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The A-Z Guide for Quick Decluttering

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Hands on Organizing

The A-Z Guide for Quick Decluttering

Sometimes when we get overwhelmed but are still motivated to declutter our space, a little guidance is appreciated. You’re welcome!

A-Z quick items to look for when decluttering:

Athletic and sports equipment that is broken, unused, or outgrown

Books you will never read again (donate to your local library!)

Broken appliances or headphones

Candles that are down to their stubs

Chipped dishes and glassware

Dried out nail polish, paint cans, or glue

Duplicate kitchen gadgets, utensils, and appliances

Electronics you no longer use (VHS players, Caller ID boxes, and answering machines)

Expired medications, batteries, spices, coupons, toiletries, sunscreens, cosmetics, or lotions

Food that has expired

Greeting cards

Hangers that are broken

Incomplete jigsaw puzzles

Jewelry that is broken or that you never wear

Knives that are damaged

Luggage that is broken, torn, or unused

Magazines and newspapers

Menus (takeout) you do not use or are from a now closed restaurant

Nostalgic items for which your love has faded (ticket stubs or program books)

Obsolete user manuals or calendars/planners

Phones (landline and mobile) that are broken or unused or phone books

Quilts, comforters, and blankets that are stained, torn, or worn out

Receipts older than needed for tax or reimbursement purposes

Scratched CDs and DVDs

Swag (promotional products or party favors)

Torn or stained clothing

Unused cookware

Vases that are chipped or unused

Worn out linens, towels, shoes, or socks (Recycle textiles or donate gently used sneakers)

Xmas decorations and lights that are broken or no longer wanted

Yard and gardening tools that you don’t use or are worn out

Zippered items with a broken zipper that are not worth repairing or replacing

Go on a treasure hunt to look for a few of these items listed above to motivate you. One never knows how this will inspire you to dig deeper to declutter.

Photo: Pixabay

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Six Tried and True Tips for Overcoming Procrastination

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Procrastination

Six Tried and True Tips for Overcoming Procrastination

We all get “stuck” on occasion when facing a work assignment, a household project, or a task we either do not want to do or just cannot muster the wherewithal to tackle.

Here are some ways to get unstuck:

  1. Change physical location: work in a different room, coffee shop, the library.
  2. Identify the roadblocks: do you need more information? A sounding board? Clarification on the assignment?
  3. Set limits: break up the task into smaller chunks so you can work for, say, just an hour at a time.
  4. Reward yourself: think of ways to treat yourself for getting the job done. Maybe a small reward for getting started (a chocolate chip muffin and cappuccino?) and a larger reward for finishing the project (dinner at your favorite restaurant?).
  5. Visualize: imagine working on the project, step-by-step, and how satisfied you will feel when it’s done.
  6. Use an app: there are apps to motivate, apps to hold you accountable, and apps that block distractions.

What works for you when you are stuck?

Photo: Pixabay

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How to Load Your Dishwasher for Cleaner Dishes and (Hopefully) Fewer Repair Calls

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Kitchen

How to Load Your Dishwasher for Cleaner Dishes and (Hopefully) Fewer Repair Calls

Loading a dishwasher properly not only ensures clean dishes but also prolongs the life of the machine. Here is a step-by-step guide for optimal dishwasher loading:

  1. Scrape, Don’t Rinse
  • Scrape off food scraps into the trash or compost.
  • No need to pre-rinse: Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to handle some residue.
  1. Load the Bottom Rack
  • Plates and large items: Place plates in the slots, facing inward toward the spray arms.
  • Pots and pans: Angle them so the dirtiest side faces downward.
  • Oversized items: Ensure they do not block the spray arms or detergent dispenser.
  1. Load the Top Rack
  • Glasses and cups: Place them upside down at an angle to prevent water pooling.
  • Bowls: Angle them toward the center for proper cleaning.
  • Plastic items: Load them here since it is farther from the heating element.
  1. Use the Utensil Basket
  • Forks and spoons: Alternate their orientation (some up, some down) to prevent nesting.
  • Knives: Point blades downward for safety.
  • Special compartments: Use them for small items like bottle caps or lids.
  1. Check for Obstructions
  • Ensure spray arms can spin freely and that nothing blocks the detergent dispenser.
  1. Use the Right Detergent
  • Use dishwasher-specific detergent or pods and avoid overloading the dispenser.
  1. Avoid Overloading
  • Do not stack dishes too tightly. Water and detergent need room to circulate.
  1. Run the Right Cycle
  • Choose the appropriate setting for your load (e.g., heavy-duty for pots, eco-cycle for regular cleaning).

Following these tips will help ensure sparkling dishes and an efficiently operating dishwasher!

