Ranja
A busy professional schedule leaves you with little time to notice the useless things that have accumulated in your house over the past few months. The more these things accumulate, the less space you have left. Here are some tips for Navratri to clean your house, create more space, and make it germ-free as well.
The Wardrobe
A wardrobe is a place where you store items like watches, jewellery, socks, and documents, thinking that you’ll save time by keeping everything in one place for when you need it. However, this leads to overcrowding. The wardrobe should be exclusively for your clothes. Designate separate sections for different types of clothing, such as woollens and cotton. Keep linen on the middle rack, which is at waist level, since bedcovers and sheets are used weekly. Place quilts and blankets either at the bottom or on the top shelf, as these are typically used only in winter.
Cover-Crowded Bookshelves
Remove books that are no longer useful. Discard torn books and those for which you have a PDF file. You can easily print out the PDF whenever you want to read those books. Organise the shelf by placing tall books at the corners and short books toward the centre.
The Drawers
Drawers are often the most neglected spaces, containing everything from rusted needles and pins to clips, bangles, pens, and papers. You may even find a long-lost handkerchief, a comb, or an earring. Sort through these items and keep only those you still want to use. If something is no longer usable, throw it away. Stack one drawer with useful items like files, staplers, and pins. Keep personal documents in the drawers inside your bedroom for safety, as it’s not wise to store them in the living room.
The Bathroom
The poor bathroom is a clear sign of unhygienic living. Make it a point to clean the bathroom weekly. Use disinfectants to clean the sinks and toilets. The floor also contributes to the hygiene and appearance of your bathroom. Scrub the floor with disinfectant and spray pesticides at the drainage openings. Hang a bathroom freshener, like Odonil or Airwick, to maintain a pleasant scent.
Cluttered Kitchen
A kitchen with cluttered utensils does not look appealing, nor is it a hygienic place to cook. The best solution is to create designated spaces for arranging utensils properly. Get a rack if necessary. Hang spoons and knives in one place and store plates and bowls in another. Clean the oven and regularly check the burner and gas pipe. If you notice any cracks in the gas pipe, replace it immediately to avoid accidents. Organise your food supplies, such as spices and packets of cornflakes, in their proper places. Don’t forget to wash the sink and spray disinfectant at the drainage opening.
Balconies
Balconies often become dumping grounds for old newspapers, magazines, and cartons of home appliances. These items gather dust and occupy space, and they can become breeding grounds for insects like cockroaches and spiders. Since you rarely use cartons, collect them in a sack and dispose of them. This will free up space and make your living environment more comfortable and hygienic.
A home cluttered with mess and signs of unhygienic living is not attractive. Clutter tends to accumulate when you start neglecting your space. All you need to do is take some time to clean your house.
