{Decluttering} Simple Hacks For A Less Stressful Experience

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here.
Decluttering our homes is one of those chores that a lot of us put off because we can’t be bothered to deal with the hassle and stress that comes with the job. However, just because we like to put this kind of chore off, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a chore that needs doing, because it is - clutter builds up extremely quickly in most homes.

The good news is that when it comes to decluttering your home, it doesn’t have to be a hugely stressful experience. In fact, if you are smart about it, it doesn’t have to be stressful at all for that matter, it is all about how you go about the situation, that’s all. Bearing that in mind, below are some simple hacks for making decluttering a far less stressful experience and a much more enjoyable and manageable one.

Image credit

Focus on one room at a time

By far the most common mistake when it comes to decluttering a house is trying to do too much at once. Far too many people make the mistake of choosing to focus on more than one room at a time, going from place to place, getting more mess out and causing chaos. Don’t make this mistake, always work on one room at a time, beginning with one area, sorting it, and then moving onto the next. This will help to make the sorting process far less stressful.

Have your clutter collected

Instead of having to waste time taking all your old, unwanted junk to the dump, consider having it collected. By doing this, you don’t have to worry about wasting time heading to the dump, instead you can focus on the actual decluttering process. When it comes to removing waste from your home, some options are rather expensive. However, there are also plenty of dirt cheap rubbish removal services available to choose from, it’s just a case of sourcing them, that’s all.

Clean as you go

A key element of the decluttering process is cleaning the house after clutter removal, isn’t it? Of course, a lot of people choose to declutter and then set aside another time to clean, which adds extra stress and makes the entire process feel far longer. Instead, it’s far more beneficial to clean as you go, as this tends to take up less time and can help to reduce stress because you know that you are dealing with everything that needs doing at once.

Decluttering might be an essential part of taking care of your home, but it’s also something that a lot of people choose to avoid doing because of the stress that comes with it and how time-consuming the task can be to do. Don’t let these factors put you off of keeping on top of your home’s clutter, as otherwise, you will end up living in a serious mess. Take note of the tips above and implement them, and you should find decluttering much less stressful and far more straightforward.

Here are some Book I like on Decluttering and getting Tidy.

{Bathroom} Making Your Bathroom Your Best Room

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here.
Where most rooms can be transformed with a simple rearrangement of furniture and a splash of color on the walls, the bathroom is a lot harder to do up. Without actually fully remodeling the bathroom, you have fixed elements to work around. On top of that, it usually is a small space. Here are some tips to get your bathroom looking its best. Be sure to check out https://kitchensacramento.com/bathroom-remodeling/ for some inspiration and useful starter tips too.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Think Light, Light, and More Light

Bathrooms do tend to be smaller spaces. Any natural sunlight should be used to its fullest potential. Avoid placing objects in front of the window and make use of mirrors to reflect and spread the light out further. This also comes back in the use of colors in the bathroom. Ideally, you will have lighter colors, but dark shades can work as well. Just remember that with dark colors you will need lighter elements to the room that serve as focal points. And if you can’t find a color to your liking, remember there is bathroom wallpaper available that can really bring some uniqueness to your bathroom.

Think Tidy and Neat

As with most small spaces, you want to keep clutter to a minimum. Try to avoid using the bathroom as a storage space for all the different kind of soaps, shower gels and shampoos you collected over the years. Also, your historical collection of toothbrushes can probably be trimmed down. Everything in the bathroom needs to be in active use. You might want to consider investing in decorative soap dispensers and toothbrush holders. Not only does this give a more uniform look, but you can also eliminate cluttering the view with plastic packaging as they come from the brands you use. I use decorative soap dispensers for my Shampoo and Conditioner in my shower. I also have a decorative soap dish to set the body bar soap on so it doesn't get the my window sill all gross, as this is the only shop i have in my shower to set stuff.

Think Just the Right Amount of Shelves and Storage

Avoid leaving towels hanging around and use towels racks for used ones. Fold away the fresh ones if you choose to keep those in the bathroom. When getting shelves and storage consider the bare minimum that you need. Consider placing shelves and storage in places that have become useless because of the placement of the toilet bowl and washing basin. Just above the toilet bowl could be room for a shelf, where you keep items that are not needed daily. Or if you have a pedestal basin, consider the option of placing a cabinet around the pedestal. If you need a step stool for a child consider getting on that has a storage compartment, you can store your child's bath toy or even there other bathroom items in this.

