Clea Shearer's Blog, page 7

THE Weekly Mini-Project: Kitchen

Remember when we thought quarantine would last for only a few weeks? And how our 14 Day Mini-Edit (which then extended to 28 days) was supposed to keep us busy and distracted until our kids were sent back to school and Starbucks was open again?

HAHAHAHAHA. Not even close. At this point, we don’t even know what day it is. What *is* time anyway? What is it like to hug a friend? Is it normal to have dreams about hand sanitizer? How many weeks away am I from cutting my own hair?

We’re already running out of things to watch on Netflix, which means it’s time for another round of mini organizing projects. This time, we’ll be highlighting a different space every week, taking a deep dive into the more specific items that live there.

Up first? The kitchen. Since it tends to be the hub of the household, every drawer and cabinet should be considered valuable real estate. Use it wisely to simplify your life and streamline your *entire* family’s routine. (Oh, and good news: All kitchen storage is up to 25% off right now at The Container Store!)

In a freezer, narrow bins and wire dividers keep items like frozen meat, bags of veggies, and boxed meals contained and easy to spot.

Nesting pots and pans on top of each other might *seem* like a space-saving solution but can make accessing them a nightmare from hell. Storing them upright between dividers makes it easy for you to grab what you need, and only what you need.

Storing spices in matching jars isn’t purely aesthetics. The uniformity helps to maximize space, whether that’s on a turntable or propped up in a drawer. For the finishing touch, add custom labels (which you order here in THE shop!)

Keurig and Nespresso pods are the perfect size for drawer storage. Take advantage of every inch with expandable drawer dividers. This also works well for tea packets and creamers.

Too many dishes, not enough storage space? Look no further than risers to create a custom shelving solution without the help of a contractor.

Who says the pantry is just for food? Take advantage of unused floor space with large bins for storing your back stock items, lunch boxes, etc.

Larger appliances can also be stored in the pantry to free up your kitchen cabinets and counters.

Deep kitchen drawers make the perfect snack station. Store your favorites in lidded canisters so they stay fresh and accessible.

Free up valuable drawer space by utilizing stackable bins (or shoe boxes!) for your seasonal table settings or party supplies and store in a cabinet you don’t frequently access.

Next week, we’ll be covering the playroom and what to do with all the toys that are currently taking over your entire house and driving you to the brink of insanity. So yeah…stay tuned.

xo,

clea + joanna

The post THE Weekly Mini-Project: Kitchen appeared first on The Home Edit.

THE Mother’s Day Gift Guide

There’s something about being a mother in a pandemic that makes you wish you had someone there to mother *you*.

I really miss my mom right now. Joanna misses her mom, too. Mother’s Day is only a few weeks away and we’d love nothing more than to celebrate with them and leave our kids with our husbands.

Obviously, that’s not possible. So in the meantime, we’ll have to settle for whatever the virtual equivalent of holding their hand from across the table at Sugarfish is. Oh right, there isn’t one.

Buying myself a gift while buying my mother a gift should help. If you share a similar sentiment, here is a gift guide to show your love and appreciation to the mother who deserves it:

THE “Schitty” Mom:

THE “Quarantine Homeschool” Mom:

THE “Trying to Work From Home” Mom:

THE “Caffeine Until Cocktail Hour” Mom:

THE “Could Use a Spa Day” Mom:

THE “Cleaning Counts as Cardio” Mom:

THE “Sentimental” Mom:

Happy Mother’s Day!

xo,

clea + joanna

The post THE Mother’s Day Gift Guide appeared first on The Home Edit.

THE Weekly Mini-Projects: Kitchen

Remember when we thought quarantine would last for only a few weeks? And how our 14 Day Mini-Edit (which then extended to 28 days) was supposed to keep us busy and distracted until our kids were sent back to school and Starbucks was open again?

HAHAHAHAHA. Not even close. At this point, we don’t even know what day it is. What *is* time anyway? What is it like to hug a friend? Is it normal to have dreams about hand sanitizer? How many weeks away am I from cutting my own hair?

