We love the idea of decluttering. Doing it, however, is another story. Luckily, there’s help. Follow this guide for inspiration and ideas on easy ways to declutter your home this season.
Benefits of decluttering
The older you are, the more stuff you accumulate, from mugs and books to clothes and souvenirs. Holidays and birthdays bring in even more items. After a while, you run out of places to put things. They go into boxes where they often are forgotten and certainly not enjoyed. Getting rid of the clutter not only frees up space. It reduces stress. There is less to clean and organize, and more time to relax. Plus, decluttering helps you enjoy the possessions that you have in a space that feels clean and comfortable.
Set your expectations.
Remember that the clutter didn’t arrive in a day. Don’t expect it to be gone so quickly. Schedule time each week to focus on this task until it is done. Try to incorporate the habits from the decluttering process to keep your home clutter-free in the future.
View your home as if you were a first-time visitor.
You need a game plan. One easy way is to walk your home as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Use that perspective to decide what spaces you would like to declutter.
Draw a map of all the rooms. In each room, mark the clutter hotspots you want to tackle.
Give each spot a grade from 1 to 3, where 3 is the most cluttered and 1 is the least. This will help you allocate the right amount of time to those areas.
Use the map as your decluttering guide.
Throw out the trash.
Tackle the easiest part of decluttering first. Grab a trash bag and throw away anything that is obviously broken or that is actual garbage. Do this step before you dive into decluttering.
Set aside the time.
Set a timeline for what you will tackle first. It’s fine to start small so that you will feel accomplished. Looking at one cleaned space can inspire you to do more.
Choose a timeframe that is doable. You will be able to adjust as needed, once you figure out how much time it really takes to declutter.
Take a “before” photo so you’ll know how much you accomplished.
Set a timer and begin work.
Applaud yourself when you are finished the session.
Don’t forget to take an “after photo” so you can see your progress.
Use the organizing triangle.
Separate your items into three piles: keep, trash, or donate. Some people add a fourth box for “undecided.” For paper, the piles are slightly different: file, trash, or recycle. You can use boxes to organize the piles.
The “keep” pile should have the things that are meaningful to you and/or things that you use.
The “donate” pile should include things that are useful but that you no longer use or that do not fit you anymore.
The “trash” pile should be the items that you no longer need and that are not in good enough condition to be donated.
Don’t keep something in case you need it in the future. Give yourself permission to buy it again if you might need it. (This may not apply to seasonal items and special occasion wear.)
At the end of each session, immediately find a place for the items you are keeping. Consider storing similar items with each other.
For documents or other paper products that you’d like to keep, consider a digital filing system. Block out time to do that as part of the decluttering process.
Sort your clothes by what you wear.
You can use the organizing triangle for your clothes, or you could use the following system that naturally sorts the clothes in your closet by whether you wear them.
Face all your hangers in one direction.
Every time you wear something, face the hanger the opposite direction.
Check after a few months and you’ll easily see what you don’t wear. Donate those clothes.
For drawers, you can fold your clothes a different way when you place them back (e.g. roll them vs. folding them flat).
After a while, you’ll see which clothes you don’t wear and can donate them, too.
Tidy up by category.
It might be easier to declutter by the type of item versus by room or space. Gather all the similar items into one area. This is an easier way to get rid of duplicates and determine how many items you really need.
Start with clothes. Decide how many pants you need, choose your favorites, and donate the rest. Repeat with tops. You’ll want to account for work and casual wardrobes, and special occasions.
Repeat the process with your shoes, boots, and footwear.
Next look at your books. Organizing expert Marie Kondo recommends keeping less than 30 books. Choose the ones that inspire you, your favorite stories, and the ones you want to reread.
Go through your kitchen tools. If you can’t remember the last time you used a kitchen item, it’s time to donate it.
End with sentimental items. By now you’re used to the decluttering process, which could make it easier to distinguish which special items you truly want to keep. Make sure you have a place for them. If you’re keeping them in a box, then you’re not enjoying them.
Enlist some help.
Getting help can be the inspiration that you need. Not only do many hands make light work, but you can also get another person’s perspective.
Get help from a friend or family member. Ask them to suggest some big items to throw or give away.
You can hire a professional organizer. This could be useful if you’re not making progress or if you’ve gotten to a point and can’t get past it.
Rent a dumpster. You can get rid of larger household items that way.
Cut down on future clutter.
Here are some ways that you can continue to keep your home clutter-free.
Use those Amazon boxes that bring new things into your house to donate the same number of things to go out of your home. Do it as soon as you get something new: one in, one out.
Sort through your mail at the recycling bin so you can immediately toss what is not needed.
Keep a box in your closet. Every time you try something on, and you don’t feel good in it, toss it in the box for future donations.
Give away one item each day. By the end of the year, you’ll have given away 365 things.
