As seen in the Dayton Daily News on January 2, 2016.
If you’ve been using your master bedroom as a dumping ground instead of a restful space, make it your New Year’s resolution to organize it.
Your master bedroom plays such an important role when getting out the door in the morning and winding down in the evening. It’s a place to escape, especially when the demands of work or parenting become overwhelming.
It’s not a haven when it’s filled with unfinished projects, stacks of unread reading material, children’s toys, piles of outdated clothing and pictures that were never hung.
To transform your messy bedroom into a quiet hideaway, assemble these supplies to get started: garbage bags, a recycle bin, boxes for donating, laundry baskets and cleaning supplies.
Begin by gathering your dirty clothes and take them to the laundry room. Throw away trash, and recycle any magazines that are older than a few months.
Donate books you’ll never get to, clothing that no longer fits your lifestyle, long forgotten purses, excess canvas totes and media no longer enjoyed.
Return toys, dishes, cups and other items back to the rooms they belong in.
Once the excess items have been removed, it’s time to organize what’s remaining.
Group like items together. Sort your clothing into categories: short- and long-sleeve shirts, pants, shorts, dresses and skirts. Once you have these items collected in one location, you can see how many you own in each category and donate accordingly.
When going through your clothing ask yourself, “How does this make me feel when I wear it?” Your answer will determine whether they should be kept or donated.
Pair all of your shoes by style: heels, flats, boots, tennis shoes and keep only those that are comfortable and stylish.
Now round up all your accessories: belts, scarves, socks, hosiery, jewelry and purses. You need to donate those you’ll never use to make room for those you want to keep.
Once you’re down to just the items you need, thoroughly clean the room before returning everything to their places.
Now that your room is clean and organized, maintain it by establishing rules. If children bring toys in, they must take them when they leave. If you snack in your room, return dishes to the kitchen the next time you exit. When you get a new magazine, one must go.
You should no longer allow your master bedroom to become a dumping ground because visitors never see it. You’re important, and you deserve a quiet haven in your own home.