We’re already running out of things to watch on Netflix, which means it’s time for another round of mini organizing projects. This time, we’ll be highlighting a different space every week, taking a deep dive into the more specific items that live there.

Up first? The kitchen. Since it tends to be the hub of the household, every drawer and cabinet should be considered valuable real estate. Use it wisely to simplify your life and streamline your *entire* family’s routine. (Oh, and good news: All kitchen storage is up to 25% off right now at The Container Store!)

In a freezer, narrow bins and wire dividers keep items like frozen meat, bags of veggies, and boxed meals contained and easy to spot.

Nesting pots and pans on top of each other might *seem* like a space-saving solution but can make accessing them a nightmare from hell. Storing them upright between dividers makes it easy for you to grab what you need, and only what you need.

Storing spices in matching jars isn’t purely aesthetics. The uniformity helps to maximize space, whether that’s on a turntable or propped up in a drawer. For the finishing touch, add custom labels (which you order here in THE shop!)

Keurig and Nespresso pods are the perfect size for drawer storage. Take advantage of every inch with expandable drawer dividers. This also works well for tea packets and creamers.

Too many dishes, not enough storage space? Look no further than risers to create a custom shelving solution without the help of a contractor.

Who says the pantry is just for food? Take advantage of unused floor space with large bins for storing your back stock items, lunch boxes, etc.

Larger appliances can also be stored in the pantry to free up your kitchen cabinets and counters.

Deep kitchen drawers make the perfect snack station. Store your favorites in lidded canisters so they stay fresh and accessible.

Free up valuable drawer space by utilizing stackable bins (or shoe boxes!) for your seasonal table settings or party supplies and store in a cabinet you don’t frequently access.

Next week, we’ll be covering the playroom and what to do with all the toys that are currently taking over your entire house and driving you to the brink of insanity. So yeah…stay tuned.

xo,

clea + joanna

The post THE Weekly Mini-Projects: Kitchen appeared first on The Home Edit.

THE House Tour

Front of House

My new house is almost finished and we’re finally set to move… in a global pandemic. Not what we imagined when we started building last year, but here we are! My current house (above) is officially for sale as of today, so I wanted to share all the pics and 3D tour with everyone! Thank goodness for technology. Who knew you could actually walk through a home without actually walking into a home?

Entry



Dining Room



Dining Room 2



Kitchen



Pantry



Kitchen 2



Living Room



Living Room 2



Master Bedroom



Master Bathroom



Master Bathroom 2



Master Bathroom 3



Office



Office 2



Playroom



Playroom 2



Stella’s Bedroom



Stella’s Bathroom



Sutton’s Bedroom



Sutton’s Bathroom



Laundry Room



Guest Bathroom



Guest Bedroom



Screened Porch



Screened Porch 2



Pool



Front of House

Now for the 3D tour. My kids have been playing with this all day like it’s a video game. They *also* think it’s a live feed of us in the house which is my new version of “Elf on the Shelf” since they think they’re being watched at all times. Click on the images to tour the house and walk around!

“Dollhouse view”



“Aerial view”



To walk around the house, tap the “walking icon” on the bottom left of the screen.



To measure any dimension in the house, just click on the “ruler” button on the bottom left of the screen.

I’m going to miss this house so much. People ask all the time why we would ever move, and the list of reasons feels VERY 2019. For instance, I wanted a neighborhood full of kids riding bikes and front porch hangs with friends on the street. LOL to seeing friends. Also, it’s 30 seconds to the kids school. Another big LOL when it comes to “school” since that is currently taking place in our dining room. It seems like the only thing that matters these days is if you like the *inside* of your home, but life is unpredictable. I hope the next person who lives here loves it as much as we do.

xo, Clea

If interested in details, email lana.pargh@compass.com

The post THE House Tour appeared first on The Home Edit.

[ THE ] House Tour

Front of House

My new house is almost finished and we’re finally set to move… in a global pandemic. Not what we imagined when we started building last year, but here we are! My current house (above) is officially for sale as of today, so I wanted to share all the pics and 3D tour with everyone! Thank goodness for technology. Who knew you could actually walk through a home without actually walking into a home?

