Lifestyle

How to Minimize the Accumulation of Clutter

Published

2 years ago

September 6, 2021

In the past several years, the concept of “decluttering” has benefitted from a massive surge in popularity. Gurus and experts in a range of disciplines have enumerated the advantages of decluttering, from creating more space in your house to producing psychological benefits.

Most of us have at least some experience decluttering a home, whether we’ve bought into modern philosophies on the subject or not; after years of accumulation, you have to get rid of items you no longer need. But how can you prevent clutter from accumulating in the first place? Wouldn’t that be better?

The Advantages of Minimizing Clutter

Minimizing clutter and preventing clutter are, in many ways, better strategies than decluttering every time the clutter accumulates. While decluttering may always eventually become necessary, you can greatly minimize your effort and keep your home cleaner.

Consider the benefits:

Cost savings. Part of your job while minimizing clutter is buying fewer items that you don’t need. Over time, this can help you save money, allowing you to divert your funds to more important things (like saving and investing).
Time savings. If you take a few seconds to put items in their proper place, you could save minutes of cleaning later. On a large enough scale, you could end up saving yourself dozens, or even hundreds of hours.
A cleaner house. Policing your own clutter accumulation will result in a more consistently clean and tidy house. Your clean house isn’t a temporary reward after a rare decluttering event; it’s a new normal.

So what does it take to see these benefits?

Rethink How You See Furniture

Furniture takes up a lot of space in your home, whether you realize it or not. Making a handful of changes to minimize your accumulation of furniture and make the most of your space can provide a host of psychological benefits — and keep your home as open as possible.

One way to do this is to invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes simultaneously. For example, Innovation Living sofa beds are compact, lightweight, and comfortable — and they can be used as both sofas and beds.

Improve Your Storage Options

First, you can improve your storage options. You won’t have to deal with piles of shoes spilling into the hallway if there’s an efficiently organized shoe closet where you can store them more conveniently. There are many options here, including:

Shelves and drawers. Adding specialized shelves or drawers to a room, or to a closet, can make it easier to take advantage of vertical space – while reducing the tendency for clutter to “spill out” into main living areas.
Compact storage. You can also take advantage of spaces that aren’t being used for anything else. For example, investing in an under-bed storage system could help you store several items using only space that was otherwise unoccupied.
Organizing structures. It’s also beneficial to use more obvious, surface-level organizing structures. For example, you can have a slotted mail organizer to conveniently sort and store your incoming mail.

Create a Place for Everything

Next, make sure you establish an official resting place for everything in your home; don’t just let your items fall where they may. For example, you might have a miscellaneous “junk drawer” where you keep everything from batteries to paperclips to scissors. But what truly “belongs” there and what doesn’t? Where should your coats go? Where does your mail go? Where do you put your car keys when you come home after work?

There are no right or wrong answers here. What’s important is that you have an idea of where things should be stored when not in use.

The next phase of this strategy is to consistently ensure that each item you use or come across ends up in its respective assigned location – and ensure your family members do the same thing. If you return each item after using it, you’ll never have to worry about making a clean sweep to get rid of items that have accumulated over time.

Reduce Acquisition of New Items

After that, you can start practicing a kind of minimalism. Oftentimes, clutter accumulates because we end up acquiring items we don’t really want or need. If you stop acquiring those items in the first place, clutter will never form.

Here are some ways you can accomplish this:

Set a strict budget for yourself. First, set a strict budget for yourself and be careful not to go over it. If you want to splurge on something, consider splurging on an experience like a meal at a nice restaurant rather than some tangible item.
Give yourself time before buying anything. If you feel like you want to buy something, take a moment before doing so. In fact, take a day – or even a few days. If you still want it after that waiting period, go ahead and buy it. But you might find that most of your time, your will to buy disappears.
Consider donating or repurposing gifts. You can’t help what’s gifted to you. However, you can choose to donate or repurpose gifts you receive that you don’t want or need.

With these strategies, it’s a near certainty that your home will accumulate less clutter – and accumulate it at a slower rate. Stay consistent with your goals and your tactics, and the quality and cleanliness of your home will improve.

Lifestyle

Hardwood Floors Refinishing: Top Care Tips for a Lasting Shine

Published

2 days ago

September 27, 2023

Michelle Langton

Revamping your hardwood floors requires both a time and financial investment, yet the returns are evident in the enhanced aesthetics and functionality of your residential or commercial area. However, the longevity and durability of these newly refinished floors are contingent upon proper maintenance. This detailed guide is designed to offer expert guidance on how to preserve the quality and look of your newly refinished hardwood floors. We’ll cover a variety of subjects, from the science of wood aging and types of wood that need more frequent treatment, to top tips for floor upkeep. Your investment in hardwood floor refinishing need not be short-lived; with the correct care, it can be a long-term enhancement to your property.

