August Declutter Plan--Entry/Mudroom

Welcome to all of you who joined us from the DreamBank last week! It was a fabulous afternoon, I am always so honored to be asked back and have the chance to meet all of you.

For fun last week, I also spent a day in Chicago with daughter Morgan--we ran all over the city, went up to the top of the John Hancock Building for the view, took a boat ride up the river, ate good food and squeezed in a couple of fun people watching sessions. With such a big family (and another grandbaby on the way--Weeeeee…) it’s SO SPECIAL to find a moment alone with my daughter from the faraway land of Boulder, CO!

If you’re new, we’ve been on a mission this YEAR to clear one space a month. You can catch up here: Catch up here:

Jan--Master Suite
Feb--Kitchen
Mar--Family Room
Apr--Linen Closet
May--Kids Stuff
June - The Garage
July - Office

You can start anytime and at any point in the process--just start!

Today we’re laying out a plan for your entry or mudroom--or both for you go-getters! These areas need consistent maintenance with the changing seasons and needs of your family.

Stuff trailing out on the floor indicates that the closet, mudroom or entry storage IS FULL.  
Big Hint for you to spring into action!

Prepare for success:
Get boxes or bags ready for sorting, trash/recycling, and donation. Put up the “Nobody’s Home” sign, turn off your phone (I know--YIKES!) and for a short amount of time--focus. If your family can help--AWESOME! If not, send them to the park. Aim for a 30 minute time frame to start.

Start at the Top:
Top Shelf--this is where we find umbrellas, odd pieces of sports equipment, old phone books, grocery bags, light bulbs, tools, batteries, hats, mittens, money, mail, pet items and more.

The Middle:
Go through hanging items: Are the coats, jackets and snowpants still relevant? Do you and your family members still choose them? Or are they old, tired, worn and unloved? Please send them out to another family in the community who would really really LOVE to have them. Consider a hanger upgrade--a small change like this can give an instant lift to your space.

The Floor:
It’s time to reach WAY back to the far corners of the closet--Be Brave--get after the old shoes, boots, hangers all tangled on the floor. When everything’s out, clean the floor with an uplifting, perhaps citrus-y scent.

Storage idea:
Consider hanging canvas shoe storage on the inside of the closet door for items like dog leash, pet pick-up bags, flashlight, sunscreen, and shoes!

Beauty:
Check to make sure there is enough light and add something beautiful to make you smile when you open the door!
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​Yes, we did wallpaper the back of the closet shelves :)
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Rinse and Repeat for the Mudroom:
Go through each cubby one at a time, letting go of items that no longer fit, making space for backpacks and relevant sports equipment. Consider your life--what needs to be immediately accessible and what can go elsewhere?

There! Now Celebrate!

Lots of Love,
XOXO

SUCCESS STORY: “My nephew came over and said (of the new living room paint and wallpaper)--’WOW, Aunt Amy! This place is a real mood booster--and the dragon wallpaper is dope!”
~Amy D.

PHOTO CREDIT: Janice Laufenberg, Renee Nelson