Entry



Dining Room



Dining Room 2



Kitchen



Pantry



Kitchen 2



Living Room



Living Room 2



Master Bedroom



Master Bathroom



Master Bathroom 2



Master Bathroom 3



Office



Office 2



Playroom



Playroom 2



Stella’s Bedroom



Stella’s Bathroom



Sutton’s Bedroom



Sutton’s Bathroom



Laundry Room



Guest Bathroom



Guest Bedroom



Screened Porch



Screened Porch 2



Pool



Front of House

Now for the 3D tour. My kids have been playing with this all day like it’s a video game. They *also* think it’s a live feed of us in the house which is my new version of “Elf on the Shelf” since they think they’re being watched at all times. Click on the images to tour the house and walk around!

“Dollhouse view”



“Aerial view”



To walk around the house, tap the “walking icon” on the bottom left of the screen.



To measure any dimension in the house, just click on the “ruler” button on the bottom left of the screen.

I’m going to miss this house so much. People ask all the time why we would ever move, and the list of reasons feels VERY 2019. For instance, I wanted a neighborhood full of kids riding bikes and front porch hangs with friends on the street. LOL to seeing friends. Also, it’s 30 seconds to the kids school. Another big LOL when it comes to “school” since that is currently taking place in our dining room. It seems like the only thing that matters these days is if you like the *inside* of your home, but life is unpredictable. I hope the next person who lives here loves it as much as we do.

xo, Clea

If interested in details, email lana.pargh@compass.com

The post [ THE ] House Tour appeared first on The Home Edit.

THE Favorite (Internet) Things: Quarantine Edition

Hey, all you cool cats and kittens…

It’s Carole at Big Cat Rescue. Just kidding!!! It’s Clea and Joanna. (For real though: If y’all haven’t watched Tiger King on Netflix yet, PLEASE DO SO. It is absolutely insane and has honestly made these dark times seem more bearable.)

Yes, we’ll admit that we are struggling. Everything feels super intense and uncertain right now. But you know what helps? Not checking the news every five seconds. Virtual happy hours. Laughing at memes. Watching our favorite shows. *Trying* to learn TikTok.

As horrible as this situation is, the internet is serving an endless buffet of great content right now, and we need the distraction. Here is a recap of some of our favorite content (so far):

1. Ina Garten’s cocktail tutorial:

According to Ina, “It’s always cocktail hour in a crisis.” WHICH YES, THIS IS TRUE AND YES, THIS NEEDS TO BE ON A T-SHIRT IMMEDIATELY.

View this post on Instagram

It’s always cocktail hour in a crisis! Recipe on barefootcontessa.com #staysafe

A post shared by Ina Garten (@inagarten) on Apr 1, 2020 at 6:27am PDT

2. Sara Foster’s Tik Toks:

Alright, stop whatever you are doing. Sara Foster’s recent posts of herself sitting in the background while her *extremely* talented daughter performs trendy Tik Tok dances are EVERYTHING we needed and more.

View this post on Instagram

I’m really getting the hang of this tok tok thing.

A post shared by Sara Foster (@sarafoster) on Apr 2, 2020 at 10:17am PDT

3. Chrissy Teigen’s son as Joe Exotic:

HIS. FACE. IS. SO. ADORABLE. WE CAN’T DEAL WITH THIS.

pic.twitter.com/Vh67qbW0Q6

— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 26, 2020

4. This *very* relatable tweet:

there is no food, beverage or activity that is off limits to my children now if it buys me a moment of solitude. Right now Ilya is drinking orange-flavored metamucil and playing in the litterbox

— Emily Gould (@EmilyGould) March 28, 2020

5. Also this one…

If anyone would like my recipe for Sanity Pie it’s just your adult beverage of choice sipped alone in a closet for 15 minutes.

— Abbi Crutchfield (@curlycomedy) March 29, 2020

6. This Homeschooling While Working From Home Bingo card:

Specifically B2: Daily Prayer of Apology at the alter you built to your kids’ teachers.

