DECLUTTERING
Take a few ideas from Alicia for maintaining a clutter-free home.
- FIND PIECES THAT COMBINE STYLE AND FUNCTION. Do
you need a hutch and a sideboard in your dining room? Limit
the number of furniture pieces in a space to help it look clean
and uncluttered. - USE WHAT YOU HAVE. Rather than going out to buy a new set
of throw pillows or vases, look around to see if you have items
you could use. Don’t be afraid to move them into new rooms—
this will only increase your creativity and fuel diff erent looks. - ADD NEW PIECES OVER TIME. If you just moved into a new
home or renovated a new space, it’s easy to think that you have
to fi ll it all up immediately. But give yourself (and your style) time
to mature.
4. USE ORGANIZED STORAGE. Keep items out of sight that
aren’t display worthy, and use the right boxes and organizational
storage options to keep them from feeling cluttered. It may take
a few trips to the store to fi nd the right storage boxes that will fi t
your spaces, but it will be worth it in the end.
5. DECLUTTER OFTEN. Especially if you plan to be in your
home for several more years, items will pile up. Make it a goal to
annually go through your home and donate or throw away items
you no longer need or use. Focus on the places in your house
where you squirrel items away, such as closets and the garage.
Tips
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 47