Set a timer and commit to 20 minutes each day, or week, to stay on top of the clutter. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish.
Finally, make sure your home is covered by the right homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to protect your possessions now and for years to come.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Picture this: you’re on the brink of capturing the perfect moment. Then it hits you like a digital disappointment – “not enough storage.” The fear of missing out is real. Here’s how to free up space on your phone for perfect picture taking anytime.
Don’t “double save” your photos.
If you use HDR mode or if you take photos on Instagram, you could be saving your photos twice, and that takes up twice the space.
HDR, or high dynamic range, makes your photos look better. If the setting is on for your smartphone, it creates a regular image and an HDR one every time you take a photo. Here’s how to turn it off.
For an iPhone:
Go to Settings.
Select Camera.
Scroll down until you see Smart HDR.
Toggle the button to turn off Smart HDR.
Then the next time you take a photo, look for a switch in the upper right corner. Tap the HDR icon to turn it on or off.
For an Android:
Go to Settings.
Click on your Camera. The location varies from phone to phone and might be under photos.
Look for the gear in the upper left corner. It opens camera settings.
Look for the toggle to turn Auto HDR off.
Eliminate duplicates on Instagram.
Instagram automatically saves a copy of your edited photo in your camera roll. That could easily eat up extra storage space. Here’s how to turn that feature off.
For an iPhone:
Login to the Instagram app on your phone.
Tap the three lines in the top right corner.
Choose Settings.
Click on Account.
Select Original Photos.
Use the toggle in the box to turn this feature off.
This will stop Instagram from saving photos and videos to your camera roll.
For an Android:
Login to the Instagram app on your phone.
Tap the profile button in the lower right corner.
Tap the three lines in the top right corner.
Choose Settings.
Click on Account.
Select Original Posts.
Use the toggle in the box to turn off 3 different features: Original Posts, Posted Photos, and Posted Videos.
This will stop Instagram from saving photos and videos to your camera roll.
Delete photos and videos.
Your photos and videos can take up a lot of room. Periodically deleting them from your phone can help free up space.
With iPhones, if you delete an image from your photo album, you’ll also delete it from the Cloud. There are a few workarounds such as turning off iCloud photo sharing and Sync this iPhone. However, you probably want to keep that connectivity.
To delete photos/videos on an iPhone:
Open Photos.
From the Library tab, select All Photos.
Choose the photo or video that you want to delete.
Tap the trash button, then delete photo.
Then find the Recently Deleted album and select delete all to permanently remove them.
To delete photos/videos on an Android:
Open the Google Photos app.
Sign into Google.
Tap or hold a photo that you want to remove. You may select multiple ones.
At the top, choose Delete.
Can’t bear to permanently lose your photos? You can always transfer your photos to CDs or an external hard drive or store them online in a service like Dropbox or Flickr.
Clean up your data.
Your phone stores lots of data, from text message conversations to temporary files. Removing these items can help clear up some space.
For an iPhone, clear your message history:
Go to Settings.
Choose Messages.
Select Message History.
The default option is forever. Change it to one year or less.
For an iPhone, clear your cache:
Go to Settings.
Choose Safari.
Select Clear History and Website Data.
For an Android, clear your cache.
Open your Chrome app.
Tap more at the top right.
Choose History.
Clear browsing data.
Choose a time range at the top. “All time” will delete everything.
Check the boxes next to “Cookies and site data” and “Cached images and files.”
Select Clear Data.
Manage your storage.
You can get a good idea of what is taking up space on your phone by looking at your storage.
For an iPhone:
Go to Settings.
Choose General.
Select Storage & iCloud Usage.
Then tap Manage Storage. This is the list of how much space is taken up by apps.
Click Optimize iPhone Storage.
For an Android:
Go to Settings.
Select Storage.
Choose “Free up space” button.
This will take you the Google Files app.
You may follow the Cleaning Suggestions from the Files app.
You also may click the three parallel lines in the top left corner. Select Settings and look for the Smart Storage setting. Toggle it to turn it on.
Organize your apps.
There are apps that you use every day and others that you rarely use. Take this opportunity to delete the latter.
For an iPhone:
Touch and hold the app on the home screen.
Choose Remove App to take it off the home screen.
Or choose Delete to remove it from your phone.
For an Android:
Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap your profile at the top right.
Choose Manage Apps and Devices.
Click Manage, then select the name of the app you would like to delete.
Select Uninstall.
Note that the Google Play Store has an Uninstall Manager that tells you which apps are ones that you don’t use.
Pro Tip: You can also delete the data for the apps you use. Just uninstall and reinstall them.
Try an app.
There are apps that you can download for Android phones that help you clean it. Some popular names include 1-Tap Cleaner, CCleaner, AVG Cleaner, and others. Apple has its own version called iPhone Cleaner: Clean Storage +. These apps sometimes cost money, and so you can determine if they are necessary.