Credit: Kimberly Harrington | McSweeney’s

7. This fitness tutorial…

For any Will & Grace fans…you probably remember Karen’s rival, Beverley Leslie. Well, his actual name is Leslie Jordan and he’s doing the most on Instagram right now. IT IS GOLD.

View this post on Instagram

DAY TWO! #trainer #fitnessmotivation #batontwirling #fitnessforsissies

A post shared by Leslie Jordan (@thelesliejordan) on Mar 29, 2020 at 8:14am PDT

8. Max Greenfield while homeschooling:

We *literally* have no words.

View this post on Instagram

TGIF #homeschool

A post shared by Max Greenfield (@iammaxgreenfield) on Apr 3, 2020 at 1:18pm PDT

Okay, your turn! Tag us in *your* favorite things on the internet right now or just link them in the comments below. SERIOUSLY, WE ALL NEED IT!

xo,

clea + joanna

The post THE Favorite (Internet) Things: Quarantine Edition appeared first on The Home Edit.

THE Extended Mini-Edit (Day 15-28!)

This is our new normal…but it won’t last forever. At some point, we’ll all come out on the other side this, very traumatized, but with really organized homes (and also kids who refuse to ever attend real school again).

Originally, we created this Mini-Edit because we needed something to do. Well, other than panicking.

It also helps that organizing is a way to feel more secure and calm in our own homes, and that’s all we can control right now. So why don’t we all do another 14 days of mini-edits and see where it goes?

Day 15: Declutter Your Documents

Are you really in the mood for paper clutter right now? That’s panic attack territory. If you don’t create a system ASAP, that stack of paper will turn into a giant mountain of paper, and then you’ll ignore it for years. Separate your papers into three categories: Recycle, To-Do, and File. Categorize and use document boxes or acrylic file boxes for storing your files. For the To-Do papers, trays will keep them easily accessible.

Day 16: Streamline Your Laundry Routine

Laundry is easier when it only consists of pajamas, towels, socks, and underwear. But at some point, we’ll all be washing inside clothes and outside clothes, multiple times a day because that is our future. AND THAT IS A LOT OF CLOTHES. In addition to storing your staple items in labeled bins and canisters, a laundry hamper on wheels offers true efficiency.

Day 17: Edit Your Jewelry

Like paper clutter, no one is in the mood for a tangled necklace or a damaged heirloom. To organize jewelry is to protect it. We love using a product line called Stackers. They look like a leather case from the outside, but the inside is a velvet material with compartments to keep things safe. There’s a variety of colors and options to fit any aesthetic and need.

Day 18: Canister Your Snacks

Stress-eating is a real thing, but it helps. To avoid running low on your favorite snacks, buy them in bulk and canister them. If you need to add a custom label with your name on it, we have you covered.

Day 19: Switch Up Your Hangers

Wire and plastic hangers are the worst. Sorry if that offends anybody, but it’s true. If you’re looking for the easiest way to update your closet and maximize hanging room, invest in slim velvet hangers in a matching color.

Day 20: Edit Your Art Supplies

If you haven’t put every pen and marker you own to the test with scratch paper, then have you ever truly lived? It’s a form of meditation. It feels good to start fresh again, and have more of a reason to practice your signature in different colors. Once you toss anything that dried up or broken, you can organize your freshened supply by color and type in drawer inserts, turntables, or canisters.

Day 21: Tackle Your Tupperware

Tupperware can be a real nightmare; why do lids just magically disappear? Start by compiling each set, and purging what is broken, stained, or without a match. To create a functional system, use expandable deep drawer dividers, shallow bins, or sectioned dividers, and store by category.

Day 22: Dock Your Devices

To create a charging station, all you need is an acrylic divider and a large USB port. This also doubles as a storage solution to keep them protected.

Day 23: Label Your Linens

If you keep your linens on a high or deep shelf, it helps to store them by category in labeled bins. No more reaching for the wrong item and then having to refold it. It’s better to get as specific as possible with linens, as they can be for specific uses, but virtually look the same. We sell labels here on the site, but we can also make them custom!

