Clutter Cramping Your Style? Here’s How to Get It Under Control!

So you might not be the neatest person in the world, but that doesn’t mean that you have to deal with clutter cramping the style in your apartment. There are a number of smart, simple ways to de-clutter your space without spending hours cleaning every day. Here are just a few tips for managing the mess.

  • Think function, not fashion. Sure, that matching furniture set might look great, but that doesn’t mean that it actually works in the room. Having too large furniture (or even too much furniture) is a surefire way to make a room look cluttered. Downsize to maximize your space.
  • Create a place for everything. Go through your home and make a note of everything that doesn’t have its own designated space, from the stack of mail to your everyday beauty products. Invest in small bins or drawer organizers where you can toss things to keep them out of sight.
  • Add shelving. Keep things off of the floor by adding shelving anywhere that clutter frequently accumulates. Add attractive bins or boxes that you can put things in.
  • Spend a few minutes. Take a few minutes before bed each night to make one final sweep of your home, putting things away and getting organized. Waking up to a tidy house will make you want to get in the habit of de-cluttering.

Clear Clutter and Take Control of Your Life [All You]
Clutter Control in 10 Steps [Family Circle]
25 Ways to Clear Clutter [Style at Home]

Three Uncommon Uses for Dryer Sheets

From brand-new dryer sheets to used ones straight from the dryer, there are a number of different ways to use dryer sheets around the house. These static-absorbing, fresh smelling sheets are some of the most useful household products you can find, and they’ll even help you in places other than the laundry room. Here are some of the best lesser-known uses for dryer sheets.

  1. Quickly eliminate static. Dryer sheets are made to remove static from your laundry in the dryer, so why not use them on the clothes you’re wearing, too? Simply run a dryer sheet up and down that static-prone blouse or shirt, and you’ll be good to go.
  2. Dust hard surfaces. Used dryer sheets make cheap, effective tools for dusting furniture. Just use the sheet like you would a rag or paper towel. Because they're meant to attract static and lint, dryer sheets will attract dust as well.
  3. Repel insects. It seems unlikely, but bugs really do not enjoy the fresh scent of dryer sheets. Tuck one in a lunchbox or picnic basket to keep insects at bay, or even rub a new sheet across your skin before you go out on an afternoon hike.

12 Surprising Uses for Dryer Sheets [All You]
25 Alternative Uses for Fabric-Softener Dryer Sheets [Curbly]
20 Household Uses for Used (Yes, Used) Dryer Sheets [Apartment Therapy]
10 New Uses for Dryer Sheets [Real Simple]

Simple DIY Centerpieces and Decorations for Your Next Party

Planning a party can be expensive, but all it takes is a bit of time and creativity to make DIY decorations that hardly cost a thing. Here are some festive centerpieces and décor ideas that will spice up your next party on a budget.

Romantic Table Runner
This vintage-inspired table runner is ideal for casual weddings, anniversary parties and any other time that you want to add a look of romance to a celebration. By simply attaching antique lace doilies in a haphazard row, you can create a truly custom table runner.

Pennant Bunting
Long strings of retro pennants are some of this year’s most popular décor crazes because they’re so simple to make. Collect some scrap fabric or bunting in colors that match your party’s theme, and then cut them into pennant shapes for a designer-inspired decoration without spending a dime.

Metallic Flower Vases
Turn some old coffee canisters into luxurious centerpieces with the addition of a bit of metallic spray paint. Simply spray the canisters in alternating shades of gold, silver or bronze and fill them with your favorite flowers.

Floating Balloon Vases
For a truly festive birthday party centerpiece, try filling a clear glass vase with colorful mini balloons. Best of all, there’s absolutely no helium required.

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