Expand your phone’s memory.
Finally, if you have an Android phone, you may be able to expand its memory with a micro-SD card. iPhones unfortunately have the amount of storage that is set at the factory.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
The winter season is a season of joy, celebration, and togetherness for many of us. For first responders — police, firefighters, nurses, paramedics – this time of year looks very different.
Winter is the time when emergencies increase. Icy conditions cause accidents. There are more heart attacks in cold temperatures. House fires are more common. Thefts are too. All of this keeps first responders working hard, and often extra hours. That means they sacrifice time with their own families to keep us safe.
Here are some thoughtful ways to show appreciation to our local heroes this holiday season and throughout the year. Remember, the key is to express genuine gratitude and to make these gestures personal and heartfelt.
Deliver some holiday cheer.
Make or buy some food or treats. Drop off coffee for the morning shift. Include donuts or pastries. A soft pretzel or cookie tray is always fun, and a homemade hot meal goes a long way. You also can drop off gift cards to local restaurants. Include cash to cover delivery fees and tips.
Bring a basket.
It’s cold out there. Put together an appreciation basket that includes the things that will make life easier for first responders doing their jobs this winter. Consider hand warmers, ChapStick, hand lotion, cough drops or hard candy, tissue packs, hot cocoa packets, and tea bags. Discover some more ideas in our blog on a winter survival kit.
Send notes and pictures.
Encourage your family and friends, especially children, to create handmade thank-you cards expressing appreciation for the hard work of first responders. Collect these cards and deliver them to the local police station, fire department, or hospital. Don’t forget that a personal handwritten note by anyone of any age is always appreciated.
Share your gratitude.
Write a letter to your local newspaper, sharing a positive story about the service provided by first responders in your community. Use social media platforms to thank your local first responders. Your positive stories can inspire others to express their gratitude as well.
Host a community appreciation event.
Coordinate a community gathering or event to express gratitude. This could be a small ceremony, a casual get-together, or a potluck dinner where community members can interact with first responders in a relaxed setting.
Offer your skills or services.
If you have a skill or service that could benefit first responders, consider offering it as a token of appreciation. This could range from providing free maintenance services to organizing a free workshop on stress management or well-being.
Support first responder charities.
Contribute to charities or organizations that support the well-being of first responders. This could involve monetary donations, volunteering your time, or organizing a fundraising event to benefit these essential workers.
Collaborate with local businesses.
Partner with local businesses to offer discounts or special promotions for first responders, police, firefighters, and nurses. Not only does this show appreciation but it also supports local businesses.
Volunteer at the station.
Offer your time by volunteering at the local police station, firehouse, or hospital. This could involve helping with administrative tasks, organizing events, or simply being a supportive presence.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
You’re looking forward to your family get-together, but you could do without the drama. How do you keep harmony in the house, including talking to loved ones who have drastically different viewpoints than yours?
Follow these tips to create a more harmonious and enjoyable gathering for all.
The bigger the gathering, the greater potential for friction.
Chances are your family or friends will venture into discussions about politics, religion, marriage, dating, and other potentially controversial topics. This can be stressful. Remember that you are not obligated to talk about them. Follow these strategies to stay away from conversational landmines. (If you do want to engage, there’s advice later in this blog.)
If someone brings up the topic, gently remind them that there are 11 other months in the year to have the conversation. Today is for celebrating family and the holidays.
Change the subject. Brief a few family members beforehand so that they can do that as well.
Set up a quiet corner or room for those who need to withdraw from the larger gatherings. Use it to relax and recharge.
Children’s quarrels can sometimes set off adults. Make sure there is a teenage cousin to help keep kids safe and entertained or hire a babysitter.
Fun is a great buffer.
It’s hard to get into controversial topics when you’re singing, playing games, or exchanging gifts. Put fun on the agenda and everyone is sure to have a great time.
Sing carols. Put on a talent show. Watch a movie. Enjoy family holiday traditions.
Play games but keep them noncompetitive so everyone can enjoy them.
Host a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange for fun and funny moments.
Supply everyone with funny hats or themed props. Take plenty of photos.
Put on some music and dance.
Set the stage for thoughtful conversation.
Interactions with family and friends are opportunities to stretch your perspective. When you’re ready to discuss one of those controversial topics, do it out of the way of the main gathering. Importantly, you don’t want to create tension or start an argument. Before you discuss something controversial, set up a friendly environment.
Start with topics that reinforce your relationship. Talk about how good it is to see each other. Compliment the food.
Remember that most people’s opinions are shaped by their past experiences, their culture, and their religious beliefs. These shape a person’s opinion more than actual knowledge of the topic.
Before you engage in controversial conversation, tell the person that you care about them. Tell them you appreciate their perspective.
Engage in next-level listening.
