As you’ve probably heard, President Trump recently announced that the practice of Social Distancing will remain intact until the end of April. Schools, parks, beaches and much more will remain closed during this time, so what can you do to pass the time?

 

You know that “to-do list” you’ve had sitting in your junk drawer collecting dust? Well, now is the time to tackle it and we’ve created a week-by-week, Homebound Calendar of Events in hopes to take your lemons and turn them into a delicious lemonade!

Week 1: Clean Out and Organize Your Closets

Are your closets full of clothes that you haven’t worn in months, or worse, years? Do you have clothes stored in the attic or your garage? If so, it may be time to get rid of them, and here are some tips and tricks on how to do so:

  • Create Piles: Keep, Toss, Donate and Sell
    • Keep clothes that both fit and that you would purchase again today
    • Toss the clothes that have holes, stains, etc.
    • Donate clothes that are well kept but you no longer want
    • Sell gently used, name brand clothes, on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, Poshmark and Curtsy.
  • Ask yourself these questions while cleaning out your closet:
    • Do I really need it?
    • Do I already have something like it?
    • Will I wear it often?
    • Can I pair it with multiple items in my closet?
    • Will I still love it next month?
  • If you struggle to donate or toss away any particular items that you are second guessing, keep them in your closet (for now), and after you’ve worn it, turn the ones you’re hesitant about throwing out backwards. Then after 6 months, if the hanger is still backwards, donate/toss/sell.

 Week 2: De-Clutter Your Cabinets, Pantries and Drawers, oh my!

This one can seem overwhelming but is totally doable!  First, create a list. List the drawers, cabinets and pantries that you are interested in tackling this week.  Then, break each one down into days. This will make the list appear less intimidating. Now, here are a few things to be on the lookout for:

  • Excess coffee mugs that you no longer use, or want to use
  • Extra plastic containers that do not have lids
  • Multiple vases
  • Paper receipts that you no longer need
  • Old magazines, unless you’re the centerfold
  • Junk mail
  • Seldom used beauty products, or expired ones. Yes, make-up does have expiration dates.
  • Old or broken electronics
  • Unused toys and games
  • Socks without a mate
  • Cookbooks
  • Old medication (prescribed and over the counter). But, please dispose properly!
  • Extra linens that you no longer use
  • Unused baking pans and dishware
  • Duplicate grooming products
  • Old, or broken, reading glasses
  • DVDs, CDs, Cassette Tapes (RIP), that you no longer need or use
  • Expired condiments
  • Dried out markers and pens
  • Expired coupons
  • Books you will not re-read
  • Old paint
  • Excess canned goods (now is the perfect time to donate if still good!)

Week 3: Tackle the Car & Garage

The weather has been a little up and down these days but overall, it’s been treating us to nice enough days to play outside in our yards and to tackle outdoor projects without breaking too much of a sweat.  So why not use this time to soak up some Vitamin D, get some fresh air and multi-task while doing so?

 

I mean, honestly, when is the last time you sprayed out your recycling bins and trash cans?  Is your garage organized or have you allowed it to become the Museum of Natural Hoarding? So, let’s get to it!  Here are a few tips on what you can do:

  • We’re going to use the same tip as from Week 2. Break sections of your garage down into certain days so it is less intimidating.
  • Start with the surface level. Grab a trash bag and start tossing things that you no longer want, need, or that serve a purpose.
  • Keep a few empty boxes on hand for items you can donate or sell
  • Find storage solutions that work for you: shelves, bins, etc. You can still find stores that will deliver these items for you so that you can practice safe social distancing.
  • Seal cracks and repair hazards
  • Dust, wash, clean and paint

Once you’re finished with the garage, it’s now time to tackle the inside, and outside, of your car!

  • This can be a fun, family activity!  Kids love playing in water on warm, southern days, so have the family throw on their swimsuits and get to scrubbing!
  • Cleaning the inside can also be an adventure!  Who can find the most loose change under the seats?!

Week 4: Tackle the Flowerbeds and Yard 

By this time, pollen should be far less aggressive and should allow you a more enjoyable day outside to tend to your flowers and yard! Not only can this activity be therapeutic, it can allow you to inspire your nearby neighbors and passerby’s to do the same to their yards!

 

However, it is highly recommended that any items needed to complete any projects be ordered online for delivery, or for quick pick-up!

 

Now! Imagine this:  

Life is finally back to “normal.” You’re back at the office, leaving to pick up the kids from swim lessons or camp.  You’re driving around town, running errands, in your polished, clean car, you pull up to your house, you open the garage, and whoa! You can actually fit your vehicle in there now!  You grab groceries out the back and store them into your newly organized pantries and refrigerator, you head upstairs to your clean bedroom and you smile. You smile knowing that although these last weeks had been uncustomary, they allowed you to spend more quality time with your family, they allowed you to prioritize things that matter, and they allowed you to restore, reflect, re-organize and re-energize!