The Cycle of Organization

 

Getting organized is on everyone's to-do list at some point or other, but where do you even start? If you feel like your life has gotten disorganized and out of control, you may feel overwhelmed just thinking about organizing. Take a deep breath, pick a manageable place to start, like a closet or a home office or a single room in the house and then dive in.

Separate and Sort

Sort out the things you use every day from the things you use rarely from the things you haven't used in years and probably never will again. Setting aside the things you don't use, make sure that everything has a place to go, whether you're using closet organizers or velvet liners in your drawers. 

Donate

Now you can take the things that you don't use and donate or recycle them. This is the hardest but also the most important step. Clearing out clutter will make every other part of getting organized easier. 

Maintain

Accept that you're going to have to go back periodically, re-assess your spaces, sort them again and take more donations out. New stuff comes into your home all the time, and life is messy. Maintenance is key. 

The real secret of organization is that it isn't a one-and-done situation. It's a cycle. You start by sorting, making a space for all the things you need and then you donate the things you don't need. You don't have to do everything all at once, you can start small and work your way through methodically. The important thing is to keep the cycle going. When you finish sorting one space and take your donations out of the house, you move onto the next space and do that. It's not rocket science, it's much harder than that, because the work is never finished. 

How To Make Moving House That Satisfying Experience You're Looking For

 Let’s face it - your house should satisfy you; it should be a place you love to be and always want to come back to. But when you’re in the middle of either a long distance move, or you’re just moving a couple of streets over, there’s a good chance you get pretty tired of the four walls you’re moving in and out of! 

But how do you fix that? How do you make moving less stressful and a lot more satisfying at the same time? Well, we’ve got some ideas about it below, so feel free to read on for a bit of inspiration. 

Pexels Image - CC0 Licence

Move During the Week

A small point to start off - if you move during the week, the roads will be far less busy, and the moving company you’re using (if you are) will have much lower rates. Wednesdays and Thursdays are usually a good pick for this, as they’re midweek and people are into the flow of the working week by this time, so choose your date wisely! 

Gain Peace of Mind

Go ahead and book locksmith services before the big move-in so you don't have to worry about anything at all. Just because you were given the keys when the papers were signed doesn't mean there aren't other keys floating around out there somewhere.

Get a Proper Packing System

A proper packing system is not only going to feel good to pack up (seeing as you’ll be moving fast and efficiently from one room to another), but it’s also going to be incredibly satisfying to unpack. You’ll know where everything is, and where everything needs to go, simply because you put a bit of effort in beforehand! 

But how do you come up with such a system? Pack the way that makes sense to you, no matter what anyone else thinks. Bundle things up in the appropriate boxes, no matter if it typically doesn’t belong in that room, and make sure any essential items are boxed up last. And then make sure that your boxes are all ready to go, just inside the front door, to ensure they’re moved out quickly to the moving truck.

Speaking of, make sure you work with a moving company that understands your system too; services like SMARTBOX Solutions, Inc. are likely to have much more reliable packing standards, instead of just your Uncle Jim who might not tie things down properly. 

Move in Smartly

Then we come to moving in smartly, which takes a bit of forward thinking. You’ve boxed everything up just right, and now you need to get it all into the right places. So, move in room by room, starting with the bathroom first. It’s the room you’re going to need to use very soon, because you’ve been on a long truck journey, and if you get the bathroom settled into place first, you’ll feel much more comfortable in your new home. It’ll certainly take a weight off the rest of the unpacking, because you have a place to freshen up each and every morning. 

Moving home can be very satisfying when you plan it all out right, but don’t take it too seriously either. Don’t let yourself carry unnecessary stress right now, when you really don’t need it! 

A Quick Guide to Creating Insta-worthy Decor

 If there’s something most modern homeowners have in common, it’s that they would like to own an Insta-worthy place. Being able to take amazing pictures of your décor might seem like an insignificant benefit of homeownership, but you could actually develop a big Instagram following, and you might even be asked to advertise certain products. Your amazing home could bag you freebies and money if you are consistent! So, if this is something you’re interested in, how can you go about creating Insta-worthy décor? Read on to find out!

Utilize Mixing Patterns

Mixing patterns can be a lot of fun and can help your space to look much more textured. Mixing patterns can seem scary, but it’s actually quite easy when you get the hang of it. Here are some pointers if you’re a first time pattern mixer:

• Pick 3 patterns to start with. Odd numbers are best.

• Use 60% of one pattern, 30% of another, and 10% of another. 

• Use different pattern sizes, for example, thick stripes, small polka dots, and florals. 

• Pick a monochrome pattern to avoid mixing too many colors in your scheme. 

image

Incorporate Different Textures and Textiles 

As well as different patterns, make sure you select different textures and textiles. For example, shiny, metallic surfaces like the luxury sinks from places like Allora can look great with granite or marble countertops. You can also mix a variety of materials by getting creative with your throws, rugs, cushions, and other décor elements. 

Avoid Visual Clutter 

Visual clutter just uses up space and looks messy. You can still include accessories without cluttering up your space too much, but you need to be smart. Make the most of pieces of different heights. Remember, leaving some breathing room is always a good idea. 

Let In Natural Light

Natural light always looks better in pictures, and it’s a great mood booster! 

Get Green Fingered

Add plenty of leafy plants for both texture and air purifying benefits. You’ve probably spotted many décor Instagram profiles with an abundance of leafy plants. They always look good in pictures, and it’s easy to start small and then work your way up to being a full on plant-parent. There are no limits to the amount of plants you can have as long as you can look after them!