Finishing Touches

Bring some life into the room, consider placing a plant or two. A bit of green can transform most bathrooms from being purely functional to a beautiful space to be in. In terms of accessories, try sticking a theme as it will bring everything together. Just be careful with overdoing things with accessories, less is usually more.

All things considered, if small touch ups simply won’t do the trick, consider a complete remodel. You can roll up the sleeves yourself and DIY your way through it or get some professional help.

{Cleaning & Organizing} Why A Simple Spruce Could Be More Effective Than A Full Renovation

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here.

https://unsplash.com/photos/kdwahpWYfQo

When you’re not in love with your house, you can often think that you need to do a full renovation in order to change that. You may feel as if your home just will never be perfect unless it’s completely redone. Or maybe you’re even getting your home ready to sell and you think you have to really renovate it to get a good price? Either way, you may be surprised (and glad) to hear that you may not have to go to such extreme (and expensive) lengths. Sometimes, a simple spruce will do. Instead of ripping out an entire room and starting again. You may benefit from simply changing a few bits and pieces and still get incredible results. And here’s why.

1. A Clean Up Can Go A Long Way

So first of all, you should recognize that a simple tidy up and a good old-fashioned clean can really go a long way. Maybe the space in question just need a little TLC? You’d be surprised by the effects tile and grout repair can have. Or how much of a difference a good decluttering session can make to your bedroom. So always start off with a good clean and work out where to go from there.

I love This Book here: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

2. A Lick Of Paint Can Make A Huge Change

Sometimes, we think that we need to change absolutely everything about a space for it to be how we want it to. But that’s not always the case. Maybe you just need a new lick of paint? Simply painting a room in a new color, or freshening up the paint that’s already there, can work wonders. So do this before you invest too much.

3. New Furniture Can Make A Space Brand New

As a step on from that, maybe it’s not the room or the overall decor itself, but what’s in the room. Maybe your tired, old furniture is the problem? Think about sprucing up what you have or investing in new furniture and see what kind of effect this can have on how the space looks. Sometimes, it can feel like a brand new place!

4. Simple Spruces Save Money

Something that makes sense to a lot of us, is that spruces save money. So if you want to save money on your house renovation, don’t be too drastic. Instead, think about the smaller and simpler changes you can work on that are just as impactful.

5. Focusing On What You Want To Change Matters The Most

And lastly, it’s so important to realize that actually, you may not even need to redo the entire space. Okay, so if you move into a place that is really gross and had moldy old fittings and fixtures, entirely renovating the room is probably the best option. But maybe your kitchen just look a little tired? Well, sprucing the kitchen cabinets could make it feel like you have an entire new kitchen. So instead of thinking you need to redo everything, just think about what you really want to change, change that, and enjoy how much better the space can look and feel.

{Tip Of The Day} Laundry Tip

{Contributed post}*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here.
Do a Little Laundry!It's NOT your Day to do LAUNDRY who Cares!

If you have some free time and you have a Full load of Laundry to do, even just one load Do It! It's always better to keep on top of things!

 Blog Post you May Like: Homemade Laundry Soap, Cleaning a Home

{How To Video} How to Clean a Drain Clean Out on a Front Load Washer!

From time to time I will notice that my washer just doesn't seem to work the same, Well that means its time to give it a good clean. Anyone who reads my blog knows I like to give my washer & dryer a good clean regularly. (read about it here How to Clean Your Front Load Washer!) Did you know that you should clean your Drain Clean Out Regularly. I know I didn't.

 When I finally cleaned mine out I found, Half a Screw, Hair, Lint and even a needle as you will see in the video below. Recently I went to clean it out and It was so bad I could barely get the filter out there was dog hair wrapped all around it I had to cut the hair off, and this is with cleaning it regularly. 

So if your washer is just not running the same read below and find out how to help it. or if you are just wanting to keep your washer running like the day you go it read on.