Photo: Pixabay

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Tips for Keeping Jigsaw Puzzles from Taking Over Your Home

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Hobbies

Tips for Keeping Jigsaw Puzzles from Taking Over Your Home

This time of year, many of us like to relax by staying indoors, avoiding bad weather, drivers who cannot navigate wintery roads, and people spreading flu and other upper respiratory viruses.

A popular indoor activity is solving jigsaw puzzles, but if you’re short on space, how do you manage?

Some of my friends use special puzzle tables or easels with drawers and various other compartments. I have neither the space for one of these nor the desire to spend money on the good (pricey) ones. The cheap ones are either too small for 1,000-piece puzzles or just plain flimsy.

Solving puzzles on my coffee table got old fast—too much bending over was straining my back. Then I found a large white poster board, 32×40 inches, that I can put on my dining room table. Yes, the edges stick out a little bit, but that’s OK. I have plenty of space to work on a 1,000-piece puzzle with room for loose pieces on the side.

I also have plastic sorting trays that I received as a gift. Before that I used paper bowls, which also worked fine. Both the trays and the bowls have the advantage of being able to be nested.

If I need to use my dining room table for other purposes, say dining, it’s easy to carry the work-in-progress on the poster board. Some of my friends have had success with products that let you roll up the puzzles. Frankly, they haven’t worked for me, but YMMV. Do what is best for you.

Finally, if you’re comfortable with multitasking, try listening to an audiobook while solving. Both activities are fabulous ways to pass the time and to escape the winter doldrums!

Photo: Pixabay

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Ten Tips for Coping with the Winter Doldrums

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Self Care, Winter

Ten Tips for Coping with the Winter Doldrums

The winter doldrums, often caused by shorter days, colder weather, and reduced sunlight, can affect mood and energy levels. Here are some strategies to help you stay positive and energized during the winter months:

  1. Embrace Light
  • Maximize natural light: Open curtains and sit near windows during daylight hours. Take a walk outside when the sun is out, even if it’s cold.
  • Use light therapy: A light therapy box can help mimic sunlight and improve your mood, especially if you experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

 

  1. Stay Active
  • Exercise regularly: Physical activity boosts endorphins and improves mood. Try indoor workouts like yoga, dancing, or strength training.
  • Enjoy winter sports: Activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating can make the season more enjoyable.

 

  1. Maintain a Healthy Diet
  • Eat mood-boosting foods: Incorporate complex carbs, lean proteins, and omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
  • Stay hydrated: Dry winter air can lead to dehydration, which affects energy levels.
  • Limit sugar and alcohol: These can cause energy crashes and mood swings.

 

  1. Keep a Routine
  • Implement a sleep schedule: Maintain regular sleep and wake times to support your circadian rhythm.
  • Set daily goals: Set small, achievable tasks to create structure and a sense of accomplishment.

 

  1. Socialize
  • Stay connected: Schedule virtual or in-person meetups with friends and family to combat feelings of isolation.
  • Join a group: Engage in community activities, classes, or volunteer opportunities.

 

  1. Cultivate Enjoyable Hobbies
  • Start creative projects: Try painting, knitting, or writing to express yourself.
  • Read or watch uplifting content: Choose books or shows that inspire or make you laugh.

 

  1. Practice Self-Care
  • Try relaxation techniques: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
  • Pamper yourself: Enjoy warm baths, soothing teas, or skincare rituals.

 

  1. Plan Ahead
  • Plan trips or events: Having something to look forward to, like a winter getaway or weekend activity, can help break monotony.
  • Start a new project: Use the time to learn a skill, start a fitness challenge, or organize your home.

 

  1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
  • Journal your thoughts: Writing down your emotions can help process them.
  • Seek support: If the winter blues persist, consider speaking with a therapist, especially if symptoms of depression arise.

 

  1. Celebrate Winter
  • Lean into the coziness of the season. Light candles, make comfort foods, and enjoy winter traditions to create positive associations with the colder months.

Small, consistent efforts can make a big difference in overcoming winter sluggishness and staying upbeat!

Photo: Pixabay

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No-Buy 2025

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Budget, Shopping

No-Buy 2025

The no-buy trend is having a resurgence due to a combination of environmental concerns (carbon emissions), economic pressures (inflation, credit card debt), and the “I have too much stuff” syndrome.

What does no-buy mean? You can’t realistically go a year without buying anything. You will need to buy food, toothpaste, and toilet paper, to name a few essentials that you use up over time.

No-buy means setting restraints on what you buy. What do you spend money on that you really don’t need but are enticed to buy because it’s easy to click on the Buy Now button, or the product looks like fun, or you are hit with a wave of FOMO because a friend has it.

What kinds of restraints could you set for yourself in a no-buy year? Maybe it means no more new clothing, or electronic gizmos, or kitchen gadgets. Maybe it means using up the canned foods in your pantry before stocking up on more. Maybe it means using up all the different shampoos, soaps, or moisturizers before treating yourself to more.

