TIDYING UP WITH VICTORIA HARDY
Lately, I am obsessed with organizing and purging. I am not sure if it’s because life is simpler these days, so I feel like I need less “stuff”. Or, maybe it is the ‘COVID gift of time’ that allows me to tackle the organizational projects on my list. Or, maybe since we have nowhere to go, I find myself circulating between the same seven Madewell T-shirts and I just want to get rid of all the clothes that have been overlooked for the past two years. Or the kids are getting older, and I realized that the toy cabinet is no longer needed, but I need to find space for a stand-up mixer, ice cream maker, and air fryer because my daughter now spends her days baking and watching Food Network.
Whatever your organizational project is, you need to have a well thought-out storage foundation. When I am working with my clients on their kitchens and mudrooms, I think it’s vital to consider all storage needs as their kids get older. Here are some of my checkpoints:
KITCHEN
What small appliances do they use most? I am sure to account for the locations of all small appliances and design easy access for the ones used daily. If smoothies are part of your morning routine, keep the Vitamix handy behind a closed cabinet with counter top surface and outlet at the interior. Are your kids peanut butter toast eaters? Do they make nuggets every day in the toaster oven? How about coffee – do you have multiple machines? Keep all these appliances in an easy-to-reach location, but behind cabinet doors so your counter tops are clutter-free.
MUDROOM
This is a workhorse in our homes these days. I like to use this area for not only the typical mudroom items like shoes, winter boots, sporting equipment, etc., but it is a perfect spot for electronic charging. The piles of devices sitting around my house and their coordinating charging cords that are hanging out of very outlet are out of control — school iPads, personal iPads, school laptops, Apple watches, iPhones, Gizmo watches, Nintendo Switches — we need serious charging station locations. It works well to have a dedicated shelf and outlet in each kids’ cubby to charge their devices at the end of the day. And, they can actually place the charging iPad in their backpack so they don’t forget it the next morning as they rush out the door for school!
KITCHEN OR MUDROOM CLOSET
One of my favorite appliances is my rechargeable vacuum. It’s perfect for quickly cleaning the crumbs in the kitchen and piles of sand from the cleats in the mudroom. My tip is to install an outlet in your kitchen or mudroom closet, so you have a concealed spot to charge your 3-in-1 vacuum.
Annddd, there you have it
I hope you had fun tidying up with me! These little tips can go a long way in organizing your home and give you a sweet sip of the simple life. It really is a beautiful thing. What are some of your organization projects? I’d love to hear from you! Until next time….