Most Front Load Washers Have a Drain Clean Out on the front of them, this will collect and Pennies, screws, Lint, Hair, Hair Clips and anything else that may me running around in your washer.

It's a good idea to give this a good clean about every 4 months, (If you have pets that shed I recommend every month & each time after cleaning dog bed etc...) to keep your washer running smoothly and it also helps with odors as there can be smelly gunk stuck in there.

                             

*Always check your Owners Manual for Instructions.

For How to Clean a Top Load Washer Click Here
How to Clean Your Front Load Washer!


Please Comment Below!

What do you think of this How To Video?

Was it helpful?

Have any Tips about the Video?

Have any Tips on how you Clean The Clean Out Drain?

{Pets} All About Pets: Pet Month

Most homes have some kind of Animal, Dog, Cat, Bunny Fish there are so many I could list. 

I feel like a Pet completes a home. But with having pets along comes a lot of work. caring for them and cleaning up after them. They can be a lot of maintenance, and can make it to were you need to dust, vacuum and Mop more. so I thought what would be better then Focusing This Month on Our Home's With Pets!

In the Next coming weeks you will see Post On:

• Cleaning  Pet's
• Keeping them Clean
• Caring for Pets
• Ideas for pet's
• Homemade Food for Pet's
• Cleaning and Keeping the Home Clean with Pet's

And so much more.

A lot of work has gone into putting this series of post together and I hope you enjoy them.

Please Answer Questions Below!

Please Comment Below!

Do you have any Questions about Pet's?

Do you have any Tip's or Ideas?

Is there anything you would like me to cover in this series?

7 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Bedroom!

By Jane Blanchard

via Modernize

The bedroom is one of the most overlooked rooms in the home in terms of decorating. But why? It’s where you spend one-third of your time and should be as comfortable, sumptuous, and well-designed as possible. It’s literally your sanctuary where you can find peace, rest, and relaxation in addition to getting a good night’s rest.

Obviously, if your undecorated bedroom isn’t cozy it’s harder to unwind from a long day and rest well. Here are seven incredibly easy ways to decorate your bedroom and turn it into the relaxing retreat you deserve.

1. Easy Bedding Decor

Consider adding a stylish comforter or duvet if you’re not using one already. A new comforter or duvet cover with matching European shams will set the tone of the room and instantly give it a fresh look that can take it from ordinary to outrageously gorgeous.

2. Prints

Use harmonizing prints on the bed linens, window treatments, lampshades, and even artwork. Unify them with similar patterns and colors while keeping mindful of the scale as well.

3. Proper Lighting

Keep your overall bedroom lighting somewhat subdued. Bedside table lamps or soft wall sconces should be just close enough for well-lit bedtime reading. However, be sure to use three-way bulbs to easily adapt the lighting for your task or mood. Also, many homeowners today like to install beautiful chandeliers in the center of their bedroom to create a sense of elegance and romance.

4. Pillows Galore

Stack pillows on the bed, arm chairs, or chaise lounge in your bedroom without shying away from a mix of eye-catching patterns and colors. Combine both small and large prints, geometrics, and florals; mix in an ample amount of solid ones as well to keep all those busy patterns anchored. Although pillows should be cute and comfy, they shouldn’t use more than half the bed space. A few sets of properly sized bed pillows, a neck roll, and a few small matching pillows should be all you really need.

5. Dresser Dress Up

Painting or wallpapering the front of your bedroom dresser or the drawers of your nightstand is a super easy way to add new design elements and fresh color. A modern floral paper accent can easily convert a once drab dresser into a sweet feminine classic. Follow through on your makeover by replacing worn drawer pulls and handles with attractive new ones. This easy trick adds style and personality to inexpensive or plain furniture. It’s little things like this that often make the most impact in a room.

6. Wall Space

Does your bedroom wall have a “big, bare, blank” problem? Try hanging your favorite patterned quilt on the wall or behind the bed to serve as an alternative headboard. The pattern will add interest, style, and a unique quality to the room and gives the room a feeling of complete coziness.

