buy those pieces you need
to add to your wardrobe.
For closet organization, I follow Jordyn Smith of “Ourpnw_home” on
Amazon. Simply type in the username via the search bar, then click to
shop the storefront. Jordyn highlights amazing finds for all areas of
your home but the closet options are probably my favorite!

2. KITCHEN

While I am not in the business of throwing away food or being
wasteful, this is a good time of year to go through your pantry (spices
too!), fridge, and freezer. You would be surprised what gets lost in
the shuffle! This also includes food containers – nothing like having
multiple tupperware tops that have warped in the dishwasher & taking
up space – and everyday items like parchment paper, wax paper, etc.
It’s inventory time!
If you really want to have a little fun with the decluttering, take a look at
your glassware, dishware, pots and pans, cooking utensils, dish towels,
appliances (i.e. Keurig, Air Fryer, Toaster, ), etc. What is in great shape?
What is in not so great shape? What do you use the most? What could
you try and sell or donate? Are any of these seasonal items that could
be packed away for the future? Gone are the days of having a bunch
of “stu.” We are looking for streamlined, practical, and functional! But,
again, you have to do what works for you!
I begin by tackling one area at a time. I have made the mistake of doing
it all at once and it can be overwhelming. Start by pulling everything
out and give the area a good cleaning. No more drips, spills, or caked
on messes. Yes, this includes the pantry! As you put items back, check
expiration dates and use the smell test. I keep a running list of items
that I have in the fridge that I can reference for future recipes, as well
as frozen meats & prepared meals in the freezer.
If you are looking for a little help with meal prep, and using what you
have on hand, I am a big fan of Tiffani Thiessan’s latest cookbook

• “Here We Go Again: Recipes and Inspiration to Level Up Your
  Leftovers.” For my “Saved By The Bell” tv show fans, she played
  Kelly Kapowski. It will, truly, give you inspo on how to recreate foods
  you have, eliminate food waste, and even put money back into your
  pocket. I cannot tout it enough!
  Here are some of my kitchen go-to’s:
• Vacuum Sealer: I just got one for Christmas and I love it! Not
  only does it preserve & protect your food by minimizing the risk of
  mold, bacteria, and freezerburn, it will extend shelf life, save you
  money in the long run, and is a huge space saver. Did I mention
  your food will just taste better and taste fresh too?
• Glass Containers: I really try to stay away from plastic and even
  foil if possible. It is inevitable we need to use them but I try to do
  so in moderation. If going to use, make sure your plastic does not
  contain BPA and complies with FDA regulations. Just a personal
  decision! Side Note: the plastic used with the Vacuum Sealer is
  healthy and safe!
• Our Place “Always Pan:” This pan will become your absolute
  favorite, especially when you hear that it does the job of 10 pieces
  of cookware. Just think of all the space you will save! Plus, it
  has a 50% longer lasting ceramic coating, and is made without
  potentially toxic materials.
• Drawer Organizers: You can find these pretty much anywhere but the
  higher quality, the better. My favorites are from Crate & Barrel – the
  “NeatMethod Acacia Wood” and the “Expandable Bamboo” series.
  P.S. Don’t forget, if you have a pet at home, make sure you are
  keeping your finger on the pulse with their food as well!

3. PRODUCTS

Next to food, the products you use on a daily basis are just as
important to make sure you are going through on a consistent
basis. This may even be something you want to do monthly in lieu
of quarterly. These are items such as all of your face products,
toothpaste and mouthwash, body products, nutritional supplements
& medications, and cleaning supplies. Just like we discussed with
your kitchen items, pull everything out of your drawers and cabinets,
wipe them down, assess & test (if applicable), then organize
accordingly. Make sure to dispose of certain medications and
cleaning supplies in an appropriate way.
I love a good shopping spree at the Container Store, and they have
so many great options to keep your products in check! Really,
everything I have shared so far can be found in store. Of course,
Amazon will also be a go-to!

4. BEDROOM & OFFICE

Finally, while I know there are many rooms in your home to tackle
when it comes to organization, I feel that your bedroom & oice are
two of your biggest sanctuaries. Yes, one may be for sleeping and
a place to unwind after a long day, but the other is where you are
making the magic happen in your professional career. These would
be the two at the top of my list to prioritize.
Here are some tips on how to get started:

Bedroom:

• Make your bed…it makes a world of difference!
• Clear your floor! Pick up/fold clothing & blankets, pick up & shelve
  books/magazines, put shoes away, etc.
• Keep dressers and bedside tables as clear and clutter free as possible
• Just like your closet, make sure to go through your dresser drawers
• Use baskets and under the bed storage boxes
  Office:
• Shred old and unused documents
• Organize pens, paper clips, business cards, pads of paper, etc.
• Organize paperwork with file folders and invest in a decorative file
  cabinet
• Keep work surfaces as clear as possible
• Organize your desk drawer
  I hope you find these tips and strategies useful and helpful! And,
  as a friendly reminder, when you are not finding me organizing, you
  can find me training clients at Train in McLean. Mention this article
  to receive a free 1 hour personal training session (oer applicable to
  new clients only)- janine@2healthnuts.com