STAYING 
HOME

Reclaim Your Space, Cherish Your Memories: 

At Staying Home, we understand that your home is more than just a place to live—it's a lifetime of cherished memories. As we age, our homes can sometimes become a little too full, making it harder to move around safely and enjoy the comfort they offer. 

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Our approach focuses on making your home safer and more accessible, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of calm and clarity. Imagine a home where everything has its place, where daily tasks are easier, and where you can truly relax and enjoy your surroundings.

 

This isn't about getting rid of everything; it's about creating an efficient and inviting environment that enhances your overall quality of life.

Step One: Set Clear Goals

Before you begin, take a moment to define what you want to achieve with each space. Do you want to make your kitchen easier to use? Or perhaps create a serene bedroom retreat? Prioritise the areas that need the most attention, like the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. Remember, there's no pressure to do it all at once. Set realistic timelines to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Step Two: Create a Sorting System

Preparation is key! Set up clear sorting baskets or areas. Label them: Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash, and Recycle. This system will make decisions easier as you go through your items.

Step Three: Start Small

The secret to successful decluttering is to start small. Begin with just one small area—perhaps a single drawer, a shelf, or a section of a closet. Breaking the process into manageable chunks helps maintain motivation and prevents burnout. As you complete each small task, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment that propels you forward.

Step Four: Declutter Room by Room

Once you've mastered starting small, you can apply your new skills to entire rooms.

• Living Room: Focus on reducing clutter like old magazines, excess electronics, and unnecessary decor items that can make the space feel crowded.

• Bedroom: Sort through clothing, shoes, and accessories. Consider using under-bed storage or vacuum-seal bags to maximise space for seasonal items.

• Kitchen: Get rid of duplicate or broken items, and then organise your pantry and cabinets. Group similar items together for easy access.

• Bathroom: Dispose of expired products and organise toiletries. Clear counter space to reduce visual clutter.

• Office/Study: Tackle paperwork. Consider digitising old photos or documents to save physical space, keeping only essential hard copies.

• Garage/Storage Areas: Group tools, outdoor gear, and seasonal items together. Use shelving to keep things off the floor and easily visible.

Step Five: Use Organising Tools

Once you've decided what to keep, it's time to find a home for everything. Invest in smart storage solutions like containers, baskets, drawer dividers, and labels. Make the most of vertical space with shelves or hanging storage options. These tools will help keep your newly organised spaces tidy.

Step Six: Establish ‘Zones’ in Each Room

Think about how you use each room. Plan specific areas for different activities—a comfortable reading corner in the living room, a clear workspace in the study, or a dedicated spot for medications. Ensuring everything has a designated spot makes it easier to put things away and find them when needed.

Step 7: Keep Similar Items Together

This might seem obvious, but it's a game-changer! Categorise your items and store them together. All kitchen utensils in one drawer, all cleaning supplies under the sink, all office supplies in one caddy. This simple step makes finding things quick and effortless.

Step 8: Minimise Sentimental Clutter

This is often the hardest part, but it's crucial. While it’s wonderful to cherish memories, a home overflowing with memorabilia can become overwhelming. Keep a few truly meaningful items and consider taking photos of others to create a digital memory book. You can also digitise photos or documents to save significant physical space while preserving their sentimental value.

Step 9: Maintain a Routine

De-cluttering isn't a one-time event. Establish a routine to keep your home organised. Schedule regular checks of each area to avoid clutter buildup. Even just 15 minutes a day or a dedicated hour once a week can make a huge difference in maintaining your tidy living environment.

Step 10: Involve the Family

If you have family nearby, encourage everyone to participate! When family members take ownership it fosters a shared sense of responsibility and makes the process much more enjoyable and sustainable.

The Benefits of a Decluttered Home

A decluttered and efficiently organised home offers immense benefits beyond just tidiness:

• More Time for What Matters: Less time spent searching for items means more time saved for family time and hobbies.

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: De-cluttering living spaces reduces mental overload and promotes a sense of calmness and clarity.

• Enhanced Safety and Mobility: An organised home fosters efficiency and productivity, allowing for easier navigation and retrieval of items when needed, reducing the risk of falls and improving accessibility for everyone.

• Improved Mental Well-being: A tidy living environment can positively impact mental health by reducing feelings of being overwhelmed and anxious.

• A Welcoming Atmosphere: It creates an inviting home that promotes relaxation and encourages healthy habits.

Ultimately, by embracing this decluttering journey, you are investing in an overall quality of life enhancement. It's time to fall back in love with your home and experience the comfort, safety, and peace of mind it can truly offer.

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