7. Shift the Furniture

Sometimes even the slightest shift in furniture can add new life to a once boring room. Think outside the box on this one and try different furniture configurations to suit your own personal tastes. Keep in mind that the headboard should be the first thing you see when you enter the room. It’s just good feng shui. While you’re rearranging your furniture, flip and rotate your mattress for even wear.

Prior to giving your bedroom a makeover, eliminate anything that doesn’t encourage sleep and relaxation, including the TV and all other electronics. At the very least, consider hiding any stressful clutter in stylish boxes and baskets.

For more design tips and tricks, head to Modernize.

{My Pregnancy Journey} Challenge Week 3!

Don't Know About The Challenge Yet Visit The Post "New Challenge Part 1" Click Here to go check it out!

Challenge Week 3

Here Is what I Accomplished This week!

Monday: Bathrooms

Cleaning Task: Bathrooms

• Clean Shower
• Clean build up around taps & drains
• clean sink
• clean mirror
• clean countertop
• clean window & shills
• clean toilet

De clutter Task: Bathroom Countertops

Don't have too much stuff on your bathroom countertop in make it look messy. and its harder to clean.

Organizing Task: Shampoo Bottles

Rethink what you have in your shower. could you make personal shower caddies for each family member or maybe have a decorative bottle that the shampoo is in.

My Shower Caddy Read Here! 

Baby Task: Bathroom Stuff

Find a spot in your bathroom cabinet where you can keep babies bathroom stuff, Shampoo, Body wash, Wash rags, Towels etc...

Routine: Bathroom

Make it a routine that after you take a bath you rinse out the tub. Or after Babies bath you rinse out tub, rinse off toys and put everything away.

This will make cleaning the bathroom easier every week.

Tuesday: 

Cleaning Task: Kitchen

Clean your Oven!

Read how Here

Baby Task: Cabinet

Pick a Cabinet/drawer out in your Kitchen that you want to store babies things.

Keep in mind you will need room for the following:

• Bottles
• Nipples
• Bibs
• Spoons
• Bowls
• Plates
• Sippy cups

Keep in mind that just because the baby is maybe not using these yet doesn't mean you will not have them and need a place to put them. If you're having a baby shower you will probably get these items and you will need a place for them better to make a place now than later.

De clutter Task: Cabinets

Clean Out 2 Cabinets of your choice, Preferably one of the cabinets you want to use for baby.

But not your Tupperware Cabinet we will be getting to this next.

Organizing Task: Tupperware Cabinet

Organize the Inside of your Tupperware cabinet. Tossing any stained or cracked pieces or ones with missing lids.

Wednesday:

Cleaning Task: Dishwasher

Clean your dishwasher!

Read how to Here

De clutter Task: Bathroom Cabinet

De Clutter your Bathroom Cabinet.

Anything you don't use or no longer want clean it out of there. 

Organizing Task: Bathroom Cabinet

Organize the bathroom cabinet!

10 Minute Only Task: Straighten up your Master Bedroom!

Thursday:

Cleaning Task: Washing Machine

Clean Your Washing Machine!

Read how to clean a front load washing machine!

Read How to Clean a Top Load Washing Machine!

Organizing Task: Linen Cabinet

Organize your Linen Cabinet. Or were ever you keep your linens.

De clutter Task: Linen Cabinet

Any ratty old sheets or blankets clean them out. Towels that have holes Retire them to be cleaning rags.

10 minute only task: Car

Remove all rubbish from your car.

Friday:
Cleaning Task: Your Wardrobe

• Remove items from shelves
• Clean Shelves
• Put items back
• Remove Items from Floor
• Vacuum Floor
• Place items where they go
• Give everything a good straightening

Organizing Task: Your Wardrobe

Organize your wardrobe.

De Clutter Task: Your Clothing

Box up any clothing that don't fit you.

With pregnancy your body is always changing so you may need to try on some items. 

I put all my clothing that don't fit into a flat plastic bin with a lid that will fit under the bed. as this is just temporary until after the baby is here and I lose weight.

Baby Task: Your Clothing
Get yourself some Maternity clothing trust me this will make you feel so much better.
I still had some stuff that kinda fit but I went and got my self 1 pair of pants 1 pair of shorts and 2 tops and man I feel so much better i didn't even realize how uncomfortable i was.