Along with restraints, set parameters of what you will permit yourself to buy beyond the necessities. Maybe you won’t buy new clothes, but you will allow yourself to buy new sneakers as the old ones wear out. Maybe you won’t do take-out as often, but you will indulge yourself once a week.

What does YOUR No-Buy 2025 look like?

Photo: Pixabay

 

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Get Your Home in Order – Step 3 (Final Step)

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Home Improvement

Get Your Home in Order – Step 3 (Final Step)

We are now on our third and final step!

Looking back at the list you began in step one, pick one project for each month and schedule it in your calendar.

Space out your projects, taking budget considerations and disruptions into account. You might want a major kitchen renovation and all new living room furniture, but one of those might need to get pushed out till next year or beyond.

If you need to hire out the work, call a few contractors for estimates. Some projects need to be scheduled far in advance. For example, many painters start booking summer exterior painting as early as February.

For do-it-yourself projects, figure out what’s involved. If it’s shopping, plan where to look and block out time on your calendar for shopping trips. Likewise, for home repairs that you’ll be doing yourself, determine what supplies and tools you might need. If you need guidance, YouTube is a terrific resource for how-to projects.

Remember that your monthly project could be as simple as cleaning baseboards or turning on the self-cleaning feature on your oven. It doesn’t have to be a big, expensive, time-consuming project.

The most important thing is to plan and stick to it.

A pain-free three-step process after all, right? Best of all is that it could yield you tremendous satisfaction and renewed pride in your home. So … get to it!

Photo: Pixabay

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Get Your Home in Order – Step Two

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Home Improvement

Get Your Home in Order – Step Two

Picking up from my previous blog, New Resolutions: Get Your Home in Order, we will begin step two of our project.

Prioritize your list by how much you will appreciate having each item taken care of. Your appreciation could be that you will avoid negative consequences of not dealing with something (leaky roof?) or how happy a new sofa would make you.

Then go through the list and mark what you can do yourself and what you need to hire out.

That’s it for now. The final step will be revealed in the next blog in about a week.

Photo: Pixabay

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New Resolutions: Get Your Home in Order

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Home Improvement, New Year's Resolutions

New Resolutions: Get Your Home in Order

By now, your resolve to follow through with your new year’s resolutions is likely fading. How about a new one? Let’s plan home organizing and home improvement projects for the year. This resolution doesn’t require you to start these projects, so it is an easy one to complete.

All you will need is paper, pencil, and an open mind…

…all you will do is make a list. Nothing more.

Take a walk through your house. Approach each room with the mindset that you are looking at it for the first time.

Note the condition of the room itself: walls, ceiling, floor, windows, doors, baseboards. Does anything need a touchup such as a fresh coat of paint or a good scrubbing? Jot down these items on your list.

Look at the furnishings: window treatments, furniture, rugs, knickknacks. Anything due for updating? Donating? Add these to the list as well.

Open closet doors. Does the closet need to be reorganized? Do clothes, linens, cleaning supplies—whatever that closet holds—need replacement, replenishing? Again, add to the list.

Now walk around the exterior of your house. Check the roof, windows, doors, exterior walls, yard, garden, whatever you have. Anything needing repair or enhancement? Add these to the list.

You’re done. Set the list aside in a place where you can find it in a couple of weeks when I’ll offer you instructions on what to do with it then.

See? I promised it would be easy!

Photo: Pixabay

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How Do You Celebrate New Year’s Eve?

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Holidays, New Year's Resolutions

How Do You Celebrate New Year’s Eve?

We have all gone through these stages of celebrating New Year’s Eve:

Childhood: staying up till midnight was like a rite of passage. How adult it made us feel! Though, it was more like dozing off at 8 or 9pm on the sofa only to have our parents wake us at midnight to say, “Happy New Year,” before carting us up to bed. At that moment, we simply did not care.

Teens and Twenties: Having a New Year’s Date was *A Big Deal* or at least hoping for a date where we could dress up for dinner and dancing. A friend of mine bought a long taffeta skirt for the occasion! Others of us loved hanging with friends to enjoy good company and laughs over pizza and beverages instead of overpaying for dinner and champagne at a fancy restaurant.

Thirties-Fifties: Recognizing that going out New Year’s Eve meant driving on roads with drunk drivers, so staying home was the “in” thing. Perhaps we even entertained lavishly in our homes with 10pm steak dinners or a lovely breakfast well after the ball had dropped.

Sixties plus: Going to bed at our usual time, maybe watching the festivities in Times Square from bed or even foregoing them altogether. In any case, being thankful not to be in the crowd.

Well, however celebrating in which stage, Happy New Year, and may 2025 bring joy, health, and peace.

Photo: Pixabay

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