April 9th, 2009 by ClutterBunny

1. Find an inspiration point. Buy one new organizer, or box or shelf. Incorporate it into the design of your room. I bought 5 blue boxes that were covered in Fabric at Ross. I used the to store DVDs, and PlayStation Games. I place the boxes on the shelves where these items are usually stored and the results were fabulous. A less cluttered entertainment center.  Here is a great example of a beautiful inspiration item.

2. Choose one room. It can be overwhelming to start spring cleaning on the entire home. Make a goal of one room a day. De-clutter the room and then you can do deep cleaning. The home will be done in no time.

3. Paint. The easiest way to make a room feel fresh, clean and new is to change the paint color. Even if it is just one accent wall or trim the results can be amazing. Here is an accent wall we did in our first home. I was so proud.

4. Let in the Light. Never underestimate how much energy you get from being in the sunlight. When you wake up to start the spring cleaning open all the windows and blinds, let the breeze in. It changes the whole environment.

5. Remember that outside is a living space too. Don’t confine spring cleaning to the inside of the home. Put out flower pots, an herb garden, add some solar lights to a walk way or patio. These small tasks will make you feel very accomplished.

6. Switch around the art on your walls. Often times we decorate with our pictures and become bored in our environment. Just moving pictures into different rooms will make the space feel brand new.

7. Try innovative ways to hide common “Uglies”The litter box, toilet bowl brushes, diapers. Look for ways to hide these items and incorporate it into the design. Here is a great example.

8. Get some mood lighting. Find the corners and areas that need accent lighting. We have a cubby above our fireplace that is decorated. We added a rope light to the back and plugged it into a timer switch. Now in the evenings, automatic ambiance.

9. Photograph the before and after. Often times after cleaning and working all day we may not see our own progress. Take pictures of the before and after so you can really see the difference when you are done. Upload the pictures here for bragging rights.

BEFORE

AFTER

10. Let it go. This is your space, it is not a competition with another mom. It is not supposed to inspire others. It is meant for you and your family to enjoy. So relax, sit down and enjoy your own space. If you can’t cut out the competitive spirit, your pictures are always welcome here.

April 3rd, 2009 by ClutterBunny

Okay so I have been trying to find the ideal way to organize my jewelry forever. I used to have a big free standing box, and then I tried several little boxes.

The dilemma is I need to see all my jewelry. If I can’t see it, I don’t wear it. I also don’t want it to be glaringly obvious that it holds all my jewelry for theft reasons.

Drum roll please….

Three different types of wood with an amazing look. Hangs like a picture collage on the wall and inside it perfectly stores necklaces, rings, bracelets. It allows me to see everything all at once and when I need more space it is easy to just add another frame.

I love it!