If you strapped on cash Try going to Thrift stores or baby consignments. That is what I did.

Well That's It For This week! 
It May seen like a lot or it may seem like a little to you, Whatever the case work at your own speed. And never over work yourself remember you're pregnant and need rest, and you and the baby come before anything else so if you're getting tired take a break, drink or eat something!

<< Challenge Week 2

Challenge Week 4>>

Please Comment below!

What Do you think Of this Week?

{My Pregnancy Journey} Problem with this weeks Challenge Post! Week 3

I'm Very Sorry I just Now Noticed that Monday's Post for the Challenge (Challenge Week 3) Never Uploaded! I'm so sorry for the inconvenience to everyone who is following the challenge!

Do that now its so late in the week and if I post it now everyone would have a lot to do in a week I Decided that I will post it Friday for next week!

So for this week There will be no Challenge Post!

So Just take some time to putter on your home and give it a good straightening up.

and I look forward to seeing your Progress and how you're doing with the challenge! 

Feel free to comment or send me a email contactus@ultimatehousewife.com with what you have got done and if you would like to send photos I would love to see!

{My Pregnancy Journey} Challenge Week 2!

Don't Know About The Challenge Yet Visit The Post "New Challenge Part 1" Click Here to go check it out!

Challenge Week 1

Here Is what I Accomplished This week!

Monday: Today I was Not Feeling So up To Power!

Cleaning Task: Laundry

• Washed My Daily Laundry Load
• Folded Laundry
• Put away Laundry

De clutter Task:Magazines

Go through You stack of Magazines and clean them out.

Tuesday:

Cleaning Task: Fridge

Clean Out Your Kitchen Fridge!

• Take Everything Out
• Clean shelves and drawers.
• Wipe Down items that you took out
• Once all done give the outside of your fridge a good wipe down and shine.

De clutter Task: Fridge

Do You Have Food Items that you never use? (Sauce that you found on sale but nobody in the house likes it? Etc...) Throw them out they are just making clutter.

Organizing Task: Fridge

Organize the Inside of your Fridge. Putting with like items together.

Baby Task: Do something good for you and your baby.

Do something good for you and Baby, do 30 minutes of a pregnancy workout, walking or prenatal yoga. My personal favorite is yoga.

Routine: Cleaning out your Fridge.

Set a time each week that you do a quick clean and wipe down of your fridge, Preferably the day you make you meal plan or the day before you go shopping.

Also Set a Time each month that you give your fridge and deep clean.

Wednesday: 
Most homes have some Kind of Paper Clutter. Today we are going to get all our paper stuff in order by sorting and filing.

Cleaning Task: Paper

• Go around your home and gather all Paper, Mail, Junk Mail, Recipes, Online Printouts, Manuals, Tax papers, Piles of paper work, That pile of mixed papers that you have know clue what's in it. Gather it all and put it in one place.
• Now Get a Box & a Trash bag

De clutter Task: Paper

• Sort Through The Pile Making piles that need to be filed or need a home. throwing trash into the trash bag and things that can be recycled into the box.
• Take out the trash & Recycle Box

Organizing Task: Paper

• File all Paper Piles. If you don't have a File make one.
• Start a sorting system that will work for you. so these piles don't happen all over the house. 
• A bin for mail
• A Bin for things that need to be filed
• A bin of papers your Hubby needs to look at etc...

Click Here to read how I Organize my files

Routine: Sort Your Mail & Files

Find a time each week that works for you to sit down a sort your mail, sort your files and file them.

Baby Task: Start a Baby Binder

Get a binder where you can put all your baby info in.

10 Minute Only Task: Clean Off one Shelf in your home

Thursday:

Cleaning Task: Office

• De Clutter Office Desk
• Empty Trash
• Dust all surfaces
• Give Computer a good clean. Read How 
• Clean Window
• Pick up items off of floor
• Pick up item off of the floor so you can vacuum (Trash can, chair etc...)
• Clean Baseboards
• Vacuum Floor
• Place items Back on floor.

