Get Rid Of Clutter This Summer

Contributed by Tina Holden, Hive Member, Overland Park

Summer is about ease. If your garage or backyard is chaotic, summer feels chaotic.

Quick Garage Purge List:

• Remove unused bikes, scooters, skates that are no longer ridden or outgrown

• Check helmet safety dates

• Donate or discard outgrown sports gear, golf clubs, bats, gloves, rackets

• Broken yard games or sets missing pieces

• Yard tools untouched for the last two seasons or old hoses, power cords

• Old shoes, cleats, golf shoes, rain or snow boots

• Car cleaning supplies & towels

Smart Storage in the Garage:

• Use clear bins and BOLD labels

• Vertical hooks for bikes and yard tools

• One container for each category:

    *Small hand tools

    *Garden gloves

    *Plant food

    *Small pots

    *Trash bags

Mosquito-Free Backyard Tips 

• Empty standing water weekly (Mosquitos breed in tiny amounts of water)

• Refresh birdbaths often

• Clear clogged gutters

• Trim dense shrubbery

• Bug-zapping rackets (always a hit with families)

• Discreet outdoor mosquito traps

• Repelling lanterns or citronella torches

• Personal slip-on repellents 

• Oscillating outdoor fans on tables or ceilings (Mosquitoes are weak flyers- airflow helps)

Natural Touches:

Plant lavender

Basil

Mint

Lemongrass

Bonus: They smell amazing AND deter bugs

Expiration Sweep

• Check sunscreen dates / Bug sprays / Aloe gel

• Discard expired ointments

• Review allergy Medications

• Inspect pool chemicals

• Check fertilizers and grass seed

• Discard heat-damaged cleaning products

Heat shortens shelf life and garages are notorious for ruining products.

If it's expired, half-empty from 2020, or separated and clumpy...toss it

Fun Tips from Tina:

WD-40  - One of my favorite secret weapons. It's not just a can for the tool box

*Removes sticky residue (from labels, tape, price tags, bumper stickers, wax from candles)

*Shines all stainless-steel appliances and gets ride of fingerprints

*Removes water spots from glass shower doors or windows with microfiber cloth

*Polishes and protects leather like barstools, couches to purses

*Cleans and protects grill grates (when cool) helps to remove buildup and rust

*Removes gum, erases crayon or scuff marks on walls or floors

*Cleans grease off your hands after cooking or cleaning

*Loosens rusted screws on patio furniture

*Cleans bug splatter off car grills and mirrors

*Shines artificial plants

*Prevents snow (or dirt) from sticking to shovels/tools

Less clutter. Smart storage. More summer fun!!

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Tina Holden is a professional organizer and owner of Organizing Spaces. She has curated a selection of products and resources that will help you get organized and stay on top of things. From storage solutions to time management tips, she has it all!

For more information or tips go to my website: organizingspaces.info or call 918-760-4985