Projects

THE "Fresh Start February" Challenge: Day 1-7

Mini projects to tackle each day, every week!
THE "Fresh Start February" Challenge: Day 1-7

Was getting organized one of your New Year's resolutions, yet we're already a month in and you've barely organized a thing?

THAT IS TOTALLY FINE. Let's be honest: January always has a bit of December attached to it. If we're being realistic here, February is the best time to turn over a new leaf...but still very, very slowly.

The fact is that if you are going to organize your home, you've got to start small. We're talking about projects that take you no more than 15 minutes but will make a huge difference in your daily life.

This month, we'll be offering mini projects for you to tackle each week, every day. Don't feel obligated to follow the exact order...there are no rules here! Just do what works for you and finish off each project with a gold star, whether that's a glass of champagne, your favorite candy, or a binge-watch session of your favorite show.

Let's get started...

Day 1: Check Expiration Dates

No need to take everything out. Just grab a trash bag and start checking dates. Keep track of the expired items that should be replaced or never bought again. If you have bulk items in canisters, make sure to write the expiration date on the back, either with a label maker or a washable chalk marker, because no one likes a stale pasta night.

Suggested Products
Brother Label Maker with Carrying Case
Brother Label Maker with Carrying Case
Chalk Ink 6mm Commercial Wet Wipe Markers, 4-Pack, White
Chalk Ink 6mm Commercial Wet Wipe Markers, 4-Pack, White

Day 2: Tackle a Drawer

Not two. Just one. We always say, "If you can manage a drawer, you can do so much more." And it's so true! Drawers are a manageable project that will give you a bite-sized win without feeling overwhelmed.

Use individual inserts in various sizes to contain your categories, testing multiple configurations to come up with the smartest solution for the space.

Suggested Products
THE Bin Organizers
THE Bin Organizers
Museum Gel
Museum Gel
The Home Edit 6 Piece Kitchen Drawer Edit, Plastic Storage System
The Home Edit 6 Piece Kitchen Drawer Edit, Plastic Storage System
The Home Edit 6 Piece Office Drawer Edit
The Home Edit 6 Piece Office Drawer Edit
Drawer Organizer Bins - Set of 16
Drawer Organizer Bins - Set of 16

Day 3: Master the File Fold

File folding is so calmingβ€”it’s basically a cheap form of therapy. This technique turns stacks of clothing or linens upright so you can quickly identify what you have, and helps maximize drawer space when you really need it.

Step 1: Lay the shirt flat in front of you, with the front of the shirt facing down.

Step 2: Fold in the right sleeve

Step 3: Fold both sleeves to the middle of the shirt. Fold the sides of the shirt slightly, it should never go past where the hem (aka the neckline stitching) begins on either side

Step 4: Fold the shirt in half from the bottom hem

You’re done! The trick to knowing whether you folded it correctly is if the shirt stands up by itself with the folded side up. If your shirts need a little extra support, feel free to add some expandable dividers into your drawer.

Suggested Products
4β€³ Expandable Drawer Dividers
4β€³ Expandable Drawer Dividers
Bamboo Adjustable Drawer Dividers - 4 Pack
Bamboo Adjustable Drawer Dividers - 4 Pack
Bamboo Deep Drawer Dividers
Bamboo Deep Drawer Dividers
Bamboo Drawer Dividers
Bamboo Drawer Dividers

Day 4: Edit Your Inbox

Start by purging anything you no longer need and unsubscribing to any newsletter or promotional content that is clogging up your inbox. Then set up folders for your general categories (Work, Family, Travel, Etc.) and use filters so emails go straight to the inbox they belong in. From there, you can also prioritize these emails into categories that signal action such as Reply or Waiting For Reply so you don’t miss anything.

Day 5: Try a Turntable

If there's one thing we know to be true, it's that we *love* a turntable. They work practically anywhere in the home and can be the perfect solution for even the trickiest of spaces! Think about something that is giving you trouble. Maybe it's the fact that you can never access the cooking oils properly in your pantry. Maybe it's that awkward corner in your bathroom cabinet where things get lost in the mix. Try a turntable and see what happens!

Suggested Products
THE 9" Turntable
THE 9" Turntable
9” Clear Turntable
9” Clear Turntable
9β€³ Divided Turntable
9β€³ Divided Turntable
Bamboo Turntable
Bamboo Turntable
Divided Turntable with Removable Divider – 12β€³, Sand
Divided Turntable with Removable Divider – 12β€³, Sand
Divided Turntable with Removable Divider – 12β€³, Onyx
Divided Turntable with Removable Divider – 12β€³, Onyx
THE 2-Tier Turntable
THE 2-Tier Turntable
11β€³ Divided Turntable
11β€³ Divided Turntable

Day 6: Tame Your Cords

Every device seems to come with extra cables, adapters, and accessories. Chances are, you probably don't need all of them, BUT IF YOU DO...wrap a cord tie around each individual cord, add a label to identify what they go, and store them in a designated drawer or bin.

Suggested Products
Leather Cord Keeper
Leather Cord Keeper
Silicone Cord Wraps
Silicone Cord Wraps

Day 7: Swap Your Hangers

Wire and plastic hangers are the worst. Sorry if that offends anybody, but it’s true. If you’re looking for the easiest way to update your closet and maximize hanging room, invest in matching velvet or wooden hangers.

Suggested Products
Premium Non Slip Velvet Hangers – Black
Premium Non Slip Velvet Hangers – Black
The Home Edit Hanger with Non-Slip Pant Bar, Natural, Pack of 12
The Home Edit Hanger with Non-Slip Pant Bar, Natural, Pack of 12
The Home Edit Hanger with Non-Slip Pant Bar, Black, Pack of 12
The Home Edit Hanger with Non-Slip Pant Bar, Black, Pack of 12
Linen Premium Non-Slip Velvet Hangers
Linen Premium Non-Slip Velvet Hangers

Thoughts welcome!

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Sarah (September 07, 2022 at 12:45PM)

I’m trying to find the day 1 – 7 of the fresh start challenge but it only links to day 8 – 14 πŸ˜”

Fiona (September 07, 2022 at 12:45PM)

I think this was a glitch because it is the 2nd week again