featured image styled by @cjisrad for @alexanderdesignbuild
It would be ideal if we did all of these things all of the time. It would also be ideal if we had an extra month in the year to reset for the next year. Since the likelihood of both of these things is low, I recommend picking one task off of the list below to tackle this month. Like a smooth morning routine, the sense of accomplishment you get from just one of these acts will help reset your home, so you can move into the new year with a clearer mindset.
1. Throw out expired products
It can be hard to part with unfinished eye creams or foundations, especially when we spent a pretty penny on them, but the truth is these products don’t last forever. They decompose, become less effective, and harbor bacteria that can actually do harm to your skin. Depending on the product they last anywhere from 3 months to a couple of years. Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD explains “If the product looks different than when you first opened it, throw it out. Or if there is any change in texture, color, smell or if the product begins to separate, throw it out. Or if you used the tool or product over an infected area and can’t sanitize it, probably throw it out, too.”
2. Reorganize your daily-use items
Do you have to reach around products to get to your daily SPF? Is your hair dryer in an awkward spot in your cabinet? Oftentimes we put up with small, daily inconveniences for far longer than we should. Take stock of which products you use daily, and which are used infrequently, and reorganize them so that the daily-use items are in the front.
It’s a small change that can make a huge difference in rushed mornings or exhausted evenings.
3. Empty out one drawer
Tackling your entire kitchen or bathroom can overwhelm you before you even begin; instead, pick one drawer to empty and organize. Once you experience the bliss of living with this well-organized drawer, you may find the energy you need to move on to the next one. Mentally I find that it helps to set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes and do as much as you can with a hard stop.
4. Assess your towel situation
Towels are one of those household items that we tend to accumulate. We hold on to towels with stains, bleach spots, and holes even when we buy replacements. So take a look at your tea towels or bath towels to see if you have more than one person or family realistically needs. You can cut up and use the old ones as reusable rags or as a sustainable alternative to paper towels.
5. Take out the donation bag
If you have a donate pile or bag in your closet that you’ve been adding to throughout the year or recent months, take the next step of moving it out of the house for good. This way, you’re less likely to reach back in and take items out later.
Refillable bottles MUJI, shearling slippers Sleeper, tray stand MUJI, runner Etsy, hand towels Bed Bath & Beyond, baskets Unravel.
