The week of Christmas in T&T is usually filled with much anticipation. The cleaning seems never-ending, this amid the scents of the season-pastelles, fruitcake and ham. The merriment of this holiday time, in particular, is marked by this euphoria, and most of us really wouldn't change a thing about it.
What's often a tough decision to make when cleaning around the house is whether to keep things or simply throw them out. From bedrooms to back yards, most homes contain items that are hardly ever used, or have become worn out from overuse. Sadly though, a lot of people, especially the older folks, hold on to items for sentimental reasons. They insist that sometime in the near future, the item or items will once again be used, which often never happens.
The bedroom clutter
For starters, clothing that you've outgrown should either be passed on to someone who would find it useful, or thrown out if its worn out or ragged. Holding on to useless clothing adds to bedroom clutter and takes up space that could otherwise be used. Additionally, you should avoid taking items from people who are throwing out their clutter if you know you really won't use it. Storage is a huge factor in clearing a bedroom area. These days, even if you can't immediately afford to build custom made closets or purchase wardrobes, there are temporary fixes that can be an easy solution to your storage worries. From wire shelving systems, to shoe stands and bags that can be hung behind bedroom doors, and even plastic storage bins on wheels that can be moved to any part of the room you wish. The storage possibilities are endless.
The bedroom mayhem often transcends into bathroom areas. Towels and women's personal items like makeup, perfumes and hair care products need to have designated spaces. Counter surfaces in bathroom areas should always be clear. Designate shelves or drawers in bathroom cabinets for specific items, where they cannot be seen. Towels can be displayed but only if they're in good condition. New or unworn bath towels can be rolled and displayed on wall shelves in the bathroom. Some people often opt to keep their towels with the rest of their clothing, which is fine if your bathroom is in close proximity to the bedroom. The clearer your spaces, the more effective decorating can be. Simple area rugs in the bedroom can easily add to the beauty of your space, while in the bathroom, a clear vanity top can leave room for candles and a family picture that would essentially add personality and warmth to your bathroom.
The kitchen-cuisine or chaos
No kitchen should be chaotic, even if a family is large and the kitchen small. In T&T, we're quite susceptible to bargains and buying without a true need. So like the bedroom, the kitchen too is often cluttered with appliances we hardly ever use or need. One common problem in most kitchens stems from the fact that it's the room that most families often clamour into, whether to chat or to find food. As a result, you'll often find things that aren't meant for the kitchen area, in there. When you walk into a kitchen, the area should always feel clean and welcoming. A dirty kitchen's just bad business, and a smelly one is even worse. The smells that emanate from a kitchen should always be sumptuous, even if this means having fresh herbs like fine thyme growing in small pots on the kitchen counter. Not only does that add an ambience but it also adds a fresh enticing aroma.
This Christmas, when cleaning out the cupboards, take the opportunity to sift through old cookbooks, Tupperware and other storage containers, as well as food items that have expiry dates, and decide whether they're useful, should be given away, or dumped.
Living room enchantment
Now, just as the name of the room suggests, the feeling of the living room should be that of warmth and family togetherness. The clutter of old magazines and newspaper should be thrown in the garbage, or stored in an outdoor storage area for use when cleaning.
Additionally, shoes have no place in any living room and neither do items of clothing. If members of your family litter your living room with clothing and shoes, put a stop to it immediately, as nothing takes away from the enchantment of this space more than a clutter of clothes and shoes. CD's and DVD's should be neatly packed away-preferably out of sight but even if you want these displayed there are storage options that can add dimension to the room.
Put your feet up in your Verandah
This is the ideal place to entertain this Christmas. So, when the parangderros stop by, they shouldn't be met with the children's parked bicycles or shoes that are aligned from one corner to another. Shoes can be easily stacked on a shoe stand in one corner of your porch, and the kids' bikes can be left out in the garage if there's one. The verandah and yard of your home is a reflection of you. Most people won't ever see the inside of your home. But judging from your yard, they'll get a clear understanding of the type of people who live there.
A disorganised verandah, backed by an untidy yard, leaves a lasting negative impression, so please clean up the yard and shine up the floor of the verandah this Christmas. All in all, your home should never be cluttered. Whether Christmas or otherwise, keeping clutter out can lead to a more enjoyable experience each time you or anyone else enters a room of your castle.