Day 24: Designate a Coffee/Tea Station

We’re basically the human version of “Don’t Talk To Me Until I’ve Had My Coffee” mugs. Mornings are hard but creating a place where you can get caffeinated with little effort makes a huge difference. Store your items in labeled canisters or drawer inserts, directly by your coffee maker, tea pot, and mugs. P.S. It helps when your station is as close to a water source as possible.

Day 25: File Fold Your Drawers

File folding is so calming—it’s basically a cheap form of therapy. This technique turns stacks of clothing or linens upright so you can quickly identify what you have, and helps maximize drawer space when you really need it.

Start by laying the t-shirt flat in front of you, with the front of the shirt facing down.Fold in the right sleeveFold both sleeves to the middle of the shirt. Fold the sides of the shirt slightly, it should never go past where the hem (aka the neckline stitching) begins on either sideFold the shirt in half from the bottom hem, then again.You’re done! The trick to knowing whether you folded it correctly is if the shirt stands up by itself with the folded side up.

Day 26: Maximize Your Shoe Storage

It’s going to be weird to wear real shoes again. In the meantime, optimize your closet shelves with stackable shoe boxes. You can double, or even quadruple the number of shoes you’re able to store *and* keep them protected from dust and damage at the same time.

Day 27: Sort Your Handbags

Sure, you probably won’t be taking your purses anywhere soon, but in the meantime, they still deserve to be protected and organized. We like to use acrylic dividers for small clutches, shelf dividers for medium-sized bags, and tote hangers for anything large or bulky.

(Speaking of bulky: At Dan Levy’s house, Joanna called one of his sweaters a “bulkster” because it was hard to fold and we’ll never let her live it down. )

For bags that aren’t structured, a removable quilted insert helps it stand upright and maintain its shape.

Day 28: Swap Out Your Seasonal Items

To free up valuable closet space, create seasonal bins for your summer and winter accessories. Place one on a high shelf, and one within reach, and rotate them as the weather changes.

P.S. Don’t forget to tag us in your organized spaces—we are proud Instagram moms that find true happiness from it. Just saying!!!!!!

xo,

clea + joanna

The post THE Extended Mini-Edit (Day 15-28!) appeared first on The Home Edit.

THE Stay at Home Self-Care Guide

Stuck at home with nothing to do? Here’s the silver lining: So are the rest of us!

At this point, let’s just try to make the best of it, shall we? The more we fill our days with things that make us feel good, the less stressed and anxious we will be.

In addition to our 14 Day Mini-Edit, here are ten other ways to practice self-care and bring some light to these dark times:

1. Give Yourself a Mani/Pedi:

That gel manicure you got three weeks ago? It’s looking rough. Time to remove that polish and start fresh.

2. Do a Skincare Treatment:

Just because you *feel* like you’ve aged years in a matter of a few weeks doesn’t mean you have to *look* that way.

3. Apply a Hair Mask:

Never underestimate the power of a good hair day, even when the world is ending.

4. Fake a Tan:

Well, we’ve barely seen the light of day, and it shows. Luckily, self-tanner isn’t as streaky and orange as it used to be, so we can fake a healthy glow without looking like a sad Oompa Loompa and staining every towel we own.

5. Create an At-Home Gym:

If jogging around your neighborhood isn’t an option, release your pent-up energy from the comfort of home (in your pajamas).

6. Take a Bath:

We normally don’t like taking baths, but right now? We can’t get enough of them. It’s a great way to relax, unwind, and escape your family.

7. Light a Candle:

When you’ve been stuck in the house for weeks, the scent of a good candle is a much-needed breath of fresh air.

8. Wear Pajamas, 24/7:

Is there really another option? No, the cozier you are, the more sane you’ll be.

9. Read a Book:

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: You can never go wrong with Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club. Here are some of our favorite picks to help you escape reality.

10. Color:

Pair with a glass of champagne (or a cup of tea) and color your way to calm.

How are you staying sane at home? Share your tips in the comment section below!

xo,

clea + joanna

The post THE Stay at Home Self-Care Guide appeared first on The Home Edit.

THE Book’s 1st Birthday!

In this current state of affairs, we must find something to celebrate—every single one of us. A little positivity can go a long way, especially when dessert and champagne are involved.