Make The Most of Your Vertical Space

Shelving is a good way to make the most of your vertical space. You can get really creative with the things you display on your walls. Books, smaller plants, and little trinkets often look great, and you can play around until you find an arrangement you really like. 

Mix and Match Your Furniture Sets 

You don’t need to buy matching furniture. You can select the same color pieces from different sets and get creative. 

Have Fun With A Gallery Wall

Gallery walls allow you to show off pictures and artwork you love, alongside quotes and even family images. Use different frames and sizes and just have fun with it! 

How will you create your Insta-worthy décor? 

Why You Can & Need To Get A Car In Debt

 In many ways, being in debt is a financial wake-up call that encourages you to streamline your lifestyle and reduce your expenses. It would be unfair to pretend that debt recovery is as simple as creating a list of the things you can and can’t keep. However, it makes no doubt that a frugal approach can significantly contribute to your financial recovery. 

But the definition of frugality can seem too obscure. How do you figure out what you truly need? Simple choices, such as buying a cheaper food brand, can cut down your grocery shopping costs without compromising nutrition and health. Additionally, reconsidering expensive hobbies to lessen the impact on your budget will also make a difference. But there’s a thin line between what you need to keep and what you should discard in your debt recovery journey. 

Indeed, car ownership, for instance, comes at a cost. You need not only to consider the cost of purchase but also insurance, maintenance, and fuel expenses. Therefore, you may wonder whether a vehicle is necessary when you’re in debt. However, before you decide to ditch the car for now, here are the many reasons why you can and should have a vehicle while you recover your financial stability. 

Unsplash - CC0 License 

Money lenders understand the meaning of cars

When debt gets out of control, financial advisors can recommend filing for bankruptcy. However, most people assume that going bankrupt means you will lose all your belongings. In reality, the bankruptcy trustee will work closely with each individual to define whether or not they will lose their car. Depending on the value of your vehicle, it may be a good idea to sell it and opt for a cheaper car. In most bankruptcy cases, if the car is essential to maintaining your job, financial advisors recommend keeping the vehicle. 

Unsplash - CC0 License 

While expensive and valuable cars can be sold to repay your debt, it doesn’t mean you can’t purchase a new vehicle. Many financial options, such as New Roads Auto Loans, are specifically designed to support people with bad credit history. 

A car is essential to maintaining your health

Your car is also an essential part of your health routine. For instance, if you need frequent medical appointments, you can’t afford to go without a vehicle. Your car makes essential health-related commutes possible. Skipping medical appointments is a false economy. Health issues can make it hard for you to maintain your performance at work and pay off your debt. 

Your car also plays a significant role in preserving your social network. Debt can make you feel isolated and alone, which contributes to depression. Unfortunately, depression is one of the most commonly overlooked causes of debt. In other words, it is a vicious circle. You feel depressed because you are in debt, and your debt becomes less manageable because you are depressed. Keeping your vehicle means you can reach out to friends and relatives and maintain a supportive social network. You need to stay healthy, both physically and emotionally, to recover from debt.

In conclusion, a car is an investment in your debt-free future. Being able to own a vehicle even when you are in debt is a no-brainer. You need to have a car to secure your income and protect your health. 

Retaining Your Independence If You Have Mobility Issues

 Many people have mobility issues, whether that is due to an injury or simply down to the natural wear and tear that your body experiences as you get older. Living with mobility issues is so difficult and it can sometimes feel as though you are missing out on things because your body is holding you back. A lack of independence is one of the things that people struggle with most and it’s not a good feeling when you have to rely on others to help you do everyday tasks. However, there are some simple ways that you can maintain your independence and live a full life, even if you have mobility issues. 

Image From Pixabay CCO License

Adapting Your Home 

Many people find that, as they get older, it gets harder to move around their home and do simple things, like climbing the stairs or taking a shower. If your mobility issues make these things difficult, it is dangerous to push yourself beyond your natural limits. However, if you make some simple alterations to your home, you can make life a lot easier for yourself and maintain your independence. Things like handrails, for example, allow you to steady yourself and move around the house safely. Stairlifts and walk-in baths are another great addition to the home for people with mobility issues. By adapting your home, you can continue to live a normal life without relying on others for help. 

Mobility Products 

Taking trips outside the house can be daunting if you have mobility issues. If you are unable to walk very far, you are seriously limited in terms of where you can go and what you can do, and that can feel very isolating. However, if you invest in mobility products from companies like Ergoactives, you open up a whole world of new possibilities. Simple items, like canes and walkers, provide the support you need so you can stay on your feet for longer. 

Social Groups 

Maintaining your independence isn’t just about staying physically active. A healthy social life is so important for our mental wellbeing, but if you have mobility issues, it can be tough to maintain. Many people worry about being a burden and they don’t want friends and family to make sacrifices because of their mobility issues, so they often withdraw from social groups. It’s also harder to get out and meet people, which means that many people with mobility issues are missing out on social interaction. However, there are plenty of groups that aim to help people stay active within their community and meet new people, even if they are unable to engage in a lot of activities due to their mobility issues.

Volunteering 

If your mobility issues make it difficult for you to work, this can have a big impact on your self-esteem. However, volunteering is a great way to stay active, meet new people, and give something back to the local community. Local charities are always looking for people to help out, so get in touch and see what positions they have available. 

Mobility issues don’t have to define you and they don’t have to hold you back. If you follow these steps, you can retain your independence and live a full life.