If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, you know the importance of really listening to someone. Active listening is an art. So, when you’re ready to engage in a potentially controversial topic, ask, “What do you think of…x, y, z?” Then, don’t say a thing. Simply listen.
Be conscious of your body language. Don’t cross your arms, which can convey a sense of disagreement. Keep your body open, relaxed, and attentive. If sitting, lean forward.
Keep regular eye contact. Do not stare, however; keep it natural.
Use simple gestures to encourage the other person to talk. Use an occasional head nod or “mm-hmm.”
Offer the other person uninterrupted time to talk for a few minutes.
Then, reflect. Summarize what you heard. If you’re off target, it gives the other person a chance to correct you.
Be curious. Ask questions.
You just listened to the other person’s point of view. After you summarize what you’ve heard, ask the questions that popped up in your mind.
Ask open-ended questions rather than ones that require a yes or no.
Stay neutral in your tone and content.
Avoid judgment, opinion, and sarcasm.
Don’t call them names or curse at them.
Don’t be condescending.
Put yourself in the shoes of the other person. Try to understand why they see the world that way.
Assume the other person has good intentions. Make a point of saying that their intentions come from a good place.
Don’t think of the conversation as a win or lose. Leave your ego at the door and avoid putting down the other person’s beliefs as you discuss yours.
Use “I” statements to share your beliefs.
Avoid citing facts and trying to change the other person’s mind.
Personal stories are often more powerful than facts.
Find the places where you agree. For example, “I really think my friend should be able to have healthcare.” You don’t have to get into how that could happen.
Know when it’s time to call it quits. If the conversation can’t get beyond a certain point, that’s a good time to agree to disagree.
Thank them for their time and attention. Offer to revisit the topic in the future.
Make sure the conversation doesn’t take up the bulk of the party. Get back to the fun and make some memories.
Happy holidays from our family to yours.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Your guests arrive in an hour, and the house is a mess. Don’t worry—you’ve got this. Here’s how to become the perfect party host with these quick and clever cleaning hacks.
Tackle the high-traffic areas.
Don’t waste time on rooms where you won’t have guests. Prioritize the places they will be. These include the surfaces that will be seen or used, which means you can skip the top of the bookcase but not the bathroom counter.
Overall
Sweep floors and vacuum rugs. Pro Tip: Sprinkle rugs with baking soda, wait 15 minutes and vacuum to eliminate odors.
Close doors for rooms where guests should not be.
Empty trash cans and take out the trash.
Make the beds in any room where guests will be, including if you are using a bedroom to keep coats for your guests.
Use damp microfiber cloths to wipe pet fur off furniture.
Bathroom
Clean the toilet and put out extra toilet paper. Pro Tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the toilet bowl. It will make your bathroom smell amazing!
Clean the mirrors and fixtures.
Wipe down surfaces and hide personal items like toothbrushes and razors.
Close the shower door or curtain.
Kitchen
Empty and clean the sink. Guests often like to help or will wash their hands there.
Clear the counters of appliances. Put blenders, toasters, and other similar items out of sight.
Shine the faucets and wipe down counters.
Empty the dishwasher so it’s ready to go for a new load.
Line the kitchen trash can with multiple bags so when you remove one, there is a fresh bag ready to go.
Entryway
Remove items that don’t need to be there, from umbrellas to boots and shoes.
Make sure there is a place for guests’ coats even if it ends up that you will take them to a spare room.
Remove any cobwebs from the ceiling and dust any surfaces within easy sight of guests.
Clear the clutter.
Clutter happens during the holiday season but it’s not something you want at your party. Consolidate your clutter so that it’s out of the way. You can deal with it later.
Grab an empty laundry hamper (or two) and use it to collect anything laying around that is not in its place.
Load it up with mail, bags, and anything that doesn’t serve an immediate purpose.
Group similar items in baskets if you can. It’s easy to lose bills or important paperwork when shoving everything together.
Stick a note on the side of the basket so you know generally what’s in there for later.
Stow the basket(s) away in a spare room where guests will not be. The laundry room is often a popular place. Some folks stash items in the trunk of their car.
Set the lighting.
Go ahead and dim the lights. It automatically sets the mood, plus it’s harder to see any messes that may remain.
Candles instantly make the room feel put together. Use flameless candles if you are worried about fire hazards.
Choose scented candles that will complement the food. Choose foodie fragrances such as vanilla, baked goods, and seasonal fruit. Avoid floral scents like rose that can be too much.
Add a string of holiday lights for an even more festive feel. Just keep holiday extension cord safety in mind.
Get everyone involved.
Make cleaning a group activity. Call in friends or family who asked how they can help. Assign them tasks. Play holiday music. Working together is fun and cleaning is fast. You can even make it a holiday tradition.
In no time at all, you’ll be ready to entertain. Happy holidays!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