So with the help of our favorite Nashville bakery, Baked on 8th, we’re here to celebrate that exactly one year ago today, THE book was officially released! (Don’t worry, this party also included social distancing and bottles of hand sanitizer.) 

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a full year since The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals was officially released. We’ll be honest with y’all: Writing a book is terrifying. At times, it felt just as difficult as going through actual labor. We’d find ourselves halfway through a chapter, screaming for another epidural, but the only option was to keep on pushing through.

And we’re really glad we did. As soon as our editors handed us the final cover, we forgot all about the painful writing process. All that mattered was that our book was finished and we can finally show it to everybody. 

“Wait, did you just tell us your Book’s birth story?” 

In so many words, yes. Isn’t that the appropriate thing to do at someone’s birthday party?! Actually, no, come to think of it, if either of our mothers (particularly Roberta) got up and gave a speech about our birth story, consider us deceased.

Anyway, what we really want to say is thank you for supporting us, and continuing to support us. Every single one of y’all. We’re lucky to be surrounded by such passionate people with great senses of humor. You’ve allowed us to create a community that is not just about organizing but also celebrates all of our favorite things as a whole. Schitt’s Creek, ROYGBIV, champagne, candy, Surviving Not Thriving, just to name a few.

We didn’t write our book so you’d read it and immediately start tackling every space in your home. That’s unrealistic! We wanted to set an easier standard for everyone and share our tools, whether you love to organize or need some help getting started. It’s the kind of book you can read and come back to, even if that means highlighting certain pages. 

But most of all, we wrote our book so we could sit here a year later like proud Instagram moms, clapping and sending gold stars every time someone tags us in their organized spaces.

We love y’all and stay safe out there! Next up, BOOK #2!!!!

xo,

clea + joanna

The post THE Book’s 1st Birthday! appeared first on The Home Edit.

THE 14-Day Mini Edit

It’s getting real out there, y’all. Anxiety is at an all-time high, toilet paper is sold out, and we’ve considered selling our wedding rings for a bottle of hand sanitizer. 

Now that most of us are stuck at home (or should be), the question is what are we going to do at home? 

Well, one thing is for sure: We have zero guilt about letting our kids spend the next few weeks eating snacks and playing with their iPad if it means they are happy and healthy. 

As for us, we’ll be doing the thing that calms us the most: Organizing. Maybe we can’t control what’s going on in the outside world, but we can create some peace in order in our own homes. Even if you’re new to organizing, it can help you, too. 

With that said, YOU MUST START SMALL. The last thing you need is to be feeling overwhelmed. Which is why we put together a 14-Day Mini Edit as a roadmap to calm vibes and long-term organizational success.

But before we get there, let’s go over the editing steps you must take when tackling any project, big or small: 

1. Take everything out of the space you’re organizing (and we mean everything). 

2. Create groupings by placing like items together so you can see what you’re dealing with. 

3. Pare down your belongings, getting rid of anything you no longer use or just don’t like. 

A proper edit is the only way to fully assess your space and the items it needs to accommodate. If you opt-out, you’re basically just moving clutter back and forth—which is a total waste of your time. We don’t want that for you, so just listen to us, okay?

Let’s get started…

Day 1: Update Your Fridge

Nothing is more satisfying than an organized fridge. Start by tossing those old leftovers, checking every expiration date (including condiments), and wiping down the shelves. Next, group your remaining items into categories (Dairy, Meat / Poultry, Veggies, Fruit, Snacks, etc.) Each category should have it’s own designated zone in the fridge, contained in clear bins or containers and labeled clearly. 

Day 2: Check Your Pantry

There’s an exception to every rule. In this case, don’t clear off the shelves, just check expiration dates (including spices and oils!) Pantries can be overwhelming and tedious to reassemble, so we’re starting slow here. Once you remove all the items that don’t belong, you’ll have a better sense of the system you need when the time comes. 

Day 3: Tackle a Drawer

Pick a drawer, any drawer—but preferably one that you use on a regular basis. Drawers are a manageable project that will give you a bite-sized win and streamline your routine. Use individual inserts in various sizes to contain your categories, testing multiple configurations to come up with the smartest solution for the space. 

