As organizers, we often see items stored in a home that could have a different resting spot. Today, organizer Annette Reyman shares her thoughts on the topic.
I don’t know about you, but I can think of 2 reasons right off the bat why it doesn't make sense to keep over-sized and out of season items in easy to reach places.
You Need Workable Storage Space
The first is storage space. The “storage” spaces in my kitchen and living areas are really better described as working storage – places where I keep items that I need to access on a regular basis. When I have EVERYTHING I own at my fingertips my “working” storage is not working! I am fighting battles with my cupboard, drawers and cabinets.
Don't Make Everything Ordinary
The second reason I would prefer not to have seasonal items at my fingertips when they are out of season is that things are made special by the fact that they are not ordinary. A Christmas mug that comes out only for 1 month of the year and then disappears has much more warmth and charm than one that is pushed around the cupboard day after day all year. Halloween books and videos that only appear on your family room shelves in October are much more inviting to your children’s curiosity than when they are in amongst piles of other books and videos.
The Art of Switching
Ok, so now you may be thinking: Well, are my cupboards going to be overflowing once I bring these items out for the season – only making each new season more cluttered and difficult to manage?
How about if, instead of adding to your daily items, you switch them out? So, if you have 6 Christmas mugs that come out of storage you would remove 6 everyday mugs from your cabinet and put them into the Christmas box. The same would go for tablecloths, books, videos, knick-knacks. In this way you actually transform your home while maintaining its functionality.
Conversely, storing these holiday items with other seasonal “decorations” accomplishes both of these missions. By moving holiday items out of your working storage spaces during non-holiday times you are freeing up space, making the functioning of your daily life more pleasant and more efficient. And, by switching those items in during the appropriate season, adds wonder and magic to your home without stress or overcrowding!"
I agree with Annette! Keeping your special items special through how you organize and store them has many benefits. Here is one more idea:
Do the Same with Your Collections!
If you have a large collection, you might benefit from rotating the collection throughout the year. My mom has a rather large collection of beautiful china and ceramic angels -- she especially likes the Boyd's figurines. They are very detailed and full of amazing color.
When she started her collection, she kept all of the figurines out throughout the home. As time went on, she bought more and received many as gifts too. Her collection started looking junkie because different figurines were covering others and you really could not see any one figurine or appreciate it. So, she switched strategies. Different figures are boxed up and stored while others are brought out for the specific season. Her home is always beautiful and ever changing and she can enjoy her angels like they are brand new every time she brings them out.
Comment and Share!
What do you think? Do you practice some of the tips that Annette shared? Does it work for you? What thoughts do you have? Please leave your comment below.
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To your success!
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