Lancaster & Morecambe 01524 843322
Posted on Sunday, January 31, 2021
Whilst we are being advised to shop only for basic necessities it's a good time to get a little more creative and use up what's been lurking in those cupboards!
A good start is to list what ingredients you have by emptying your cupboards and sorting through the items. Some of which you might have forgotten you even had! Check best before and use by dates and dispose of anything you cannot use.
When your cupboards are empty give the insides and cupboard fronts (don't forget the handles) a thorough wipe down. When putting the items back in the cupboards organise them in a way that works for you. For example; use-by date, how often the item is used or type of product. Now look at your list of ingredients, take a look in the fridge and freezer and get creative with your meal planning!
Following on from Tip number 1 - empty your fridge and look what's lurking! Check best before and use-by dates. Take out all removable components, give them a thorough wash and wipe down the insides of your fridge.
List what meals you can create from the contents. Put the produce back in the fridge, grouping similar items together. You could even create a section of food that needs using quickly before it expires. Reach for this first to avoid waste.
Depending on what space is available to you and how you work best, find somewhere in your home where you can get organised.
If you don't have "office" space at home, you could utilise your spare room, a corner of your bedroom, the dining room table or somewhere in your lounge. Do you need to be near your children to supervise homeschooling, do you work better near natural light, do you need peace and quiet to concentrate or do you work better with background noise from the radio or tv?
Think about what suits you best, find your space and create a work zone that is comfortable and organised.
Create a routine; turn up at your workspace on time and dress for work to get in the right mindset. Take breaks and try using a timer to focus on tasks. For example: how many emails can you get through in 15 minutes?
During this time it is important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make some room for a workout (many of the online workouts are equipment free and just require some space) or create a quiet calm space in your home.
Never before has there been such an abundance of free online support for physical activity (think Joe Wickes, the nations PE teacher!). If jumping around your lounge or garden isn't for you why not search online or for apps for yoga or meditation practice to follow. If you can get outside (in line with the Government guidelines for daily exercise at this time) movement and fresh air can really help you to feel more positive. Take time out to have a bath or read a book and try to get enough sleep.
Declutter the contents of your wardrobe. The general rule is if you haven't worn it for a year you probably won't wear it again! You could organise your seasonal wardrobe; as the weather gets a little warmer could those thermals be stored away until Winter?
Are there items that no longer fit? Try your clothes on and decide if items need to go. When hanging the newly sorted clothes back in the wardrobe, organise by colour coding or type of clothing or workwear/leisurewear etc. Any items you no longer want or need will be gratefully received by charity shops or clothing banks so bag them up, keep hold of them and when the time is right beyond lock-down to donate your unwanted items.
It's rare these days to find a garage that houses a car! Garages and sheds are often piled high with items that "might be needed one day"! Empty out these spaces and work out what you need.
Is it the right time to dust off and clean up the garden furniture that can now make its way back into the garden? Ask yourself what can you get rid of? Could you paint the garden fencing (or even inside your garage) and use up those half tins of paint that tend to lurk on shelves! Have you got kids toys that are no longer played with or have been "grown out of"? Put these items to one side to be sold, donated, recycled or taken to the tip once we are through the current times of lock-down. Put the items back in the garage in order of accessibility - if you need the lawnmower once a week - make sure you can get to it easily!
Think about storage, with your newly organised garage or shed space could you add in some extra hooks and shelves to keep things tidy.
The winter months with lack of sunlight, cold weather and lots of rain often turn our paving and decking areas green and slimy! It's such a satisfying feeling to grab the power washer and blast away the grime!
If you don't own a power washer, soda crystals and some hot water can work a treat. Mix soda crystals and hot water as directed on the packaging, pour over the desired area, leave for an hour, agitate with a stiff brush and swill with a bucket or two of clean water and allow to dry. Then sit back and enjoy your clean and tidy outdoor space!
These are just a few ideas and tips on how you can utilise the current time to improve your home and garden. Don't overwhelm yourself, set yourself one or two jobs each day that you would like to accomplish. Make a list and tick off what you manage to get done. It's a great feeling looking at what you have achieved.
If you are thinking of moving home once we are through Covid-19, and you would like more help and guidance on what you can do to prepare your property - visit the e-guide section of our website for lots more help and information