Organizing Task: Office Desk

• Organize your top of your desk in a way that works for you.
• Organize each drawer of you desk

De clutter Task: Top of Your Office Desk

De clutter Your Office desk! Do you have to many things on it? deco, supplies, pens, paper, junk. De clutter your desk find new homes for things that don't need to be on top of your desk. Put the stapler in the drawer. clean out some of the pens etc...

Routine: Desk

make it a Routine that before you leave your desk that you put everything away. never say you will come back to something! even if you're not completely done with something put it away or it might never get put away.

10 minute only task: Email

Unsubscribe from emails you don't want to get anymore

Friday:
Cleaning Task: Ceiling Fans

Clean all ceiling fans in your home
Read How Here 

Organizing Task: Calendar

Go throught the year and put all important Dates in your calendar, Anniversaries, Parties, appointments etc...

De Clutter Task: Junk Drawer

All homes have some kind of Drawer where it's kinda a throw all. In some homes this drawer can have order and be neat in other homes it can be the i can't ever find anything in here drawer. Today De clutter your junk drawer.

• Clean drawer out
• Give it a good Wipe down
• Place items you want to keep in there back in. Do so in a organized way.

Baby Task: Calendar

Add any baby stuff to your calendar. and look and see what dates will not work for the baby shower and be sure to give them to the host so they know not to plan on those dates.

Well That's It For This week! 
It May seen like a lot or it may seem like a little to you, Whatever the case work at your own speed. And never over work yourself remember you're pregnant and need rest, and you and the baby come before anything else so if you're getting tired take a break, drink or eat something!

<< Challenge Week 1

Challenge Week 3>>

Please Comment below!

What Do you think Of this Week?

{Organizing} My Office Files!

For Me I have a lot to File. My hubby has 3 Business,  Generation Builders a construction Company, Barnett's Water Pros that dose backflow testing for the city, And Barnett's Energy Wise a Heating and Air Company. 

So with all these I always have so much paper around my house and all over Our Home Office. And Its my job to File everything. It becomes a lot.

 And that's not even counting All His Helicopter pilot Paper work he has to keep on file, Household papers, Our House Info, Rental Info and Now Baby Papers. There is a lot.

So Here is How I File

I have one 4 drawer filing cabinet in the closet of our office and One 2 drawer Filing Cabinet as well.

The 4 Drawer Cabinet

Drawer 1: Business Papers

Drawer 2: Properties, Taxes & Insurances 

Drawer 3: Household

•  Recipes To Try
• Couponing
• Household List
• TV & Internet Info
• Manuals, Fridge, Microwave, Dishwasher etc...

Drawer 4: Hubby's Helicopter Files.

The 2 Drawer Cabinet

Drawer 1: Back Taxes

Drawer 2: Office Supplies

You Might of noticed that I Don't have a Files for the Some Normal Items. That is because I also Use Binders for Many things. 

My Bill Binder: A Binder I keep all bill info in

• Due Bills
• Paid Bills
• Check Stubs
• Family Yearly Budget
• Family Monthly Budget

In another post I will Explain My Bill binder!

Blog Binder: I also keep a Binder with all my blog info in it.

Medical Binder: I Have a Medical Binder for each of us, with any medical info I need is in there.

I will Explain The Medical Binder In a Later Post as Well.

How I sort and Pay my Bills weekly!

On My Desk I have 3 Holders one for Incoming Mail, one for Things needing to be filed and one for things my hubby needs to go through.

Once a Week (Mondays) I sit down and sort through the holders. I first will go through the mail putting any bills in my binder and marking down when they need to be paid. 

as for junk mail I throw that out normally before I even bring the mail inside. because after i take it out of the mailbox i will just walk over to my outside trash can and put the junk mail in there.

Next I will Take some Time to pay my Bills and Look over my bank account. Putting anything that needs to be filed into the "Needs to be Filed Holder"

Then next I will take everything out of the Need to be filed folder sort throw it and then file everything. If i don't have a file for a item i will take some time to make one.

I never leave my office on Monday until all the bills are payed for that week and the mail & File holder are empty!

This is what helps me stay on top of my Paper work.

Please Comment Below!

How do you file?

How do you stay on top of the stack?