Small Organizing Projects You Can Finish on a Snow Day

Snowed in and staring at your walls? You could resign yourself to scrolling social media for the fifth hour in a row, or you can tackle a few small organizing projects to make your home feel calmer once real life starts up when the snow melts. 

Here’s the spaces I would tackle:

1. The junk drawer

We all have one, and I have this theory that every single one contains one or all of the following:  at least two random batteries, receipts from 2017, and a mysterious key that doesn’t open anything that you’re aware of, but could still be important.

How to tackle it:

• Pull everything out.

• Sort into categories: keep, toss, donate, or relocate.

• Vacuum and wipe down the empty drawer 

• Only put back what actually belongs there and / or what you’ve used in the past year.

Pro tip: Use small containers, muffin tins, or small Dollar Tree-type organizer baskets (because we know we have all bought them at one point). Here’s a link to some good ones if you want new.

2. Bathroom linen closet

This one can be super quick. All you’re doing is a quick edit to get rid of things you no longer use or are expired.

How to tackle it:

• Take everything out, and lay it all on a bed or clean surface.

• Fold towels neatly, stack by size, and consider rolling washcloths.

• Toss anything that’s old, stained, or smells vaguely “off.”

• Use bins or baskets to keep like items together. 

  
  

Organizing tip: Check out the products below to make your organization functional and pretty.

• These sheet organizers 

• Storage baskets with clear sides (so you can see what’s in them)

• Clear, plastic storage bins (great for cleaning supplies, liquid toiletries, etc.)

• The GOAT over-the-door organizer for all your miscellaneous tidbits (for inside the closet door)

3. The catch-all shelf (or counter, or entryway table)

I know you can picture exactly where I’m talking about in your own house. 

How to tackle it:

• Remove every item.

• Ask yourself if each item actually belongs there or anywhere else in the house.

• Give each item a designated home or toss/donate if it doesn’t serve you.

• Wipe down the shelf before returning the keepers.

Pro tip: If you want to maintain organization in this area, there are two ways you can do so: 

1. Keep a small container or paper tray to corral what you put there, and empty / put away everything when it fills.

2. Put some picture frames or a couple decorative tchotchkes in the spot so you’re less inclined to put stuff there. (You most likely won’t move the frames or tchotchkes in order to do that).

Getting the stuff out of your house when you’re done

Decluttering is only satisfying if the “out” is clear. DON’T just shove it into another closet.

Here’s your plan:

• Trash: Bag it and take it out today. I like to keep a trash bag for garbage and a box from my last Costco run next to me while I organize to make this easy as I go.

• Donate: Keep a box in the car for quick drop-offs at your local Goodwill

• Sell: List online if you want, but only if it’s quick and easy. Otherwise, donate.

Conclusion

A snow day can be really productive if you let it be. A clear junk drawer, a neat linen closet, and a tidy catch-all shelf might not solve all your problems, but they make your home feel calmer, and that’s most certainly worth something.

So grab a mug of something warm, throw on your coziest socks, and get organizing. 

Tag me, @organizedsolutionsbychristy, in pictures of your finished spaces!

And if you’re reading this and have zero desire or time to do the organizing yourself? Reach out today for a spring declutter!