If you’re like a lot of Americans, you thought working from home, homeschooling, and adult kids moving back in were temporary—and you can deal with clutter on a short-term basis. However, now that it’s looking like multi-generational families being under one roof is a long-term trend, it’s time to make a little more room. Take the time now, before the holidays, to clear up some space and do some rearranging. You have more room than you think, especially when you move items into storage.
Numerous studies have shown that a quiet, clean, dedicated workspace is essential for productivity, happiness, and health. This goes for you, any other adults in the home, and kids. Having a space that’s just yours and reserved exclusively for quiet work is doable even in the smallest of spaces and gets a lot easier when you move out the clutter. Forget about treating your house like a game of Tetris and invest in a storage facility that fits your needs and budget.
Everyone has different definitions of neat and clean, cluttered and decluttered. No matter what level of clutter tolerance you have, the reality is that you’re going to enjoy a clearer head, more concentration, and a better ability to work when you have a little more room. Plus, clutter means more things to clean—and that’s something nobody has time for.
If you’re starting the declutter process so that you and everyone in the home can enjoy better workspaces, start by sorting into four piles: keep in the house, keep in storage, donate, and throw away. When it comes to items that you keep, think about the last time you used or enjoyed every item. A good rule is that if you haven’t used something in a year but need/want to keep it, it can go into storage.
Donating right now is a great way to get ready for tax season. You should be gathering tax receipts year-round for donation write-offs, and you don’t want to miss out on these savings. Try to donate items in batches of $500 or less in order to make write-offs a little bit easier.
Everyone in the home deserves a space just for them in these extended days of lockdown. Consider the lighting, the ergonomic factors of your setup, and consider keeping a live plant nearby (which is a proven means of bettering your mood). Helping children take control of their workspace and personalizing it to some degree can encourage them to actually like spending time there. It’s also a teachable moment where you can discuss the difference between distractions (i.e. toys on the desk) and helpful tools (like a stress relief ball).
Many in the U.S. are just starting to accept that this “new normal” is here to stay awhile. Choosing the right storage unit can be your first step in creating more space in the home including areas reserved just for work and school. Depend on Oquirrh View Storage for all your secure storage needs.