Tips for Ensuring Durability in Your Newly Refinished Floors

After you have spent money on hardwood floor refinishing, maintaining their condition becomes a top priority. Here are strategies to prolong the lifespan and appearance of your updated flooring.

1. Regular Cleaning

A clean floor is a happy floor. Use a microfiber mop or cloth to pick up dust, dirt, and grime daily if possible. For a deeper clean, opt for cleaning products specifically designed for hardwood floors. Make sure to read the labels and opt for pH-neutral cleaners that are free from abrasives or harsh chemicals. Weekly or bi-weekly, consider a gentle vacuuming with a hardwood-friendly vacuum cleaner to remove debris that may have settled between the wood planks.

2. Use Protective Pads

One of the most effective ways to prevent scratches and dents on your hardwood floors is to place felt pads under the legs of furniture. This simple step can go a long way in preserving the smooth finish of your floor. You should also replace these pads every few months, as they can wear down or accumulate grime, reducing their effectiveness.

3. Control Humidity

Fluctuating indoor humidity levels can wreak havoc on hardwood floors. Excessive moisture can cause the wood to swell, leading to issues like cupping or buckling, while too little moisture can cause wood to shrink, leading to gaps between planks. Invest in a quality hygrometer to measure your home’s humidity level, and aim to keep it between 30% and 50%. Use a humidifier during dry months and a dehumidifier during humid months to maintain optimal conditions.

4. Proper Spill Management

Accidents are inevitable, but the way you handle them can make all the difference. Whether it’s water, juice, or wine, if you spill liquid on your hardwood floor, wipe it up immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid using paper towels as they can disintegrate and get stuck in the crevices of the wood. Also, never let liquids sit on the wood, as they can seep in and cause staining or warping.

5. No Shoes Policy

Implement a ‘no shoes’ policy to preserve your floors. Shoes can bring in dirt, gravel, and other harmful debris from outside. If a full-blown ‘no shoes’ policy isn’t realistic for your household, at least insist on no high heels or sports cleats, which can cause dents and scratches. You might also consider placing a high-quality doormat at entrances to trap dirt before it gets to your floor.

6. Regular Inspections

Every three to six months, set aside time to inspect your hardwood floors meticulously. Use natural light or a bright lamp to look for scratches, dents, or areas where the finish might be wearing off. If you catch these issues early, you may be able to address them with a simple touch-up rather than a full refinishing job.

7. Refresher Coats

Although your newly refinished floors look amazing now, they won’t stay that way forever without some upkeep. Consider applying a ‘refresher’ coat of finish every two to three years. This isn’t as invasive or time-consuming as a full refinishing project. Instead, it’s more like a topcoat that adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your floors looking vibrant and shiny.

8. Scheduled Expert Cleaning

A yearly cleaning session by professionals can dramatically enhance the condition of your hardwood floors. Specialized machinery and products are used to eliminate tough dirt, renew the wood’s natural shine, and smooth out minor imperfections. This process not only rejuvenates your flooring but also prolongs its lifespan, maintaining its fresh appearance for an extended time.

Advantages of Consistent Upkeep

Routine care for your restored hardwood floors does more than maintain their visual appeal; it also prolongs their durability, augmenting the long-term value of your property. Floors that are regularly cared for can endure for many years, negating the need for frequent, costly refinishing. In addition, a structured care regimen lessens the likelihood that small defects will escalate into serious issues, thus promoting a cleaner and more healthful living area. In summary, regular maintenance serves as a long-term financial benefit and a means of sustaining your home’s elegance.

When To Seek Professional Help

If you notice persistent issues like deep scratches, stubborn stains, or any form of water damage, it’s best to seek professional help. Specialists in hardwood floors refinishing can assess the situation and provide targeted solutions. Companies like 1DayRefinishing offer an extensive range of services that can effectively address these problems. Notably, the company specializes in a one-day turnaround, making them a convenient option for those in need of quick yet high-quality refinishing solutions.

Finding Trustworthy Services for Floor Refinishing

If you’re in a location with scarce local options, consider exploring 1 DAY Refinishing. Their seasoned experts offer complete solutions for maintaining and refinishing hardwood floors, helping to keep them pristine for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

The decision to invest in refinishing your hardwood floors is a significant commitment to enhancing your home’s aesthetics and overall value. By diligently following proper maintenance routines, your refinished floors can continue to elevate your home’s ambience. Every effort, from regular cleaning, to hiring professionals, adds to the resilience and visual allure of your hardwood floors. Stick to these essential care guidelines, and your floors will maintain their lustre for an extended period.