How to Manage Winter Clutter
Cold weather means hot cocoa and sitting by the fire–but it also means extra layers, scarves, boots, gloves, and other winter accessories. When not handled properly, this can all add up and create quite the mess. This is a situation that you should try to avoid. First of all, because multiple studies have linked messier home environments with higher levels of stress and anxiety, as well as lower productivity. Secondly, as we know very well here at Blue Marble Properties, superficial appearance can make an enormous difference in people’s perceptions of you home–which is important whether you are on the seller’s market or not.
So, as cool weather becomes even colder and winter hits full stride, here are a few tips that you should keep in mind:
- Pack away summer clothes. Many people are more zealous about packing away winter clothes when weather warms up than they are about packing away summer clothes when the weather cools down. This is logical: after all, winter clothes tend to be quite a bit larger and bulkier than summer clothes, so it makes sense that we are a little more eager to store it out of our way when we no longer need it. Also, most people would never wear a heavy jacket in the summer, but most of us still use some summer clothes as lower layers or pajamas in the winter. That being said, keeping unused clothes around is a recipe for clutter, so be sure to pack away at least some of your summer clothes when winter rolls around: it will make a bigger difference than you think!
- Have a system. Decide at the beginning of the winter season where you are your family could best store every type of winter wear–from a storage rack for boots, to the front closet for coats, etc. If everyone gets on the same page and sticks to the decision, it can really foster organization and good habits.
- Keep outdoor pathways free of snow. This helps you avoid getting boots and other clothing items wet, which reduces laundry loads and saves a whole lot of energy. With a shovel and some salt, this task can be a lot easier than it seems, and the rewards are well worth it.
- Take advantage of your garage. This refers to storage, to be certain. (i.e. your garage might be the perfect place to pack away those unused summer clothes we talked about early.) Additionally, however, this means using attached garages as an entrance. This is a fantastic way to eliminate the accidental tracking of snow and mud into the house, and it may even provide a nice spot for everyone to take off shoes and other articles of clothing that could potentially be wet.
Learn more about winter home maintenance and home selling tips by visiting the Blue Marble Properties blog. Whether you plan on buying a home, selling a home, or simply caring for the one where you already live, these resources can prove a valuable asset.