Day 4: Stop Ignoring Under-The-Sink

Most people neglect the space under the kitchen sink. But honestly? Its feelings are hurt. It never wanted to be a cave of cleaning products in the first place but yet here we are. Clear bins and turntables will offer functional solutions for containing your categories and keeping them accessible.

Day 5: Get First-Aid Ready

There’s no better time than now to edit your medicine cabinet. Check every expiration date and take inventory of what you have or need. Store these items in labeled bins and turntables, categorizing by symptom or if it’s for kids or adults. It’s a win-win: A de-cluttered space and the security of knowing you are covered in case of an emergency.

Day 6: Maximize Your Closet Space

Similar to the pantry, we aren’t suggesting that you tackle your entire closet right this second. Instead, choose one category that can use some paring down. Whether it’s your jean collection or a drawer full of old t-shirts, tossing or donating the items you no longer want or need will maximize space for what you do. 

Day 7: Simplify Your Purse

Toss all the trash (receipts, wrappers, etc.) and group the rest into broad categories (wallet items, technology, cosmetics, etc.) Using clear or color-coded pouches to contain these items allows you to grab what you need without having to dig within a dark purse. If you change purses often or switch out your items regularly, store pre-made pouch kits for various occasions, such as travel or workday, and switch out when necessary.

Day 8: Color-Code Your Phone

Luckily, you can do this project while sitting on the couch! Start with a simple background so that the color coordination pops on the screen. Next, combine apps that have similar colors and tones to create color-coded folders. If an app has more than one color in its design, just pick the color that is most dominant and sort it accordingly. Title each new folder with your favorite emoji in that same color scheme as the apps. Within each folder, place the most commonly used apps at the very top for easy access. From this point on, you’ll never stare at your phone looking for Google Maps or Postmates again! 

Day 9: Edit Your Inbox

Start by purging anything you no longer need and unsubscribing to any newsletter or promotional content that is clogging up your inbox. Then set up folders for your general categories (Work, Family, Travel, Etc.) and use filters so emails go straight to the inbox they belong in. From there, you can also prioritize these emails into categories that signal action such as Reply or Waiting For Reply so you don’t miss anything.

Day 10: Streamline Your Beauty Routine

In each category, go ahead and toss any product that is damaged or expired. Next, look for any duplicates and set those aside to toss or give to a friend. As for the remaining items, it’s judgment day. Although you may think you need five lipsticks in the same color, it’s only taking up valuable real estate for products that you need regular access to. 

Day 11: ROYGBIV Your Bookshelf

Is your space feeling a little…blah? Look no further than Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. Displaying items in rainbow order creates a visual flow that naturally clicks with the brain. Not only will it be faster to find what you’re looking for, but you’ll know where to put it away. This is especially the case for kids and can inspire them creatively. 

Day 12: Create a Drop Station

Take stock of all the items that enter and exit your home on a daily basis. This may include shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes, jackets, and after-school activity items like ballet shoes or soccer cleats—but every family is different. These items can be hung or stored in an open bin, what matters is that your kids can access them when necessary. Not only will this system leave clutter at the door, but it will hold everyone accountable for their space. 

Day 13: Tame Your Cords

Electronics such as printers, computers, or phones come with a lot of connected cords. Using a cord wrap to collect them together helps keep everything streamlined and less cluttered. We also suggest adding cord labels to your power strip, which will prevent you from turning off your wifi when you just meant to unplug a lamp. 

Day 14: Give Yourself a Gold Star

You deserve it. Now you’ll be able to take the confidence and knowledge you’ve gained from these past 14 days and apply it to a much larger project.

*Don’t forget we offer a Virtual DIY service and RIGHT NOW…it’s $75 off!

This service is conducted 100% online through email correspondence at the beginning and end of the project, a complete set of instructions for placement, and a suggested shopping list for products (which can all be purchased online through The Container Store, Canadian Tire, and John Lewis & Partners). Get inquiries and book here today!

xo,

clea + joanna

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